MANILA, Philippines - This year’s Tinagba Festival in Iriga City has captured not only local acclaim but has extended its popularity to the international milieu as host to the famous Davis Cup tennis tournament where Team Pilipinas competed against the Pacific Oceania team.
Over the years, Iriga City has worked hard to establish an identity to promote both their tourism and investment potentials. Mayor Madeleine Alfelor-Gazmen has made it a goal to, before the end of her term, build a strong economic bedrock to secure the future of the coming generations.
Multi-awarded talk show host Boy Abunda and his Backroom Inc. staff Mary Ann Sta. Ana and Almed Garcia have worked closely for the past five years with the mayor, linking Iriga’s culture and history beyond its territorial parameters.
The people of Iriga have likewise rallied around all of the city’s festivities, coming out in droves to cheer the colorful parade, with floats reflecting an important role in the lives of Irigueños.
Major avenues are closed for the events and accommodations extend to a neighboring town.
This year, the presence of famous celebrities like Gladys Reyes and hubby Christopher Roxas judging the mardi gras competition added excitement to the festivities.
The event was graced by Valenzuela Mayor Sherwin Gatchalian together with the mayors of the participating tribes, including the province of Masbate who won the grand prize in the mardi gras competition.
Another highlight of the event was when young celebrities Xian Lim and Ronnie Liang gave an electrifying performance. Derek Ramsey made the crowd even more fanatical.
The people of Iriga gave their guests a truly warm welcome, especially with the native delicacies like laing, Bicol express, and pili nuts that were present at every table during the celebration.
Truly, it’s more fun in Iriga!
Especially during the Tinagba Festival.