Typhoon during the Tourism Week

WHEN Tropical Storm "Mario" struck Metro Manila, it paralyzed major cities in the metro and left thousands homeless. But equally notable was the fact that a number of fast crafts plying Negros and Panay Islands also cancelled operations due to inclement weather conditions.

When "Mario" struck, I was in Iloilo to follow up papers in the regional office of the Commission of Higher Education in Jaro. Stranded with a back pack, we had no choice but to obey the cancellation signal of fast craft companies to avoid vessel tragedy. I could not imagine swimming in the open seas if that happens.

We decided to spend the day in Iloilo instead. Fortunately, "Mario" unwittingly afforded me a tour of the modernized province of Iloilo in a nutshell. Yes, we got to explore the myriad of natural splendors to magnificent man-made structures, this time, inside a mall. 

The National Tourism Week Celebration put every town in the country in the spotlight with the aim to invite tourists to explore local attractions.

The exhibit in Iloilo featured caves, hiking nature spots and exotic butterfly gardens that can be only found in the Iloilo, once dubbed as the "Queen City of the South." 

Its churches, specially the Guimbal Church and the superbly designed Molo Church, were drawing attention. Alongside, the display of the UNESO World Heritage Church in Miagao is inviting mall goers to check on its famous watchtowers and century-old bells. The famous hablon of Iloilo is sold at discounted prices, too. 

Back in Bacolod a day after Mario’s wrath, I was equally attracted to the displays of the towns and cities of Negros Occidental in a local mall since last Friday. What caught me to stop is the “ancient feel” set-up of Silay booth, headed by Councilor Solo Locsin who is among the top leaders in creating tourism initiatives for Silay City. Century-old woods, which I believe are accessories from one of their well-preserved houses, have been put up and strategically fabricated as eye catchers. 

For the town of Murcia, I and my creative team composed of video journalist Michael John Napaton, artist Marc Darrel Espina and tourism head Estella Barbo surprised mall goers with a gigantic set-up of rainbows, clouds and pictures of tourist spots. Colorful pin wheels created an eye-candy effect for young and old visitors. The town's set-up is indeed a crowd favorite, with a lot of families stopping by to take a group picture.

The Murcia theme song dubbed as “Rise and Shine Murcia” has looped continually to jive with the “sunny” theme of the display. 

On the other hand, one of personal favorites was the town of Calatrava which displayed their thriving weaving products. Banig and bags out of pandan leaves surely ended in many cabinets last weekend after being sold starting from P100 to P300 only. The best buys, indeed. 

"Mario" left me with a great chance to revisit the islands of Panay and Negros and what they offer: postcard-ready tourist spots, breathtaking places, colorful festivities, religious artifacts and yes, warm smiles of the people. 

Which leads me pray with a fervent hope that may Bacolod be spared from the usual October wet weather as we kick off the MassKara revelries next week.  If not - well, as usual - we are used to dancing carelessly under the rains.

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