Romblon, the “Marble Capital of the Philippines,” will prove to be a promising tourist destination, as it hosts the third Mimaropa Festival in Odiongan town from November 18 to 25. Tourism Secretary Wanda Corazon T. Teo said, “Region 4-B’s best-kept secret, Romblon, will be unraveled as a world-class tourist attraction like its neighboring provinces.” Region 4-B is comprised of Mindoro Occidental, Mindoro Oriental, Marinduque, Romblon and Palawan (Mimaropa).
“Owing to its relative isolation, Romblon province has quietly preserved its lush, mountainous greenery, hidden valleys, waterfalls, pristine waters, white-sand beaches, diving sites, Spanish-era relics and many more,” Teo pointed out.
The tourism chief went on to say, “But it’s more fun in Romblon because of the local people’s hospitality and, of course, the delectable, authentic dishes and exotic fruits served with that infectious smile.”
The weeklong festivities will be participated in by delegations from Mimaropa’s provinces and will be highlighted by pageantry, sights and sounds of authentic ethnic performances, and display of abundant local farm produce, said Department of Tourism-Mimaropa Regional Director Danilo Intong.
The opening ceremonies will be led by Romblon Gov. Eduardo Firmalo, followed by events featuring drum and lyre competition, Marble Festival, agri fair, cookfest, kite boarding, bicycle marathon, regatta, float parade and the Mimaropa King and Queen pageant.
Slated as the festival’s main events are the street dance and the showdown competition among the groups of 1000 cultural performers from the five provinces and the two cities of Calapan and Puerto Princesa.
“All roads lead to Odiongan, Romblon, for an exciting and fun-filled Mimaropa 3 festival, which will surely be the next big-thing in Philippine tourism,” Intong exclaimed.