Albay launches 15th Magayon Festival

by Bernard Supetran
The Province of Albay recently launched the 15th Magayon Festival, Bicol’s biggest and longest cultural festivity, which takes place from April 1-30 in Legazpi City.

According to Governor Joey Salceda, the festival celebrates the province’s rich cultural heritage and diverse natural endowments, particularly Mayon Volcano, Bicol’s iconic tourist landmark.

He said that the festival is inspired by the epic legend of “Daragang Magayon” (literally meaning “beautiful maiden) where Mayon Volcano, the world’s most perfect cone originated. Based on folklore, Mayon, Bicol’s iconic tourist landmark, arose from the grave of Daragang Magayon who was killed by a spurned suitor.

Coinciding with the provincial founding day on April 3, the fest includes trade fairs, street parades, musical events, fashion shows, beauty pageants, sports tournaments, and various special events to reflect the Albayanos’ character.

The Magayon Dance Troupe, Albay’s performing arts company, wowed the crowd with the “Albay Mabuhay” and the “Magayon Festival Theme Song” dances during the launch held at the PHILTOA General Membership Meeting at the Dusit Thani Manila.

The festival’s highlight is on April 29 with the Magayon Festival of Festivals showcasing the local festivities of Albay’s 15 towns and three cities.

The fest’s executive committee is headed by Provincial Board Member Glenda Ong-Bongao.

Strategically located in the center of the Bicol peninsula, Albay is considered the gateway to the region which can be reached by land or a 55-minute flight from Manila or Cebu via the Legazpi City airport.

In addition to Mayon Volcano, the province takes pride in its baroque Spanish-era churches, majestic mountains, enchanting waterfalls, breath-taking viewpoints, idyllic islands, mouth-watering cuisine and stretches of fine sand beaches on its eastern and western coasts.

For more information on the festival, visit tourism.albay.gov.ph or email albaytourism@gmail.com.

Source: The Green Economist