Mabuhay Festivals 2014: Celebrating Philippine Regions!

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Last January 13 marked the launch of Mabuhay Restop’s MABUHAY FESTIVALS, where different Philippine regions will be celebrated every month, through MUSIC, DANCE, FOOD, VISUAL ARTS, PRODUCTS, & TOURIST ATTRACTIONS. The first three (3) regions to be highlighted are Central Luzon, Eastern Visayas, and Davao Region.

The guests were warmly welcomed by the bamboo instrumental music of the Tatalon Angklung Choir and festive songs by Mabuhay Restop’s young singers.

After a rousing introduction by Mabuhay Restop owner, Rose Cabrera, a glimpse of the monthly MABUHAY FESTIVALS REGIONAL SHOWS was given by the indomitable Mitch Valdes who sang a rearranged version of Ryan Cayabyab’s “Kay Ganda ng Ating Musika” in 7 dialects with Andy Bais and Dulce Punzalan who did the translation.

A glimpse of the monthly MABUHAY FESTIVALS REGIONAL SHOWS was given by the indomitable Mitch Valdes who sang a rearranged version of Ryan Cayabyab’s “Kay Ganda ng Ating Musika” in 7 dialects with Andy Bais and Dulce Punzalan who did the translation in Ilocano, Bicolano, Bisaya, Hiligaynon, Chavacano, and Maranao.

 

Welcoming the guests at the Mabuhay Fiesta Show are Mabuhay Restop's young singers Lizzie and Francis.

 

Guests were greeted by beautiful bamboo music by the Tatalon Angklung Choir who were trained by Professor Enrico Toledo through GKonomics Performing Arts training program with Accenture.

A rousing introduction by Mabuhay Restop owner, Rose Cabrera launching the 2014 MABUHAY FESTIVALS.

Also shown that evening was an excerpt of the upcoming COOK-A-LOKA SHOW, which is a different kind of fun dining experience.

Also shown that evening was an excerpt of the upcoming COOK-A-LOKA SHOW, which is a different kind of fun dining experience. A crazy singing chef and his kooky assistant demonstrate the preparation of a full course Filipino meal that incorporates ingredients from the Gawad Kalinga Enchanted Farm. The cast of COOK-A-LOKA consists of Earl Figuracion and Japo Parcero.

Mitch Valdez singing "Balut"

Mitch Valdes also gave a taste of the ENCHANTED MUSICAL TOUR of the GK Enchanted Farm that she will be conducting there every month, starting on Sunday, January 19. She sang “Balut” as part of her spiel on the Golden Eggs produced at the Farm.

The host of the MABUHAY FIESTA SHOW is Thea Gloria.

Child singer Micko Laurente regales the audience with the sorbetero song.

Young talents Liezl Pascual and Francis Rae add youthful exuberance to the show.

 

A Filipina mother's love for her child is captured in a beautiful song number.

Some traditional Filipino folk dances are performed.

. . . and some not so traditional dances. Here is a modern take on the Pandanggo sa Ilaw.

The Malong Dance in the show demonstrates the many uses of the malong, about 10 different uses.

 

Filipina beauty is tackled in the show too.

Lots of Lights!

Time for some audience participation - playing the Angklung. DOT's Raymund Glen Agustin gamely among the brave souls.

The main preview of the evening was the MABUHAY FIESTA SHOW which captures in 45-minutes the best of the Philippines –our festivals, arts, love of music and dance, tourist attractions, and our vibrant culture in general. The host of the MABUHAY FIESTA SHOW is Thea Gloria, supported by child singer Micko Laurente, young talents Liezl Pascual, Francis Rae, the GK Baseco dancers, and the Tatalon Angklung Choir. The regular run of the show will start on February 5, and every Wednesday thereafter. It’s also available by special arrangement.

FOOD is a very important component of the MABUHAY FESTIVALS-- shown here is the Shrimp Pomelo Salad.

FOOD is a very important component of the MABUHAY FESTIVALS-- shown here is the Sinokmani from Lucban.

Of course, the evening will not be complete without the sumptuous FIESTA BUFFET DINNER which included Kare-Kare, Grilled Tuna Buntot, Callos, Pancit Habhab, Chicken Binakol, Humba, Shrimp Pomelo Salad, Techie’s Pinoy Salad, Escabeche Tanguigue, Shrimp in Alavar Sauce, and yummy desserts like Sinkomani, Tapioca Pudding, Turon with Langka, Mango Sago, and Mabuhay Restop's popular Halo-Halo Bar.

TOURS are another component of the Mabuhay Festivals. 5. A special “Voluntourism Tour” of the region will be offered by Mabuhay Restop in coordination with the regional & provincial tourism office and tourism entrepreneurs from the region (tour includes the region’s tourist spots, museums, arts & crafts, culinary delights and a visit with volunteer activity at a GK village).

PRODUCTS are another important component of the MABUHAY FESTIVALS. Carefully selected products from the highlighted region that embody FIlipino creativity and innovation will be sold at Mabuhay Restop who will be working in partnership with GKONOMICS whose vision is to build recognizable FIlipino global brands that do not leave the poor behind.

 Shown here is a Pis SYabit weave from Sulu.

Shown here is a Pis Syabit weave from Sulu made by the Tausugs.

Shown here is a bracelet by F.A.R.M from Boao, Camarines Sur.

DOT Region 8 DIrector Karen Tiopes with GK's Tony Meloto and artist Nemi Miranda -- great partners of Mabuhay Restop in mounting the MABUHAY FESTIVALS! Tours, nation-building & visual art exhibits.

GK's Tony Meloto and former Mayor-COngressman, now GET entrepreneur Freddie Tinga posing with the Angklung Tatalon CHoir and Dulce Punzalan.

Thank you NCCA Director Amelinda Suemith, Public Relations director Rene Napenas, and NCCA team for gracing the launch of the Mabuhay Festivals.

ARTS: Every month, visual artists from the highlighted region will have some of their work on display at Mabuhay Restop as part of the MABUHAY FESTIVALS. Shown here are friends from the visual arts community

Mabuhay Restop thanks friends from the media, the Department of Tourism, National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), Department of Trade & Industry, City Tourism offices of Manila and Pasay, expat community, bloggers, art community, and even guests from Australia & New Zealand who graced the special occasion. Mabuhay!

We are hoping that the Mabuhay Fiesta Show will successfully share about our vibrant Filipino culture with many more happy audiences in the future. Please help us spread the word!