12 September 2003
Eastern Visayas: New Sunrise shines in Intramuros
Tourism Means Job! We must uphold the culture of tourism not only in our mind but also in our heart. - Tourism Secretary Richard Gordon
All is set for Region 8's participation in the Department of Tourism's (DOT) 'Best of the Regions' showcase in Intramuros, Manila on September 16 to 30, 2003.
Dubbed "Rayhak Ha Siranganan Bisayas Ha Intramuros" meaning "Sunrise in Eastern Visayas Shines in Intramuros", will showcase the best tourist attractions as well as business opportunities of the region's six provinces of Leyte, Southern Leyte, Biliran, Samar, Northern Samar and Eastern Samar and the cities of Tacloban, Maasin, Calbayog and Ormoc.
The grand opening of the event will be held in the afternoon of Sept. 19 with a grand parade of festivals which will feature the Iblb Festival of Bulinao, Sarakiki Festival of Calbayog City, Abaca Festival of Maasin City, Pasaka Festival of Tanauan, Pintados Festival of Tacloban among others.
Other highlights of the event are various performances from the region's local talents like the famous Leyte Kalipayan Dance Troupe, Leyte Dance Theater, including Calbayog City's singing group SADTO which popularized the Waray song "Mahal Mo Ako."
According to DOT Region 8 director Norma Morante, the 15-day event will showcase the region's best in terms of art, music dances, tourism destinations, food and handicrafts. It will also feature an agri-aqua garden, pet shows, festival groups and live band presentations.
Petllla, who is also a chairperson of Eastern Visayas Tourism Council (EVTC) and Regional Development Council (RDC), said the event In Intramuros isorganized with the noble dream of bringing Warays and other people together in an exciting celebration of their region's fiesta as well as to prove that the people of Eastern Visayas can compete with the best in the world. This momentous event speaks well of Waray's arts and crafts as well as prospects for trade and investment," she added.
Tourism Secretary Richard Gordon said, the event forms part of the 365-day calendar of special events lined up by DOT for the 'WOW Philippines! More Than the Usual' campaign in celebration of "Visit Philippines 2003".
Gordon further said that since Intramuros became Metro Manila's hottest entertainment and cultural venue during the first quarter of 2003, hundreds of thousands of Filipinos and foreigners have visited Intramuros. Business receipts for the first six months of the project's operation have amounted to several millions of pesos, which is a big help In terms of jobs and livelihood for provincial entrepreneurs and Intramuros residents.
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