Zambales Mango Festival starts tomorrow!!!

Friends, the annual Zambales Mango Festival will kick off tomorrow. It's a four day event and it celebrates its 11th year this 2011.

Gov. Ebdane and Vice Gov. Lacbain will lead the opening ceremonies to be held at Iba, the provincial capital. Expected to grace the event is Senator Francis Pangilinan, chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Food. Regional directors Blesila Lantayona of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Ronaldo Tiotuico, Department of Tourism (DOT), Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Region 3 Director Alfredo Tolentino and Police Chief Superintendent Allan Purisima of the Philippine National Police (PNP) Region 3, as well as representatives from PhilHealth Region 3 are also on the expected guest list.

So what should you expect with the four day festivities? On Day 1, after the ceremonies, there will be a photo contest and featured art exhibits. An ultimate dance craze program will be part of the street parade and street dance competition.

Day 2 will include events like a boxing competition, search for talented employees, a pig catching game (a staple in most Filipino fiestas) and even a carabao race. There's also a dog show. Regular fiesta programs like the mango forum and PINAKA LGU booth competition are still present.

Day 3 will have mango carving and mango eating contests. There's also a battle of the bands and the judging of the photo contest. New events such as the Zambales Song Writing Competition and Ginoo at Binibining Zambales 200 Grand Pageant night will cap the events.

This annual celebration is a joint program of the Zambales Mango Development Council and the provincial government to help boost the mango industry of the province. (Thanks to PIA for the news)

Personal biases aside, I really believe that Zambales has the best tasting mangoes. Yes, I've tried others (I will not name them so as not so spark a fight), and I keep coming back to it. :)

Zambales mentioned in Lonely Planet's Top Ten Value Destinations for 2011

Lonely Planet lists the Philippines as one of the "Top Ten Value Destinations for 2011". Our lovely province Zambales gets a special mention as well!

The Philippines may be just about to rudely shove Thailand off the ‘best cheap beaches’ perch it’s occupied for the best part of two decades. While travellers argue long and hard about which is cheaper, there’s no denying Thailand is more popular. For those who desire nothing more than to find great, undiscovered beaches, surf the odd wave and eat unique, distinctive food for under US$20 a day, the Philippines has the edge. Add in the possibility of beach camping along the Zambales Coast or in the Bacuit Archipelago and you’ve got the recipe for timeless island hopping that suits any budget. Ferries link many idyllic destinations in the Philippines. Expect to pay around US$5 for each hour you’re on the water. (Source)

I heartily agree that Zambales has one of the best coastlines in the country and is easily accessible from Manila.