GUIMARAS — The Manggahan Festival officially opens today, May 15, with a ceremonial Mango Eat-All-You-Can, signaling the start of a 10-day celebration showcasing the island province’s world-renowned mangoes, rich culture, and growing tourism industry.
The festival, one of the country’s most anticipated agri-cultural events, will run until May 24 and feature pageants, music festivals, sports competitions, government service fairs, and cultural presentations.
Festivities begin at 4 p.m. at the Mangga Village with the ceremonial Mango Eat-All-You-Can, which will be available to visitors throughout the duration of the festival.
The official opening program, dubbed “Imbukada,” will follow at 5 p.m. at the Guimaras Provincial Capitol. Qualifying rounds for the Mango Mash-up Dance Battle and Manggahan Clash of Rockstars will then be held at the Main Concert Grounds, capped by a music fest featuring celebrity performers.
Among the major highlights is the Miss Guimaras 2026 Coronation Night on May 17, where 12 candidates will compete for the provincial crown.
The Manggahan Government Service Fair will open on May 18 at the CHSS Façade, offering various public services to residents.
On May 20, the Mister Guimaras 2026 Coronation Night will take center stage, while the province’s anniversary celebration on May 22 will feature a wreath-laying ceremony, thanksgiving mass, anniversary parade, and street dancing competition.
The grand finals of the Mango Mash-up Dance Battle and Manggahan Clash of Rockstars are scheduled for May 23.
The festival will culminate on May 24 with the Manggahan Cultural Competition 2026, where representatives from Guimaras’ five municipalities — Jordan, Buenavista, Nueva Valencia, Sibunag, and San Lorenzo — will compete for the coveted title.
A major feature of this year’s celebration is the unveiling of a new festival logo under the theme “Mangoes and More,” aimed at positioning Manggahan as a globally competitive agri-festival.
In a keynote speech during the “Sweetest Kickoff” on April 14, Gov. Ma. Lucille L. Nava said the rebranding reflects the province’s long-term vision.
“The Manggahan Festival has rebranded: the same vision but with a renewed outlook — not just visual, but visionary,” Nava said. “While people come to visit our islands for the sweetest mangoes, they will stay to experience more that Guimaras has to offer.”
She added that the province is moving “from tradition to transformation” by highlighting not only its agricultural bounty, but also its coastal resources and vibrant cultural heritage./PN
