Gran Cordillera Fest at Intramuros starts

The Walled City of Intramuros comes alive today with the simultaneous beating of a hundred authentic gangsa (gongs), signaling the start of the Cordillera Administrative Region’s (CAR) turn in showcasing its assets in the “Best of the Regions” cultural exhibit at the Pueblo Pilipino (old Ateneo site).

For two weeks (March 4-16), CAR’s seven provinces consisting of Abra, Apayao, Baguio, Benguet, Ifugao, Kalinga and Mountain Province will feature their rich culture, history, destinations and products through various activities and events. The yearlong Best of the Regons is being held in celebration of the Visit Philippines 2003, a massive tourism campaign aimed at attracting some 2.4 million tourists to the country.

Tourism Secretary Richard Gordon leads the opening festivities of the “Gran Cordillera Festival” at 4 p.m. where he will also launch Benguet as the “Camping Capital of the Philippines”, as well as a Cordillera Guidebook and the DOT-CAR Website. He will be joined by DOT-CAR director Purification Molintas and Baguio Rep. Mauricio Domogan. The local officials, travel trade executives, leaders of the private sector, academe and other guests will partake of indigenous cocktails of wine made from rice and strawberries.

“The Cordilleras is one of the few areas in the country not influenced by Spanish domination. The Cordillera peoples’ resistance against foreign intervention is a sign of strength and pride. I am personally pleased to highlight Cordilleras as our featured region in Historic Town Intramuros for the first half of March,” Gordon said.

Business opportunities abound for vegetable importers and entrepreneurs at a IMPAKABSAT agri fair inside the Clamshell. Visitors can also find here wooden crafts, processed foods, garments, jewelries, accessories and budget tour packages to the Cordilleras. The Clamshell at the Pueblo Pilipino is open daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Activities lined up include marching bands, live concerts, cultural performances and demonstrations. A Cordillera art gallery and photo exhibit will also be available for art enthusiasts.

The Regional Development Council-CAR and the DOT-CAR have also organized a friendly round of golf for amateur golfers at the Club Intramuros Golf Course tonight at 8 p.m as part of the opening festivities.

On March 8, the public will be treated to CAR’s popular festivals — the Panagbenga (flower) festival, Shake Baguio Shake featuring its strawberries and the Baguio Tossed Salad Festival. Meanwhile, the region will offer sumptuous dishes and delicacies including the “King Carrot Cake” on March 15 during the culmination of the CAR exhibit.

For schedule of activities, call 524-2384 or visit the Visitor’s Center at the Puerta De Sta. Lucia, Intramuros.