Thousands join 16th Mudpack Festival in Murcia

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines  — At least 6,000 tourists, guests, and revelers join the 16th Mudpack Festival at Mambukal Resort in Brgy. Minoyan of Murcia town, Negros Occidental last June 23 and 24, resort manager Ellen Marie Jalandoni said.

From these merrymakers, Mambukal Resort earned P178,950 for two days from entrance fees, and rentals of cottages and other amenities, she said.

Mudpack Festival is an annual gathering of artists and nature lovers in this part of the province. The celebration focuses on Mambukal’s distinct multi-colored clays which come in gray, red, orange, grayish yellow and black abundant in the area, and which are considered to have therapeutic effect on the skin.

At least seven competitions highlighted the festival, with the theme “Water: Conserve. Preserve. Protect.”

The list of winners with the corresponding cash prizes are as follows:

Solo Dance Improvisation: Manuel Malago—1st (P3,500); Joseph Sidano—2nd (P2,500); and Joey Rufino Jr.—3rd (P1,500);

Art Installation: Alvin Quetro—1st (5,500); Edwin Yanson—2nd (3,000); and Jenny Milleza—3rd (P2,000);

Clay Body Painting: Helgen Boy Miaga—1st (6,500); Ismael Jalorina Jr.—2nd (P4,500); and Jorge Ferrarez—3rd (3,500);

Drumbeating: Tribu Norte—1st (8,500); Tribu Kinaadman—2nd (P5,000); Tribu ni Pane—3rd (P3,000);

Tribal Dance: Tribu Poseidon—1st (10,000); Pontevedra Dance Company—2nd (P6,500); and Tribu Kalunangan—3rd (P3,500);

Mixed Media Art: Redmond Nazareno—1st (5,500); Joan Garzon—2nd (P3,500); and Kenneth Po—3rd (2,000);

Poster-Making for Kids: Mary Paul Agpalo—1st (3,500); Nicole Young—2nd (P2,500); and Therese Eva Marie Dequito—3rd (1,500).