Sarangani Opens 2016 Munato Festival

Sarangani Province unveiled two top attractions — Yesterland Theme Park and International Music Festival — as it formally opened on Thursday its 2016 Munato Festival.

Michelle Lopez-Solon, chair of the provincial tourism council, said they merged the two events to highlight the “Immersive and Interactive Roster of Activities” for the festivities.

The Yesterland Theme Park and the International Music Festival were the top events in the 2014 and 2015 editions, respectively, of the Munato Festival.

The festivity, which will run until Saturday, is part of the province’s 24th foundation anniversary celebration.

Solon said they have set “vibrant and interactive cultural festivities” to showcase the province’s tribal communities — Tboli, Blaan and Tagakaolo.

She said among the major activities on the opening day is the 2016 Pearl of Sarangani pageant.

For the International Music Festival, she said cultural artists from Indonesia will hold performances on Friday and Saturday.

Solon said the participation of Indonesian performers was arranged through a cultural exchange facilitated by the Indonesian Consulate General in Davao City.

Last year, the music festival was joined by cultural artists from Malaysia.

At the Yesterland Theme Park, the local government unveiled a cultural village that features the different cultural practices of Sarangani’s indigenous groups in a showcase dubbed “The Thread of Life.”

“I am proud and happy to say that it is the first time for Mindanao to have this kind of spectacle, which is so immersive and interactive, and at the same time educational and fun,” said Solon, who also heads the Region 12 tourism council.

On Friday, the local government will stage anew a public policy talk dubbed “The Platform.”

A two-day gathering of the province’s youths will open in Friday and is expected to be graced by National Youth Commission chair Aiza Seguerra.

The other sidelights at the festivity are the opening of the Sarangani wildlife museum; meeting of artisans through a cultural exchange facilitated by the Indonesian consulate; exhibit featuring tribal crafts; and the “3D Street Arts” featuring the works of Sarangani artists.(PNA)
LAP/AVE/CHERRY MARIE IRISH CRUZ