‘Best of Cordilleras’ now showing in Intramuros

Local and foreign tourists need not travel six to eight hours just to go up North as they are given a chance to have a sneek peak of its attractions and buy some of their famous products such as “peanut brittle”, strawberries, flowers and vegetables.

After the Southern Tagalog Region’s successful stint in the Visit Philippines 2003 “Best of the Regions”, it is now the Cordillera Autonomous Region’s (CAR) turn to showcase its rich culture, history, destinations and products at the Clamshell in Pueblo Pilipino, which will run until March 16.

The other products being sold, in which the Cordilleras’ are known for, are knitted clothings and bags, silver accessories, wood carvings and furnitures.

The indigenous massage called “Dagdagay”, which is offered for free at the exhibit area, was an early hit among the visitors.

Tourism Secretary Richard Gordon and DoT-CAR director Purificacion Molintas formally opened “The Best of the Cordilleras” in Intramuros with a 21-gong salute in a ceremony held recently.

Gordon, together with wife, Olongapo City Mayor Kate Gordon and some other tourism officials, welcomed more than 700 participants including the local government officials of the provinces of Abra, Apayao, Baguio, Benguet, Ifugao, Kalinga and Mt. Province. Among them were Gov. Teddy Baguilat, Jr. of Ifugao, Gov. Raul Molintas of Benguet Province and Baguio City Mayor Bernardo Vergara. Special guests were Chong-Yin ti of the Republic of China and Almo-shem from Kuwait Embassy.

The Northern Heritage Inc. in cooperation with DoT-CAR also launched during the opening, the Cordillera Guidebook which contains the different tour packages available in the region and the DoT-CAR website which will provide tourists an easy access to information about the region.

Dressed in a traditional Ifugao costume, Rep. Mauricio Domogan of the lone district of Baguio City rendered the indigenous prayer of “Kankanai” at the start of the program.

The Parade of Cordillera Sounds and Festivals followed, with participants dancing and dressed in colorful ethnic costumes representing the highland’s different tribes. The parade was participated in by the different schools in the region, Baguio Tourism Council, Kalasag Cultural Ensemble and several provincial delegation.

CAR also brought down to Intramuros the Baguio Country Club’s winning float in the recent Panagbenga Festival. The float which costs around R500,000, was designed like a gazebo and adorned with different varieties of chrysanthemum, anthurium, wild orchids, cypress and pines. According to Director Molintas, the design was made to illustrate Baguio as a “wedding paradise”.

Gordon also announced the launching of Mt. Pulag, the country’s highest mountain, as the “Camping Capital of the Philippines”. Mt. Pulag is one of the favorite camping sites of both local and foreign trekkers and campers in Benguet Province during the months of November to April.

After the opening festivities, the Regional Development Council CAR and DoT-CAR sponsored a golf tournament for amateur golfers at the Club Intramuros Golf Course.

Aside from live concerts, cultural performances and demonstrations, art and photo exhibits, the public will also be treated to CAR’s popular festivals such as the Panagbenga (Flower) Festival, “Shake Baguio Shake” (featuring the City’s strawberries) and the Baguio Tossed Salad Festival on March 8.

During the culmination of the exhibit on March 15, the region will also offer sumptuous dishes and delicacies including the famous “King Carrot Cake”.

The Clamshell at the Pueblo Pilipino is open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

The year-long “Best of the Regions” 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.