By Gelyka Ruth R. Dumaraos
Photos by Teddy Pelaez
Laguna is a province undoubtedly bursting with rich culture and tradition, culinary surprises and off-the-beaten-path destinations one can readily go back to any time in a year.
As the province’s way of thanksgiving for abundant resources sprawled in its six cities and 24 municipalities, the weeklong Anilag Festival was celebrated by highlighting its distinct products and the people who produce them.
For Department of Tourism (DOT) Region 4A OIC-Director Marites Castro, Anilag Festival, which means ani ng Laguna (Laguna’s harvest), is the grand culmination of all festivals in Laguna where each town gets to showcase what it has to offer.
She says, “Anilag Festival showcases the various attractions in Laguna, which encourage thousands of people visiting, whether they are local or foreigners, to get to know each place, its natural wonders, as well as its delectable cuisines.”
Agri-industrial and tourism products
The event’s is trade show featured the products of 12 local government units (LGUs). Among the standouts are: the tilapia harvest and its seven lakes of San Pablo; geothermal energy of Bay; the handcraft footwear industry of Liliw; the barong of Lumban; the coffee of Cabuyao; and the woodcraft of Paete and Pangil. Tourism stakeholders, including travel and tour operators, hotels and resorts, and farm and food establishments, also had their own respective booths and kiosks. There are also tourism information hubs on top-notch Laguna destinations for prospective visitors.
Aside from the year-round tourist spots such as the hot-spring resorts in Majayjay, Los Baños, Calamba City and Nagcarlan, adventure tours also await in the popular Shooting the Rapids in Pagsanjan Falls and trekking to Magdapio Falls of Cavinti. Castro also underscores the development of the Paguil River Eco-Park trails and the Mount Makiling camping grounds.
When it comes to agritourism, Dr. Rosauro A. Sta. Maria Jr., head of Laguna Tourism, Culture, Arts and Trade Office (LTCATO), puts the spotlight to Costales Nature Farms in Majayjay that has etched Laguna in the agritourism map of the world.
“Starting small, Costales Nature Farms had gone into being mentors for the whole of Southeast Asia in terms of organic farming,” Sta. Maria proudly says, adding Liliw, Kalayaan, and Calauan to the list.
People of Laguna
More than the products, Sta. Maria says that Anilag Festival is also a celebration of the province’s people.
Ani is not just about the products of Laguna,” he explains. “We are proud of our citizens. We’re proud of our national hero, Jose Rizal, who hailed from the province.”
Sta. Maria also mentions the Laguna locals of the old days who had made their marks in the music industry such as composer and church musician Marcelo Adonay from Pakil and Soprano and sarswela star Maria Carpena of Santa Rosa. Laguna also takes pride as the home province of pageant beauties Ms. Universe-Philippines Ariella Arida and celebrity actor Alden Richards, among others.
“Anilag Festival is also a campaign to promote our people. We are always proud of the people of the province as we ourselves are also the ‘harvest’ of Laguna,” Sta. Maria concludes.
Image credits: Teddy Pelaez