On the Dot
By Atty. Helen Camarista

Guimaras at 13 . . . moving, soaring, progressing

 
Guimaras is 13 years old as a province on May 22, 2005 and already it shows vital signs of progressive movement. Actually, Guimaras province soars high on the wings of progress under the dynamic leadership of Governor JC Rahman Nava. Therefore, the theme “Guimaras at 13 . . . . moving, soaring, progressing” of this year's Manggahan Festival which coincides with the province's 13 th foundation anniversary undoubtedly describes the state of affairs in the island province.

I was in Guimaras last Saturday and Sunday ( May 14-15) to join, as invited guest and speaker, the festivities at the 125 th anniversary of Navalas Parish Church, Buenavista. It is the oldest of all churches in the province of Guimaras and actually part of many a tour itineraries in the province of Guimaras. No doubt, it is one of Guimaras' points of interest. Rev. Father Mario Enarsao, the parish priest and lay leaders of the church were so accommodating. They volunteered the information that the exhibit they have on the history of Navalas Church is based on the write-up I did with Atty. Ernesto Gaduyon many years ago. I cannot even remember when but I'm sure though that article was done before 1991 because of the absence of that peculiar prefix to my name. Anyway, Navalas Parish is special to me. I was baptized there.

I found time to join the May 15 activities in the capital town of Jordan, Guimaras.It was Panindahan sa Manggahan and Mango-Eat all You Can at the Jordan Food Terminal Market. There was also the Gov. JC Rahman Nava Run. I registered in and joined the Mango-Eat All You Can. There's another one on May 21 and 22 at the Foodfest Area. I had the impression that it was not a contest. One just had to get registered and he's given a tray containing four pieces of sugar-sweet juicy mango fruit. Oh there were so many other participants who started before, with and after me. What is cute about this entire enterprise is that the participants determine their starting time, speed or pacing and finish time. There is no deadline. I was finishing my first tray (kilo) when I heard my name called—to award the prizes for the winners in the Gov. JC Rahman Nava Run (5-Mile) with Governor Nava himself! After the 10 to15-minute awarding ceremonies, I went back to my seat and resume my “ eat all you can” mango endeavor. After everything had been said and done, it was time to go “panindahan”. How many mangoes did I eat? Eight pieces or two kilos only! I wanted to eat more but the juicy sugar-sweet mangoes can only allow me that far. Not bad for a Php 35 registration fee.

The “panindahan” part was an equally wonderful experience. The Jordan Food Terminal Market at Jordan was very organized and clean. I learned there was a contest but I hope the vendors and local officials will keep this market in that state of organization and tidiness even after the Manggahan Festival because, definitely, it is a travel destination. My only regret then was that I could manage to buy only six heaps of a local shell delicacy that is best eaten raw --- the imbaw —because I was late. I was informed residents of Iloilo City and Oton, Iloilo crossed to buy imbaw at 6-7 in the morning. I was consoled when I was able to buy big fresh fat samaral fish from Cabalagnan barangay fishing village at Php 60/kilo (3 pieces).

The Manggahan Festival this year is an array of exciting activities that includes, to name a few, the Opening of Agro-Industrial Fair/Exhibition May 16, Food Festival up to May 22, Tagisan ng Talino sa Manggahan May 17, National Taekwondo Championship May 18, Jobs Fair – May 19, Adlaw sang Mangunguma May 20, Mango Picking and Guimaras Children's Day May 21, Mango Food Festival (Eat All You Can) May 21-22, Manggahan Cultural Showcase May 21-22 ( The Filipino Heritage May 21, Grand Parade, Street Dancing & Float Competition, Manggahan Festival Competition and Cultural Showcase, Sinadya and street Dancing, Search for Lin-ay sag Manggahan all in May 22).

There's a lot more other activities but space is limited. I'm confident that the others inadvertently omitted were amply covered by the many other forms of publicity for the Manggahan Festival.

For Gov. JC Rahman Nava and all provincial and municipal officials, employees and residents of Guimaras, congratulations!

For Provincial Economic and Developent Officer Engr. Ruben Corpuz, Chairman of Manggahan Festival 2005 Task Force, Angie Gabinete, head and staff of the Provincial Tourism Office, you did it again!