The Central Luzon provinces of Bulacan, Tarlac, Nueva Ecija, Bataan, Zambales, Aurora and Pampanga, kick off their 24-day showcase in the “Best of the Regions” exhibit tonight at 7 p.m. in Intramuros with a “Pagilaw sa Arkong Parol” activity and streetdancing performances by the San Rafael Angels.
Dubbed “Gitnang Luzon: Lupain ng Ginto’t Bulaklak,” the regional showcase wraps up the first part of the “Visit Philippines Year” celebration in Intramuros.
Slated until Jan. 4, 2004, Central Luzon’s three-week-long stint will feature multifaceted cultural performances, affordable trade and agricultural products, festivals, indigenous music and literary presentations, and its renowned cuisine.
Region III director Ting de los Reyes said the showcase will depict the gracious way of living in Central Luzon and the industriousness of its people.
A 19th-century town setting called a “Poblacion ng Katagalugan” will greet visitors upon entering the Clamshell I in Intramuros, venue of the famous cultural and trade exhibit. Along its marvelous “kalye ng probinsya,” visitors will also experience the quaint fiesta atmosphere. The public can likewise find the region’s best export quality handicrafts, fresh agri products and sumptuous food in a makeshift market located in the exhibit area.
Various activities have been lined up for the duration of the regional fair including a Children and Angels Festival for kids. Devotees will also be able to attend Simbang Gabi Masses at the San Ignacio Ruins along Anda Street from Dec. 16-24, at 6 p.m.
Meanwhile, the Central Luzon showcase will be held simultaneously with the grandest festival of the year titled “Best of the Best in the Philippines.”
The week-long affair, to be held from Dec. 16-21, combines all the best cultural, musical and culinary delights from the country’s 16 regions.
A “WOW Pagkaing Pilipino” opens the event on Dec. 16, featuring a smorgasbord of distinct regional cuisines and delicacies such as Aklan oysters, Masbate crabs, Bataan prawns; all varieties of lechons (baboy, baka, manok and pabo); seafood bounties such as the sinugbang bangus, inihaw na hito, and panga ng tuna; and native cakes (kakanin) from the regions. Cooking demos at the old walls will also be conducted by leading food gurus.
To complement the native fare, top bartenders from the Philippine Bartending League will concoct drinks using indigenous and native spirits during the “WOW Inuming Pinoy” on Dec. 17-18.
The most talented choral groups from 16 regions will gather for the biggest musical extravaganza at the WOW Himig Pilipino” on Dec. 19.
For the fashion-conscious, a “WOW Kasuotang Pilipino” on Dec. 20 will showcase the largest, most extravagant and vivid collections depicting the country’s fashion evolution at the Plaza San Ignacio. To be featured are creations of top fashion designers like Ben Farrales, Noli Hans, Danny dela Cuesta, Edgar San Diego, Efren Ocampo, Larry Espinosa, Rene Salud, Mike dela Rosa, Frederick Peralta, Richard Papa, Bobby Novenario, and Danilo Franco.
A “WOW Kapistahang Sayaw Pilipino” will cap the week-long affair on Dec. 21 at the Quirino Grandstand. Hundreds of street revelers from the country’s 16 regions will compete for the title “Best of the Philippines’ Street Festival” and for the R1 million grand prize.
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