By Mariela Angella Oladive
The province of Guimaras officially opened its 33rd Manggahan Festival on Friday, May 16, with 13 metric tons—or about 11,000 kilos—of its world-renowned sweet mangoes ready for visitors to enjoy during the 10-day celebration.
Running until May 25, the 2025 Manggahan Festival carries the theme “Mangoes and More,” highlighting not only the province’s famed mangoes but also its growing array of local products and cultural heritage.
Organizers aim to surpass last year’s attendance of nearly 63,000 with a packed schedule of events, including the popular Mango-Eat-All-You-Can.
For just PHP100, participants can feast on unlimited mangoes for 30 minutes.
Last year, a visitor from Louisville, Kentucky, set the record by eating 25 pieces, besting over 9,500 challengers.
“This year’s Manggahan Festival is bigger and more inclusive,” said Gov. JC Rahman Nava in a press conference.
“We are not just celebrating mangoes but showcasing all that Guimaras has to offer—from our culture and produce to our people’s talents.”
The provincial government has allotted around PHP42 million for this year’s festivities, significantly higher than last year’s PHP34 million.
Last year’s edition of the Manggahan Festival generated over PHP311.87 million in total revenues.
Major contributors included PHP84.47 million from tourism, PHP106.18 million from the music festival, PHP54.43 million from accommodations, PHP1.78 million from transportation, PHP26.34 million from the agri-eco trade fair and PHP5.04 million from retail activities.
Highlights of the festival include the Manggahan Music Fest, with nightly concerts at 9:30 p.m. featuring top artists such as Ely Buendia (May 16), Andrew E (May 17), Angeline Quinto (May 21), MYMP and Lola Amour (May 22), Michael Pangilinan (May 23), Maki (May 24) and Dionela (May 25), alongside local performers throughout the celebration.
The festival also features Cultural and Street Dance Competitions, where Guimaras’ five municipalities will showcase their heritage through vibrant performances and choreography.
The Agri-Fishery Fair and Trade Exhibits will highlight local produce and agricultural innovations.
Other major events include Panabor sa Isla, the Mr. and Miss Guimaras Pageant, Kabataan Day, Farmers and Fisherfolk Day, Provincehood Night and other community-centered celebrations.
To accommodate the expected influx of tourists, special sea vessel trips have been scheduled, including additional trips from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m., with a fixed fare of PHP50 per passenger.
“We’re hoping to replicate and even exceed last year’s success,” Nava added.
“More than the numbers, we want to give our guests an unforgettable celebration of what makes Guimaras truly special.”
The Manggahan Festival continues to serve as a vibrant showcase of Guimaras’ agricultural bounty, cultural pride and festive spirit—anchored by the fruit that put the island on the global map: the sweet mango.
