Tourism Assembly bares WV's soul
In the much-awaited Western Visayas Tourism Assembly, Western Visayas will bare its soul. No, it will no longer be in the walled city of Intramuros. Rather, much closer to home -- in the city of Iloilo.
For seven days, it will not only unveil its treasures, but also its collective aspirations. No wonder why thousands, if not millions, of visitors have been captivated by its natural, man-made, cultural, religious, and culinary marvels.
The provinces of Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Guimaras, Iloilo, and Negros Occidental are gifted with breathtaking natural wonders. It has anything and everything for adventure seekers, kindred spirits and party-goers. By far, the resort island of Boracay tops the list. Likewise are the coves, caves, mountains, hills, waterfalls, rivers, and coral reefs.
On the southern tip of Iloilo sits Miag-ao Church, the only UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Visayas. Pan-ay Church in Capiz apparently has one of the biggest bells in Asia, while an angry mural of Christ in a church in Negros has enticed the curious. The famed Calle Real in Iloilo City and Balay Negrense in Silay City are testaments of an opulent past.
Not to be outdone are the festivals that infuse culture, religion and entertainment. Every year, the Ati-Atihan of Aklan, the Dinagyang of Iloilo, the Masskara of Negros, the Binirayan of Antique, the Manggahan of Guimaras, and the Halaran of Capiz are spectacles.
More than that, the region is home to some of the country's most notable figures. Great men such as Graciano Lopez-Jaena, Manuel Roxas, Jaime Cardinal Sin, and Evelio Javier have helped shape Philippine history. Even National Living Treasure Federico Caballero, an epic chanter from the mountains of Central Panay, and Intel Excellence awardee Josette Talamera-Biyo, a teacher at the Western Visayas campus of Philippine Science High School, have gained respect both in the national and international arenas.
Moreover, culinary enthusiasts have been drawn to its gastronomic delights. Iloilo has the soul food La Paz batchoy and pancit molo, while the seafood capital of Capiz has the mouthwatering diwal, crabs, oysters, lobsters and a variety of fishes. The sister provinces of Iloilo and Negros have perfected the lechon manok, as well as the much loved pastries like barquillos, biscocho and piaya. To top it all, Guimaras produces the sweetest mangoes.
Dubbed as "Sustaining Domestic Tourism: Turning Ideas Into Action", the Western Visayas Tourism Assembly will not only promote and showcase tourist attractions and services, but more importantly, it will weave arts, culture and history with economic livelihood and business opportunities. It seeks to explore beyond income-generation as it will tackle many different issues including strategies for local development.
This weeklong extravaganza features eight equally captivating and enlightening events. Starting on the 23rd of October and ending on the 29th, a Cultural Showcase at SM City Iloilo highlights each of the six provinces with Aklan Day, Antique Day, Capiz Day, Guimaras Day, Iloilo Day, and Negros Day. Simultaneously, there will be a Travel Fair/Exhibit and Travel Exchange/Mart at SM City Iloilo. The much-awaited Tourism Forum and Tourism Excellence Awards will be on the 25th at the Barceló Sarabia Manor Hotel and Convention Center. A Parade of Festivals, with performances at the Iloilo Freedom Grandstand, will be on the 27th. Still on the same day, the beautiful and talented ladies will be unveiled in the Search for Ms. WV Tourism at the WVSU Cultural Center. The Food Festival will be a two-day affair, on the 27th and 28th, at SM City Iloilo.
An offshoot of "WOW Philippines, Best of the Regions", Western Visayas Tourism Assembly is a project of the Department of Tourism 6 (DOT 6), spearheaded by Director Edwin Trompeta. The city of Iloilo, under Mayor Jerry Treñas, is the gracious host.
Local governments, hotels, resorts, spas, tour operators, travel agencies, transportation groups, restaurants, schools, and the media will be the interactive participants.
This will also be supported by the Regional Development Council 6 (RDC 6), Iloilo City Conventions Bureau (ICCB), Negros Island Tourism Inc. (NITI), Canadian Urban Institute (CUI), Philippine Tour Operators Association (PHILTOA), Philippine Travel Agencies Association (PTAA), WVSU Cultural Center, and SM City Iloilo.
(DOT 6)