Romblon, the “Marble Capital of the Philippines,” will prove to be a promising tourist destination, as it hosts the 3rd Mimaropa Festival in Odiongan town on November 20-25.
Tourism Secretary Wanda Tulfo-Teo said, “Region IV-B’s best-kept secret, Romblon, will be unraveled as a world-class tourist attraction like its neighboring provinces.” Region IV-B is comprised of Mindoro Occidental, Mindoro Oriental, Marinduque, Romblon and Palawan (Mimaropa).
“Owing to its relative isolation, Romblon province has quietly preserved its lush mountainous greenery, hidden valleys waterfalls, pristine waters, white-sand beaches, diving sites, Spanish-era relics, and many more,” Teo pointed out.
The DOT chief went on to say, “But it’s more fun in Romblon because of the local people’s hospitality and, of course, the delectable, authentic dishes and exotic fruits served with that infectious smile.”
The week-long festivities will be participated-in by delegations from MIMAROPA’s provinces and will be highlighted by pageantry, sights and sounds of authentic ethnic performances, and display of abundant local farm produce, said DOT-Mimaropa Regional Director Danilo Intong.
The opening ceremonies will be led by Romblon Gov. Eduardo Firmalo followed by events featuring drum and lyre competition, Marble Festival, agri-fair, cookfest, kite boarding, bicycle marathon, regatta, float parade, and the Mimaropa King & Queen pageant.
Slated as the festival’s main events are the street dance and the showdown competition among the groups of cultural performers from the five provinces and the two cities of Calapan and Puerto Princesa.
“All roads lead to Odiongan, Romblon for an exciting and fun-filled Mimaropa Festival which will prove to be the next big-thing in Philippine tourism,” Intong exclaimed.
