Guests and visitors from various regions in the forthcoming NorthPhil Expo 2010 will be treated with the spectacular parade of Pampanga’s Ibon-Ebun festival, the pride of Candaba town where performers are clad in different duck costumes.
The local performers are slated to participate in this year’s NorthPhil Expo opening salvo which will start at 10:00 in the morning on November 12 at the Event Centre of SM City Clark and will run until November 14.
Pampanga Governor Lilia G. Pineda and Aurora Governor Bellaflor C. Angara-Castillo are expected to grace the opening ceremonies of the said annual event which hopes to gather leaders and stakeholders of the tourism industry in the country.
Now on its fifth year, the NorthPhil Expo is a big boost to the tourism industry in Central Luzon, Cagayan Valley, Ilocos and the Cordillera Autonomous regions as it showcases the best and finest tourism destinations, products, features and services of the said areas, according to Rey Arciga, head of the Arts, Culture and Tourism Office of Pampanga (ACTOP).
Arciga said that with the province acting as host to the said event, the provincial government is committed to ensure the successful implementation of the various activities lined-up for the three-day gathering.
The NorthPhil Expo is spearheaded by the Department of Tourism (DOT) regional offices in the four concerned regions with the support of the Central Luzon Tourism Council (CLTC) and the Philippine Exhibits and Theme Parks Corporation.
DOT Secretary Alberto A. Lim’s keynote speech during the formal opening program will be delivered by Assistant Secretary Benito Bengzon, Jr.
Arciga said that based on the schedule of activities, the Pampanga Provincial Brass Band will also perform around the mall after the exhibit opening on November 12, followed by the various presentations of DOT regional offices, Crimson Resort and Spa, Matabungkay Beach Resort and Nayong Pilipino Dance Troupe.
“After the ribbon cutting and opening ceremonies, presentations of Pampanga, Microtel Hotel and Philippine Retirement Authority (PRA) will be held,” Arciga said as he added that the opening day event will be capped with a dinner to be hosted by the province.
Musical numbers from the PUP Banda Kawayan of Bataan and various activities lined-up by the provinces of Tarlac, Aurora and Zambales including the Pampanga Agents and Travel Society, Cebu Pacific, Subic Bay, DOT-Cagayan Valley, Zambales Resort Owners Association will be held on the second day.
“On Sunday, a mass with Our Lady of Piat of Cagayan Valley is scheduled at the main entrance of the mall,” he said as he added that other activities scheduled for the last day are presentations from PRA, Camarines Norte, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Clark Development Corporation and the CLTC’s NorthPhil Gut Talent will be conducted.
DOT Regional Director for Central Luzon Ronaldo Tiotuico said that this “big gathering of leaders from both the government and the private sectors would underscore the significance of North Philippines as a major component of the country’s tourism spectrum.”
Tiotuico further described the festivity as a tourism attraction by itself as it attracts a consistently growing number of exhibitors and visitors annually. (Pampanga PIO)
