‘Dumaguete perfect
host of dance fest’

BY MARICAR ARANAS
Thursday, April 23, 2009


Dumaguete City is the perfect venue for the 1st Dance Exchange International Dance Festival for its peaceful community, Shirley Halili-Cruz, chair, Dance Committee of the National Commission on Culture and Arts, said yesterday.

She said the warm people, lover of culture and arts were among the factors that convinced them to choose Dumaguete as festival venue.

Cruz said peace and order is the priority concern of the organizers, because the delegations are from different foreign countries all over the world. Also expected to attend are some foreign dignitaries who will be showing support.

The NCCA, in cooperation with the Negros Oriental Government, will host the dance festival from April 28 to May 1.

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and Tourism Secretary Joseph Durano were invited to the opening ceremony.

Board Member Mariant Escano-Villegas, chairperson, Committee on Tourism, Culture and Arts of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, said nine foreign dance groups confirmed to participate.

These are from Malaysia, Singapore, Hongkong, China, England and Sri Lanka, while 17 outstanding dance groups in the Philippines will be joining.

The delegations will also hold outreach presentations in Amlan,Tanjay City, Bais City, Siaton, Zamboanguita, Valencia and Santa Catalina.

Villegas said the opportunity of hosting the dance festival will open doors to further promote the tourism destination in the province. About 1,000 delegates and visitors are expected during the event, she said.

Local producers of delicacies, crafts and souvenir items are encouraged to produce quality products for foreign and local visitors. The winning recipes of the Lutong Garbo will be featured during the festival.

Villegas said local producers and restaurant owners will display their products at the lobby of the Negros Oriental Convention Center.

The local government units are also urged to open agri-fair booth at the Sidlakang Negros Village, where visitors can see their tourism sites and destinations.*MA


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