SUSPENDED by the COVID-19 pandemic for almost three years since 2020, the Mangunguna Festival of Bolinao, Pangasinan has returned.

And it’s back with a bang.

Supposedly held annually to honor Bolinao’s fishermen and the culture of the locality, the feast kicked off the other day (April 19) with a spectacular night of dance and music to celebrate the homecoming of beloved overseas Filipino workers.

Dressed in their most elegant gowns and sparkling dancing shoes, the beautiful women of Bolinao bopped the night away at the main town’s sports facility aided by the best DIs and a superb bass-powered orchestra.

During their inspirational messages, local executives hailed the end of the health crisis and called for unity to sustain economic recovery.

Bolinao Mayor Alfonso Celeste rallied his people to trust and support the healing programs of the local government which, according to him, is like a family.

“Tayo po ay magtulungan. Makakaasa po kayo sa lokal na pamahalaan kung saan para lang po kaming magkakapamilya,” Bolinao Mayor Alfonso Celeste said.

The mayor was not joking. Interestingly, Bolinao is somewhat run by the Celeste family.

Aside from Alfonso, his brothers Richard and Gregorio are Bolinao’s vice mayor and councilor respectively.

Further, the first district of Pangasinan, which covers the western part of the province including Bolinao, is represented in Congress by another sibling, Rep. Arnold Celeste.

And the son of the lawmaker – Bryan Celeste – is the mayor of Alaminos, the neighboring town of Bolinao.

As the guest speaker during the opening night of the festival, the young chief executive of Alaminos congratulated Bolinao for showing great determination to rehabilitate itself.

He said the revival of the Mangunguna Festival and the increasing number of visitors in Bolinao are clear indications that the tourist destination is on its way to complete recuperation.

Just like Bolinao, Alaminos—home of the famed ‘Hundred Islands’ – is experiencing resurgence in tourism which is key to economic recovery, Bryan said.

Meanwhile, the feast in Bolinao will continue until the weekend. A culinary cook-off and a communal fest were scheduled yesterday morning and afternoon respectively.

More fun is expected today with the holding of a mass wedding and a street dancing for the youth sponsored by San Miguel Corp.

Good job Bolinao!

Early in February this year, Bolinao officials reported that the number of tourists arrivals in Bolinao more than doubled from 301,589 in 2021 to 643,785 in 2022.

Municipal Tourism Officer Mary de Guzman said of the 2022 figure, 181,934 tourists stayed in their accredited accommodation establishments, while 461,851 went on day tours in the different local tourist attractions.

Of the total number of tourist arrivals in 2022, 2,923 were foreign nationals while the 640,862 were domestic travelers.

The peak season of tourist arrivals was in April and May with 109,413 and 94,959, respectively.

The most visited attraction in the town in 2022 was its waterfalls, (Bolinao Falls 1, 2 and 3) with 141,846 visitors followed by the Balingasay River with 99,971.

The Balingasay River is known as the cleanest river in the Ilocos Region and is famous for its floating restaurant serving fresh sea foods.

The other attractions were the lighthouse, Patar white sand beach, caves, Camp Puor, hidden spring, Dragon Hill, Virgin River Resort, and River Village Resort.

The latest addition to the many tourist attractions in the town is the Pacific Salt Farm, managed by the provincial government of Pangasinan.

The vice mayor said the town also hosted the 25 candidates of Mr. Tourism World.

They have visited the Pacific Salt Farms, Cape Bolinao Lighthouse, and the river cruise at the Balingasay River.

The candidates witnessed the traditional way of salt making at the Pacific Salt Farms and the landmark in the town, the Cape Bolinao Lighthouse, and enjoyed fresh seafood dishes while cruising the Balingasay River.

Bolinao is known for its pristine white sand beach, clean river, historical landmarks, and world-class resorts.

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