TIM eMagazine Vol.3 Issue 12
Credit: Teddy Pelaez
cake. What adds to the authenticity of these treats is that these still follow
ages-old ways of concocting, preparing and presenting, proudly handed
down from generation to generation.
Then there is Eco-Friendly Laguna, where the province’s LGUs, over the
last few years, became very successful in preserving the pristine status
of its natural landmarks, namely the Seven Lakes in San Pablo City, the
man-made Lake Caliraya, Cavinti’s Lumot Lake, Panguil River Eco-Park and
of course, Laguna de Bay, the largest lake in the country and where its
lakeshore contains the very first capital of the province, the town of Bay.
Not to be outdone are Laguna’s top three attractions for family fun,
with all the rides, shows and delights that will create that perfect bonding
time for both kids and kids at heart: the world-class Enchanted Kingdom
theme park in Sta. Rosa, Nuvali Wake Park in Canlubang, and Splash Island
in Binan.
Record-breaking attempts
The list may go on and on, which makes Laguna akin to an
extraordinarily refreshing drink that you can enjoy time and again, whose
essence is truly captured in not just four, but more ingredients that when
combined together, truly brings out that distinctive Lagunense flavour
and character.
Adding that extra trimming that has made the Anilag extraordinary
had been its attempt to enter the Guinness Book of World Records for
concocting the biggest halyang ube, the largest buko pie and the longest
espasol and biggest cassava cake—some of which held the record during
those particular moments.
Anilag 2019 opened with a big bang and lots of cheer, where the
opening rites last March 2 were graciously presided by Laguna Governor
Ramil Hernandez and Senator Cynthia Villar, chair of the Senate
Committee on Agriculture and Food Security at the colourful festival
site which indeed was a feat for all the senses. Imagine enjoying the
diversities and colour of each of Laguna’s six cities 24 towns that were
well-represented in their own booths!
There were also lots of gifts and novelty items to buy from the various
booths, to take home and which became excellent conversation pieces
as many buyers truly praised the outstanding hand-made craftsmanship
of the Lagunenses. And should one want to enjoy eating, the booths that
served all those distinctive Laguna fare were simply irresistible and worth
gorging in the true spirit of celebration!
This year’s event also had several grand events lined up that showcased
the natural beauty, brawn, mettle and talent of Lagunenses: street dance
showdown, a body-building competition, Mari Gray and LGBTQ Queens
Parade, the ‘Little Mr. and Ms. Laguna’, and the Laguna Gay Queen and
Lesbian King pageants. Medical services at the HIV treatment hub at the
Laguna Medical Center were also provided.
Credit: Teddy Pelaez
“This is indeed great pride and joy for both Lagunenses and visitors
to get to know our province well with this one-week event, enthused
Governor Hernandez. “ Anilag 2019 is also perfect time for family bonding
as we have adopted for this year’s theme, Sama-sama ang Pamilya sa
Masayang Laguna (united as a family in a joyful Laguna)".
For her part, Senator Villar noted how local governments, citing the
Laguna example of diverse crops and produce, must take the initiative
to strengthen their support of the agricultural sector to help sustain
food sufficiency and food security both within their own confines and
for the country as a whole. “I am very much impressed on how Laguna’s
farmers, fisher folk and those engaged in this sector have shown how well
they have managed to diversify their products which, in turn, can draw
consciousness and inspiration to their counterparts in other parts of the
country, ” she proudly remarked.
Be it cocktail or festival, Anilag graciously celebrates the richness of
tastes, sights, scents, handmade treasures and simple pleasures that truly
evoke all the extraordinary, in one exciting province that combines the
best of both worlds, any time of the year!
And let’s be proud of our cultural festivities…!
TIM eMagazine
Credit: Teddy Pelaez
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