The heritage city of Vigan successfully closed the 10-day celebration of its summer festival, the Binatbatan Festival for the Arts, with the street dancing and showdown competitions on the second Sunday of May. The Binatbatan Festival celebrates the culture and artistry that has shaped the city into a UNESCO heritage site.
On Labor Day, halfway through the ten-day event, the Abel Iloko Fashion Show highlighted the many cuts and patterns in both apparel and accessories. Spearheaded by the city’s first lady, Mia Aguila-Singson, the show’s trunk collection employed the Tela de Bonita which she sourced from all over Vigan.
The label “Tela de Bonita” is derived from the Spanish words for fabric and pretty. Bonita also happens to be the name of the Singsons’ lovely daughter. Efforts are likewise widespread in supporting the cottage industry of weaving as loom weavers have dwindled in number in recent years.
This year’s celebration also saw the launching of the Pasaporte de Turista. Mayor Jose Bonito Singson Jr., with the support of the city council and tourism office, has greenlit this tourism legacy project in furtherance of the One Vigan, One Ilocos Sur campaign.
-Earl D.C. Bracamonte, May 9, 2023, kaluh-doscope.blogspot.com
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