Cebu is known for many things: its significance to the country’s history; warm, beautiful people; world-class destinations and sumptuous fare. But the sweetest and juiciest of all is its ripe mangoes.
A hands-down worldwide favorite, mangoes have easily become a proud trademark of the province, long before the recent mango craze caught on in various parts of the country. Such has been the inspiration behind the upcoming Cebu Mangoes Festival, a two-day festivity that celebrates the legacy and the success of mangoes as the top produce of the Queen City of the South.
The event is happening at The Mactan Newtown in Lapu-Lapu City on May 25 and 26. It will be spearheaded by Megaworld Corporation, in partnership with the Lapu-Lapu City Tourism Office.
“The Mactan Newtown is a very special township that plays host to more than 200 mango trees lined up along the main avenue, and it is the vision of our chairman Dr. Andrew L. Tan to showcase this vibrant aspect of the Cebu lifestyle,” says Megaworld Cebu Properties, Inc. president Noli D. Hernandez.
Tourists and visitors will literally have their hands full of everything and anything mangoes the moment the festival begins. Guests are invited to take part as the celebration kicks off with the Mango Street Dancing led by the Kadaugan Dancers on May 25, followed by the official start of the all-day mango picking activity along Newtown Boulevard.
There’s also a Mango Bazaar featuring the “mangopreneurs” of Cebu that will showcase a wide variety of mango-related products. Those who will take part in the festival can also look forward to enjoying a dining feast at the 500-seater Mactan Alfresco.
Also among the much-awaited activities that will form part of the festival is the unveiling of the world’s biggest mango sago, eyed to become a historic first on the island.
Both days will be capped off by the MANGAmazing Concert, which will feature live performances by Cebu’s most sought-after talents, as well as a grand fireworks display.
“The Cebu Mangoes Festival is a one-of-a-kind celebration here at the Historic Resort City of Lapu-Lapu and this side of Cebu. Although the economic progress of the city has gone up by leaps and bounds, agriculture products like mangoes still thrive, and that proves how rich and diverse Cebu’s economic sector really is,” enthused Lapu-Lapu City Tourism Office head Hembler Mendoza.
