Philippine Department of Tourism kicks off ‘Intramuros: History Town Philippines’

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The Department of Tourism (DOT) highlighted its December 2008 calendar of events with a bang in the grand unveiling of “Intramuros: History Town Philippines” on Friday, Dec. 5.

A project spearheaded by the Department of Tourism (DOT), together with the Intramuros Administration (IA) and the Philippine Tourism Authority (PTA), Intramuros: History Town Philippines aims to highlight tourism attractions, products and trade and investment opportunities from all over the country.

Key personalities during the opening were DOT Secretary Joseph “Ace” Durano, Sen. Richard Gordon, General Manager Mark Lapid of PTA, Undersecretary Oscar Palabyab and Director Romulo delos Reyes, both of DOT, and IA Administrator Bambi Harper.

Durano said “Intramuros will be a one-stop venue where domestic and foreign tourists can experience the best of our 7,107 islands – our destinations, history, culture, celebrations, food, and people.”

He added, “The project also aims to breathe life into the Walled City of Manila through food festivals, musical performances, colorful parades, unique exhibits and other cultural activities.”

On the other hand, Gordon, also a former Tourism secretary, acknowledged the revival of Intramuros saying, “With the DOT, the PTA and the IA all working together for Intramuros History Town, we are looking forward to a successful campaign that will bring this historical destination into greater heights.”

Known for the regional showcase wherein different provinces will host a month-long festivity in the Walled City, the new project includes other attractions.

“There will be the Kalinga Octagonal Hut and the Mayoyao House, a new landscape with period flowers and plants, the Pinoy, Pinas electric parade and the OTOP (One Town, One Product) pavilion,” added Undersecretary Eduardo Jarque, Jr. for DOT Planning and Promotions.

Pinoy, Pinas is an electric parade of period-inspired lighted floats each depicting a significant historical theme. It will be held on Fridays to Sundays at 6:30 p.m. for the whole month of December.

“The Saturday parade will be capped by a grand fireworks display,” Jarque said.

A sample of the unique exhibits is mentioned by Harper, saying, “The never before seen Belen collection of Ramon Obusan will be on display for the public in December.”

Prior to the launch, the DOT held a Tilbury or Harness Race at the Bonifacio Drive, Port Area opened by Durano, Gordon, Manila Major Alfredo Lim, Lapid and Director for Manila Tourism and Cultural Affairs Bureau Gemma Cruz-Araneta.

The Harness Race had three categories, starting from 45 kilometers per hour to 50 kph and above. Prizes were at stake.

Also during the grand opening, The Ramon Obusan Folkloric Group started the festivities with their Thanksgiving Dances and Rituals at the Bahay Tagalog, Torogan, Kalinga Village.

Immediately after, the UP Singing Ambassadors performed at the unveiling of the Paskong Pilipino exhibit.

Also seen was the Carruaje Parade which started at Clamshell 1 to the PC Barracks going through Anda and Lucia Streets.

The parade signaled the commencement of the OTOP exhibit and the Teatro Abanico de Manila.