Pangasinan town hosts Mr. Tourism World talent tilt

By Hilda Austria 

BOLINAO, Pangasinan – The 25 candidates for Mr. Tourism World showcased their creative skills in a talent competition and toured famous destinations in this town.
    Bolinao town Vice Mayor Richard Celeste, in a phone interview on Tuesday, said they hosted the candidates for their talent competition here.
    “They visited the Pacific Salt Farms, Cape Bolinao Lighthouse, and the river cruise at the Balingasay River,” he said.
    The candidates witnessed the traditional way of salt making at the Pacific Salt Farms and the town's landmark Cape Bolinao Lighthouse.
    They also enjoyed the fresh seafood dishes while cruising the Balingasay River, the cleanest river in the region, he added.
    Celeste said contestants arrived for their 3-day stay in the town on Jan. 29.
    “We have highlighted in the presentations about our tourism projects and destinations here,” he added.
    Celeste expressed confidence the visit of the candidates would help boost the town's tourism industry.
    “This way they were able to see that indeed, Bolinao is a tourist destination,” he said.
    Bolinao is known for its pristine white sand beach, clean river, historical landmarks, and world-class resorts.
    The town recorded 642,603 tourist arrivals in 2022.
    Meanwhile, Celeste said they are now preparing for the upcoming festivals in their town, the Ballayon Arts Festival and the Mangunguna Festival 2023.
    “Ballayon arts festival featuring artists will have workshops, exhibits, and competitions. The Mangunguna Festival is the flagship festival with street dancing competition, it’s like our town fiesta,” he said.
    The Ballayon Arts Festival will be held in February while the Mangunguna Festival will be from April 19 to 21. -- PNA