All systems go for Lang-ay Festival
Apart
from the summer heat, another reason to travel to the Mt. Province is the
festivity.
The
week-long Lang-ay Festival kicking off on April 7 is expected to attract
tourists despite the suspension of direct bus trips from Manila. The suspension
came out after a bus from the Mt. Province bound for Manila fell off a ravine
in February killing 15 people.
According
to Mt. Province Governor Leonard Mayaen, all of the usual activities presented
during previous celebrations would still be seen this year.
He
disproved claims that the provincial government excluded street dancing and
other usual performances because of financial constraints.
Mayaen
also said that he talked to the business sector about his plan to have separate
dates for the Lang-ay Festival and the Mt. Province’s Foundation Day.
This,
according to him, would give better impact to the “economic gain=s of the
business sector without one overshadowing the other special event.”
Moreover,
Mayaen bared the idea of letting the private sector handle the festival with
full authority. The necessary funds, however, will come from the provincial
government.
Lang-ay
is a native word which means “sharing.” The festival showcases the living
tradition of the people of Mt. Province to celebrate festivities, share happiness,
foster family solidarity and hospitality, and nurture friendship—all with a toast
of home-brewed wine.
