PHOTOS BY: GIAN CARLO FRANCISCO, University of Antique Inter
FOR MANY visitors, a trip to Guimaras during the Manggahan Festival is more than a summer getaway—it is a pilgrimage to the home of the world’s sweetest mangoes.
And this year, the province is making sure no guest leaves without a taste of its pride. The provincial government has prepared 18 metric tons of mangoes—five metric tons more than last year—for the much-anticipated Mango Eat-All-You-Can, the festival’s biggest crowd-drawer and sweetest tradition.
The increased supply comes as officials expect a surge of local and foreign tourists eager to experience the island’s signature attraction, where for only P100, guests can enjoy unlimited servings of Guimaras mangoes within a 30-minute window.
Provincial Agriculturist Arvin Nava said the expansion reflects the province’s commitment to meeting growing demand as the festival continues to attract more visitors each year.
“This year, we prepared 18 metric tons of mangoes, significantly higher than last year’s 13 metric tons,” Nava said. “We want to accommodate more participants because the demand for Mango Eat-All-You-Can continues to grow every year.”
The event has become the centerpiece of the Manggahan Festival, drawing long queues of eager tourists waiting for their turn to indulge in what many consider the sweetest mangoes in the world.
“This has always been one of our biggest crowd favorites,” Nava added. “Visitors really look forward to it because it gives them the chance to enjoy unlimited mangoes at an affordable price while immersing themselves in the festive atmosphere.”
To manage the influx of guests, organizers have expanded the event schedule. From Monday to Thursday, there are eight batches daily, while Fridays to Sundays feature 11 batches, with sessions extending into the evening.
“We extended the weekend schedules because that is when we expect the heaviest influx of tourists,” Nava explained. “This allows us to serve more people and reduce waiting time.”
Festivalgoers are encouraged to reserve their slots online through the official booking system to secure preferred schedules and help ease on-site congestion.
Beyond the mango feast, provincial officials emphasized that the event also carries deeper significance for Guimaras.
“The Mango Eat-All-You-Can is more than just a food event,” Gov. Lucille Nava said. “It is our way of promoting Guimaras mangoes and honoring the farmers whose hard work made this possible. This is part of our continuing effort to strengthen agri-tourism and showcase the quality of our produce to the world.”
For many tourists, however, the experience becomes something personal—and unforgettable.
Glenda, 49, from Bacolod City, said finally joining the mango feast fulfilled a long-time dream.
“First time ko ni mag Mango Eat-All-You-Can kag dugay ko na ini gusto magkadto sa Manggahan,” she said, smiling between bites of ripe mango. “Subong, mapati na gid ko nga namit ang paho sang Guimaras. The best gid.”
For Lex, a solo traveler from Ilocos returning to the festival for the second time, the experience remains unmatched.
“May mga mangga din po sa Ilocos, pero iba yung experience dito sa Guimaras,” he said. “Parang unique yung tamis niya na hindi mo talaga matitikman sa iba.”
That distinct sweetness—often described as richer, smoother, and unmistakably Guimaras—has long become the island’s trademark and strongest tourism ambassador.
As the Manggahan Festival 2026 continues until May 24, thousands more are expected to fill the festival grounds for cultural performances, trade fairs, agri-exhibits, concerts, and tourism showcases.
But for many, the highlight remains simple: a plate of freshly sliced Guimaras mangoes, 30 sweet minutes, and a taste of what locals have always known—that nowhere else in the world does mango taste quite like this./PN
