Manggahan Festival of the Province of Guimaras makes a sweet comeback this year with a full packed face-to-face activity during the month long celebration. Events will take place every weekend to take advantage of the influx of tourists in the island during Saturdays and Sundays with the highlight slated on May 19-22. “Imbukada” will kick off Manggahan festivities on April 29, 2023 with a mass and opening program. The Agri-Fishery and Eco-Tourism Expo and an art exhibit likewise open on the same day. An open dance sport competition and live band will culminate the opening day of Manggahan Festival 2023. On e o f t h e mo s t anticipated events every Manggahan Festival, the “Mango-Eat-All-You-Can”, is set to return. Feast on mouth-watering Guimaras mangoes from May 19-22. If you want to experience mango picking, go to the Mango Harvest Festival. Pick and pay what you have harvested. Other activities that will add color to this year’s celebration are battle of the bands, cook-off challenge, bike fest, street dance battle, job fair, color fun run with celebrity guests, folk dance competition, and dog show. Miss Guimaras will be crowned on May 20 while Mr. Guimaras pageant will take place on May 18. The Provincial Government has also prepared for sports enthusiasts who will come to Manggahan. There is water sports and jet ski showcase, jujitsu, basketball where the Philippine Basketball League will play, and a volleyball tournament. Nightly entertainment will feature different OPM rock bands. The celebration ends on May 22 in conjunction with the 31st anniversary of Guimaras becoming a province. A thanksgiving mass will be offered before the provincehood anniversary program. Five competing “hubons” from the municipalities and a non-competing group from Guimaras State University will showcase the rich culture and history of Guimaras in the Manggahan Cultural Competition. A fireworks display will be held at the Capitol grounds to be followed by performances of two big OPM rock bands on the last night of the festival.
