Bicolanos hold tourism festival on Chater Rd

By Ellen Asis

Members of the Bicol Migrants Association held the first ever Bicol tourism festival in Hong on Sept 30 at Chater Road, Central.

Six provinces comprising Bicol region each had a booth that exhibited their native products, from food delicacies to handicraft to costumes, and displayed pictures of famous tourist attractions in each place.

According to BMA president Art Buban, the initiative is meant to promote the Bicol region as a tourist destination, not only for tourists, but also for Filipinos, including foreign domestic workers.

The group is confident their region has more than enough attractions to capture anyone visiting it for the first time, and for former visitors to want to go back for more.

The top draws include the perfectly-formed Mayon Volcano in Albay province, and the world-class surfing facilities in Camarines Sur.

The other provinces that make up the Bicol region are Camarines Norte, Catanduanes, Masbate, and Sorsogon.

One of the booths set up to showcase Bicol’s tourism and cultural resources.

Consul Paulo Saret who was the guest speaker at the event, praised BMA for taking the initiative to get more people to visit their region and discover its many beautiful attractions.

Consul Saret said that tourism helps the economy, and uplift the lives of many Filipinos so it’s important for everyone to promote our country and encourage more tourists to come and visit the Philippines.

One of the attractions at the day-long event was a booth occupied by guests from the famous Filipino radio program, “Isumbong mo kay Tulfo”, including the host, Ramon Tulfo. The veteran journalist posed for pictures with many OFWs who dropped by the booth, and promised help to those who needed it.

BMA was founded by Buban only last year, but has already 230 members.