LUNA, Apayao – The province is getting ready for a week-long celebration of culture, history, and arts, as the Provincial Tourism Services Office (PTSO) has released the official lineup of activities for Apayao Tourism Week which will take place from September 16 to 20.
Activities will be held simultaneously in different cottages within Apayao Eco Tourism and Sports Complex (AETSC) and Lussok Cave in Luna.
The celebration will kick off with a Painting Workshop at the Santa Marcela Cottage in AETSC.
Experienced and aspiring artists will have the opportunity to exchange ideas, share knowledge and techniques, different tips and tricks, and hone their skills, inspired by the rich culture of the province.
“As these gifted artists demonstrate their techniques and share insights into their creative processes, you can watch in awe as their imaginations unfold before your eyes,” announced PTSO on their Facebook page.
Meanwhile, for visitors seeking a historical journey and for local history buffs, there will be an Artifacts Exhibit titled “A Journey to the Past,” at the Luna Cottage. This is a window into the province’s rich history, which features artifacts telling the story of Apayao’s cultural roots. “Artifacts Exhibit serves as a portal to the past, inviting visitors to embark on a journey through time and rediscover the rich tapestry of our shared history,” PTSO’s Facebook post read.
Craft enthusiasts, on the other hand, can look forward to the Crocheting Workshop at the Vice Governor’s Cottage where participants will learn about the traditional art form and its techniques that has been passed down through generations. “Tourism Week is a remarkable opportunity to celebrate and revive the traditional arts that are gradually fading in our rapidly modernizing world, and one of the highlights of this event will be the timeless craft of crocheting,” PTSO stated.
Adding an adventurous twist, the Lussok Cave in Dagupan, Luna will play host to the official launch of the “Angnganannay ane Alawagan.” This program is designed to promote eco-tourism, environmental awareness, and conservation efforts.
“It is an Isnag term that encapsulates the concept of romancing with nature. This activity emphasizes a harmonious relationship with the environment, where individuals engage in practices that preserve and nurture the natural world. It involves sustainable actions such as planting trees, protecting wildlife, and maintaining the cleanliness of natural habitats,” PTSO on what is Angnganannay ane Alawagan.
Food lovers will not be left out with the much-awaited Mangan Tada Food Fair at the AETSC Museum. This is the localized version of the Cordilleran food fair called Mangan Tako. Traditional yApayao cuisine and other local delicacies will be on full display so everyone can savor the flavors of Apayao’s culinary identity.
Rounding off the week is the highly-anticipated 2024 Armat yApayao runway parade also in AETSC Museum. This fashion show is a full display of indigenous and modern Apayao inspired style. “This is a fashion extravaganza featuring the stunning creations of local designers and sewers. This will showcase their collections, each reflecting the cultural heritage and contemporary trends in the province,” announced PTSO.
This year’s Tourism Week is themed “Tourism and Peace,” highlighting the role of tourism in promoting harmony and mutual understanding among communities. By Jess Christley Marquez
