Orchestrating a perfect blend of culture and cuisine, Ormoc City, under the dynamic leadership of Rep. Richard Gomez of the Fourth District, celebrated the vibrant Piña Festival with gusto. Known for its succulent, world-famous Queen Pineapples, the festival not only honors the city’s patron saints, San Pablo and San Pedro, but also embodies the resilient spirit and rich agricultural heritage of Ormoc. This celebration aligns with the vision of Bagong Pilipinas, showcasing innovation, community strength, and cultural richness.
Led by celebrity Mayor Lucy Torres-Gomez and Rep. Gomez, the festival parade is a spectacle of color, dance, and the enticing aromas of local delicacies that draw thousands of spectators.
“The Piña Festival also seeks to promote not only Ormoc’s very own sweet queen pineapple, but also its people’s strong character that helps them overcome challenges and obstacles they face from personal problem to calamities and disasters,” Rep. Gomez said.
“The Piña Festival is our tribute to the divine for the endless blessings bestowed upon Ormoc. Fanciful floats adorned with pineapple motifs paraded through the city streets, followed by vibrant dance performances and the melodious tunes of the local symphony orchestra. It’s a celebration of our bountiful harvests and a testament to the enduring spirit of our community,” shared Estrella Serafica-Pangilinan, chairperson of the Ormoc Festival and Cultural Foundation.
Local Delicacies
The festival also serves as a platform to showcase Ormoc’s diverse culinary offerings. Fried and fresh mussels, served crispy and brimming with the flavors of the sea, highlight Ormoc’s rich marine biodiversity. The Alto Peak Chocolates, featuring rich 70% and 80% dark chocolate bars and unique cacao nibs, add a luxurious touch, emphasizing the region’s capacity for producing premium artisanal products. Visitors and locals alike indulge in the refreshing Cold Sikwate from Alto Peak, a chilled version of the traditional hot chocolate, perfect for the tropical climate.
The Mango with Sticky Rice and Hot Chocolate, a delightful fusion that melds the sweetness of locally grown mangoes with the comforting warmth of chocolate, showcases the innovative spirit of Ormoc’s culinary scene. This delightful dessert pairing offers a taste of the tropical bliss that is synonymous with Ormoc.
Festival Impact
The Piña Festival not only boosts the local economy by promoting tourism but also reinforces the cultural identity of Ormoc, portraying it as a city resilient in the face of adversities. Ormoc City, known as the economic and cultural hub of western Leyte, thrives on its pineapple production, with over 100 tons yielded annually from local farms. The Piña Festival goes beyond a mere cultural festivity; it’s a dynamic platform promoting Ormoc’s finest—its people, its produce, and its potential. With every pineapple slice and every melody played, Ormoc continues to weave its story of resilience, beauty, and community—a narrative that resonates well beyond its borders, embodying the ideals of Bagong Pilipinas.8
