Zambales capital holds Paynauen Duyan Fest

MANILA, Philippines - The Paynauen Duyan Festival, a thanksgiving to nature’s blessings, will unfold on the occasion of the 403rd Foundation Day of Iba, the capital of the province of Zambales.

Paynauen, a word of Zambal origin, was the old name of Iba before the Spanish Recolletos priests founded the village on the banks of Bancal River in 1611. On the other hand, Duyan is the local name for a hammock, a favorite spot for resting. 

To this date, Iba has retained its quiet and restive charm that Ibaňos are now poised to place their beloved hometown as the next rest and recreation destination in the tourism map.

Paynauen Duyan Festival, which will be held tomorrow, April 23 until April  26, will feature a series of colorful and exciting activities that will showcase the municipality’s alluring qualities. All of its 14 barangays will participate.

The agro-industrial fair will promote homegrown handicrafts and products like the famous succulent mangoes of Zambales, while the Balik-Tanaw Exhibit will showcase the development of the town. Other events are the cultural show headlined by the Zambales Performing Arts and Exodus Tribe Dancers, the Dangal Parangal that will recognize outstanding Ibaňos; and the Duyan Parade that will feature streetdancers clad in costumes made of indigenous materials found at the farms and mountain areas of Iba.

Also to be held are the Color My World Fun Run, Mr. and Ms. Little Fashionista, Gawad Parangal at Gabi ng Kultura, Discover Iba Motorcycle Adventure Race and the coronation night of the Lakan at Mutya ng Paynauen on April 26.

The Ibaños’ love for music and revelry will be further celebrated through a mardi gras, wherein dancers take to the streets in costumes inspired by marine and forest life. Venue for the beach mardi gras as well as the sand sculpture and boat racing competitions is a seven-kilometer stretch of fine sand on the coastline of Iba. This area now has 42 resorts providing sun-worshippers a haven.

The festival celebration is headed by Daisy Ebdane, wife of Iba Mayor Jun Rundstedt Ebdane, and Vice Mayor Benjamin Farin Jr. who started the festival in 2005 with then tourism chair, Ofelia Huang.