WITH golden sunlight streaming through mango-laden trees, the island province of Guimaras marked the official opening of Manggahan Festival 2025 on May 16 with a ceremonial mango-picking that captured the heart of what this annual celebration stands for: abundance, heritage, and hope.
Leading the ceremonial activity was Gov. JC Rahman A. Nava, whose leadership has been central in shaping the direction of the province’s flagship festival. Standing before local leaders, guests, and residents, he declared the festival officially open, signaling the start of 10 days filled with culture, celebration, and community pride.
“The Manggahan Festival is more than a tribute to our mangoes. It is a symbol of how far Guimaras has come, and where we are heading,” said Gov. Nava.
Bigger, Bolder, and Sweeter
With a P42-million budget, the 2025 edition of the festival is the most ambitious in recent years. It reflects the provincial government’s growing investment in tourism, agriculture, and cultural preservation. The increase from last year’s P34-million budget is a testament to the province’s commitment to elevate Manggahan from a local tradition into a regional, even national, tourism gem.
Gov. Nava emphasized that the investment goes beyond event production. It is part of a larger strategy to strengthen Guimaras’ identity as an agri-tourism powerhouse.
“This is a celebration of our identity as Guimarasnons — rooted in agriculture, but blooming with innovation,” the governor said. “Our mangoes are sweet, yes, but it is our people who give this festival its true flavor.”
Mango Eat-All-You-Can as Guimaras’ Taste of Tradition
At the heart of the festivities is the crowd-favorite Mango Eat-All-You-Can, held at the Trade Fair Center near the provincial capitol grounds. For just 100 pesos, visitors get 30 minutes to feast on the island’s golden treasure — sweet, sun-ripened mangoes, harvested from Guimaras’ renowned orchards.
This year, a record 13 tons of mangoes have been set aside for the event — a logistical feat that reflects both agricultural productivity and the provincial government’s dedication to promoting local farmers.
The event drew in not only locals but also celebrities and influencers, including Small Laude, Karen Davila, Tim Yap, and Tessa Prieto, who joined in the celebration and experienced firsthand what makes Guimaras mangoes world-renowned.
“When we say our mangoes are the best in the world, it’s not just a slogan — it’s backed by tradition, quality, and pride,” Gov. Nava shared.
Food, Flavor, and Filipino Creativity
Also drawing huge crowds was Panabor sa Isla, a culinary showcase of Guimaras’ rich food culture. From traditional Filipino favorites to inventive mango-infused dishes, the food fair highlighted the creativity of local chefs and home cooks, offering visitors a literal taste of the island’s bounty.
“We’re not just exporting mangoes. We’re exporting experiences — flavors that are uniquely Guimaras,” said Gov. Nava.
Sustainable Futures at Agri-Eco Trade Fair
The Regional Agri-Eco Trade Fair remains a cornerstone of the festival, bringing together exhibitors from across Western Visayas, and even as far as Palawan. With a focus on sustainable practices, eco-friendly innovations, and local entrepreneurship, the fair is a platform for inclusive growth and regional cooperation.
From the province’s organic mango-based products to indigenous crafts and zero-waste packaging innovations, the fair reflects Guimaras’ broader goals under Gov. Nava’s leadership: to marry tradition with innovation, and growth with sustainability.
“Agriculture is our backbone, and we must future-proof it. The Manggahan Festival is a powerful reminder that we can celebrate our heritage while paving the way for a greener, smarter future,” he said.
Culture, Beauty, and Rhythm
Beyond mangoes and trade, the Manggahan Festival is also a celebration of artistry and identity. The Street Dancing Competition and Provincehood Night on May 22, the highly anticipated Miss Guimaras 2025 Coronation Night on May 23, and the culminating Cultural Competition on May 25 all showcase the creative soul of the Guimarasnons.
To further elevate the festive spirit, a stellar lineup of Filipino music icons and rising stars graced the festival stage. Performers included Ely Buendia, Angeline Quinto, Andrew E., MYMP, Lola Amour, VXON, G22, and more.
“Our people’s talents are as rich as our lands. Whether through dance, music, or performance, this festival is a stage for the Guimarasnon spirit,” Gov. Nava said.
Miss Guimaras 2025: The Beauty Beyond the Island
The much-awaited Miss Guimaras 2025 pageant on Friday night exuded elegance and empowerment. Each candidate representing different towns showcased not just their beauty but also the spirit and pride of Guimaras. From traditional attire to their stunning evening wear, these remarkable women demonstrated what it truly means to be a “Beauty Beyond the Island.” This was a celebration of culture, grace, and the unmatched charm of Guimaras.
The 10 candidates are Zestah Shalom Espinosa of San Lorenzo town, Deserie Magan of Sibunag town, Mary Cathyrine Platon of Jordan, Daicel Joy Asgar of Sibunag, Shiela Muya of Buenavista, Kirsten Marie Bosque of Buenavista, Marcine Balinas of Jordan, Renelyn Gellego of Nueva Valencia, Princess Anne Magbanua of San Lorenzo, and 10 Anne Leslie Tacda of Nueva Valencia.
A Festival of Identity and Direction
Now on its 30th year since Guimaras gained provincial status in 1992, the Manggahan Festival has evolved from a local fruit harvest celebration to a regional beacon of cultural resilience and agricultural pride. Under Gov. Nava’s stewardship, the festival is also becoming a launchpad for the island province’s long-term development, integrating tourism, sustainability, and people empowerment.
“The Manggahan Festival is a compass,” Gov. Nava concluded. “It reminds us where we’ve come from, and helps us navigate where we want to go as one Guimaras.”
Now more than ever, the Manggahan Festival is not just a celebration of mangoes, it’s a celebration of life on the island, of heritage passed down through generations, and of the people’s unwavering spirit to thrive and rise. Whether you’re here to taste the mangoes, dance on the streets, explore sustainable innovations, or simply experience joy in a sun-drenched province, Guimaras invites you to live the sweet life.
As the saying goes, in Guimaras, sweetness is not just a flavor — it’s a way of life./PN
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Panabor sa Isla highlights the creativity of local chefs and home cooks, offering visitors a literal taste of Guimaras’ bounty.
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The Regional Agri-Eco Trade Fair showcases Guimaras’ organic mango-based products to indigenous crafts and zero-waste packaging innovations. PIA ILOILO PHOTO
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Miss Guimaras 2025 candidates
