Pagsanjan gearing for Bangkero Fest

Pagsanjan, the tourist capital of Laguna- is steadfast in its efforts to regain its spot as a world-class destination in the country through the 7th Pagsanjan Bangkero Festival slated from April 6-10.

With the theme "Huwag Maging Dayuhan sa Sariling Bayan...Tuklasin, Mahalin at Tangkilikin ang Sariling Atin," the festival is in consonance with the Department of Tourism’s (DoT) thrust in promoting domestic tourism via its "I Love Philippines, Biyahe Na!" advocacy campaign.

According to Mayor E.R. Ejercito III, the Festival is fast becoming a muchawaited festivity, with its vibrant, colorful and impressive line up of events. These include the regatta or boat race, fluvial and land parade, and the best river and land float competition with street dancing, drum and lyre band tilts, and a host of sporting and special events.

He added that there will also be the search for the "Lakan at Binibining Pagsanjan" and the "Ginoong Pagsanjan Bangkero" to tap local talent. Moreover, there will be a "Festival of Folk Dances" to showcase the country’s rich cultural heritage featuring the Bayanihan Philippine National Dance Company and a choral fest featuring Laguna’s finest choirs. Adding color to the event is the presence of Kids of the Nation and the Camera Club of the Philippines.

The Festival’s highlight is on April 10 which will see the final round of the boat race, the "Palarong Bangkero" or native games for boatmen, and the fluvial parade along the Pagsanjan River.

Inspired by and dedicated to the town’s patroness, Our Lady of Guadalupe, the festivity is also a tribute to the skilled boatmen who shoot the rapids all the way to the world-famous Pagsanjan Falls.

"The ‘bangkeros’ are natural navigators and tour guides as they safely steer the tourists’ bancas in an exhilarating, spine-tingling, adrenaline-pumping, shooting-the-rapids-experience," said Ejercito of the boatmen who are front-liners in the local tourism industry.

[ Pagsanjan Wiki ]