Tourism seen to propel Albay's economic growth

MANILA, Philippines - The provincial government of Albay is banking on its tourism program to propel the province’s economic growth for the year, including the forthcoming annual Magayon Festival.

Albay Gov. Joey S. Salceda has adapted Albay Rising as the province’s slogan for his second term as governor, which is largely anchored on the tourism industry.  Its seeks to take advantage of the numerous tourism attractions in the province, including the active and nearly perfect cone-shaped Mayon Volcano, the historic Cagsawa Ruins, and many fine beaches.

“Albay is investing heavily on tourism as among its revenue generating concerns designed to further accelerate and consolidate the economic development of the province,” Salceda said.

For the 2012 Magayon Festival, the provincial government has set a package of close to 150 events that feature culture and the arts, trade and industry, tourism spectacles, culinary food trips, sports and special interests that are expected to awe and titillate the interest of tourists and visitors.    

Salceda said the Magayon 2012 edition will not only showcase the artistry and beauty of spirit of the Albayanos, and provide fun and excitement, but will also offer opportunities to promote and enhance trade and tourism designed to advance Albay’s drive towards the fulfillment of its socio-economic development goals.

One novel event of Magayon Festival 2012 is the staging of the Dance of the Three Mountains, a play written by multi-awarded Albayano writer Abdon Balde in the Bicol vernacular. The legendary sage tells the story of the three sister mountains -- Magayon, Masaraga, and Malinao which is actually the legend of Mayon Volcano.

Film stars Derek Ramsey, Lovi Poe and Matteo Guidicelli are among those expected to grace the highlights of the month-long festival, which starts April 10, immediately after the Holy Week. The festival ends May 10.

Taking center stage is the Mutya ng Magayon Festival 2012, a pageant which has already produced world-class beauty titlists, to be hosted by Ramsey and Guidicelli, and the Higantes, a parade of giant effigies which are all Albay mythological characters.

The festival highlights include the Ginoo ng Magayon Festival 2012, to be  hosted by actress Lovi Poe; Concierto sa Magayon, with Jhong Hilario and Kiss Jane; Concierto Pasasalamat; Magayon Lyre, Drum and Baton Competition; Gayon Bicol Festival Showdown; Daragang Magayon Legend Showdown, the street dancing and festival queen presentation; Hot-Taw sa Karaonan, and the Sili Viand Eating Contest; among others.  

Magayon’s Beer Plaza, a record holder in its own right for consuming the most number of beer in a single setting, will present bands and artists as nightly guests at the Penaranda Park in Legazpi City, and is expected to keep the festival’s night life awake until dawn.