Baguio City launches "Sabsabong ti Mayo" tourism event

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines - The Baguio City Tourism Office is planning a summer tourism event called "Sabsabong ti Mayo" to be launched at the end of May. The event was conceptualized to promote Baguio's tourism and education, uphold good governance among the various and give government officials from the Cordillera and Ilocos Region the opportunity to promote their respective towns and cities. According to Supervising Tourism Operations Officer Benedicto Alhambra, the event is different from Panagbenga because it will focus more on the Christian tradition of the Santa Cruzan and instead of flowers, the fabric business will be highlighted during the parade. The summer event is also going to be used to jumpstart the opening of classes because aside from being entertaining, the organizers plan to make it educational as well. Aside from the opening parade, the highlight of the festival will be a fashion show, which will be held at SM City Baguio. The fashion show will feature the work of young local designers. Other planned activities include a forum on good governance, a showcase on culinary arts, a market encounter, and packaged eco-cultural tours. Several activities are planned to be held at the Burnham Park Skating Rink and SM City Baguio. Alhambra said the event will be beneficial not only for the city of Baguio but for other places in the Ilocos Region and Cordillera as well because each town or city will be given the chance to promote the best of what they have to offer. The event will only be limited to Baguio, the rest of the Cordillera, and the Ilocos Region because this is the first time for the city to conduct such an affair. Alhambra added that the initial cost of the event is approximated at P200,000 and gross revenue from the event is expected to reach P63 to P72 million. "Sabsabong ti Mayo" will last for three days. It will start on May 28 and will end on May 31. The tourism office is expecting the event to attract about 30,000 tourists. - Sun.Star Baguio