Mandaluyong City joins revival of regional shows in Intramuros

The City of Mandaluyong will once again take part in the "Best of Metropolitan Manila" exhibit, a segment of the newly-revived regional showcases in Pueblo Pilipino, Intramuros, now dubbed "Philippines’ Best."

The NCR show will be featuring the 17 cities and municipalities of Metro Manila including the booming city of Mandaluyong until May 15.

On May 6 and 7, the public will have a glimpse of the beauty, artistry and ingenuity of the people of Mandaluyong through world-class performances and its exhibition booth.

Mayor Neptali M. Gonzales II and First Lady Queenie Gonzales will lead the distinguished guests composed of city officials, regional directors as well as cultural and tourism officers of the participating cities and municipalities.

According to the city’s Cultural Affairs and Tourism Office (CATO) chief Norberto S. Arcangel, the Mandaluyong booth will carry the regional show’s theme called "Ginintuang Pamana" which focuses on history, arts and culture. The thematic regional show is divided into three themes: Ginintuang Pamana for the first part of the year; Luntiang Kalikasan (natural attractions) for the second half of 2005 and Lakas-Bisig Pinoy (sports tourism) towards the last few months of the year.

"The Mandaluyong Booth has for its historical accent the famous city landmarks such as the Bantayog ng Kabataan and the Tatlong Bayani Monument. The two serve as vanguards of the more prominent feature – the Mandaluyong Skyline on tarpaulin and accentuated at the center by an old fountain with real dancing water," Arcangel said.

On May 6, the Mandaluyong City Day will kick off with an Ati-Atihan streetdance. The Teatro Rizalia, a renowned theater club composed of college students of the Rizal Technological University will perform a folk dance titled "Larawan ng Lahi."

It will be followed by the world-class performance of the Philippine Ballet Theater. The prestigious ballet company has been a regular performer of Mandaluyong shows, a result of its good, working relationship with the local government. The Teatro Rizalia returns later in the program, for an encore performance, capping the opening day festivities.

Highlight of the May 6 show is the Mr. and Ms. WOW Mandaluyong Summer Bodies 2005 Pageant. This hot and exciting search not only showcases the beautiful bodies and personalities among the youth of Mandaluyong but also promotes the different tourist destinations of the country and encourages its protection and conservation as well.

On May 7, the Aglipayans of Mandaluyong will engage the public in a lively and riotous Caracol street dance followed by the city’s own version of the Maytime spectacle Flores de Mayo with a procession of the young and beautiful maidens of Mandaluyong escorted by dashing gentlemen and a concert by some of the country’s top performers. A glittering fireworks display will culminate the two-day celebration.

The City of Mandaluyong through the efforts of Mayor Gonzales, is an active supporter of the projects of the Department of Tourism (DoT) especially in its promotion of Metro Manila as a major tourist destination in the country.

A staunch advocate of domestic tourism, Mandaluyong has aggressively participated in various DoT activities, and engaged in the promotion of the city as a tourist attraction through the holding of its distinct Lavandero Festival as well as Cultural and Travel Exchange programs, sponsorships of national beauty pageants, participation in Lakbay-Aral tours and in tourism and trade expositions.