It was a fun-filled summer as the province of Laguna celebrated its colorful culture and crafts in the first La Laguna Festival of Life from April 10 to 17 at the Provincial Capitol Complex in Sta. Cruz, Laguna.

According to Gov. Jeorge “E.R. Ejercito” Estregan, the weeklong event highlighted the traditions and alluring attractions of the province which has made it a top tourist draw south of the metropolis.
“Laguna takes pride in its natural wonders such as the iconic Pagsanjan Falls, mystic Mt. Makiling, the scenic Laguna Lake, San Pablo City’s seven lakes, enchanting waterfalls, hot and cold spring resorts, as well as historic spots such as postcard-perfect Spanish-era churches, welcome arches and ancestral homes,” he said.

Festivities began April 10 with the Festival Queen Mardi Gras Party, the traditional sagalahan, and a fireworks display.

The centerpiece of the celebration was the daily trade fair at the Provincial Capitol Complex which displayed popular crafts such as the hand-embroidered barongs of Lumban, the footwear of Liliw, wooden sculptures and papier maches from Paete, native decor items from Luisiana, Cavinti, Famy and Mabitac.

There were also fresh farm produce from Kalayaan and Rizal, dairy products from Alaminos, sweet pineapples from Calauan, sweet delicacies from Pagsanjan and Pangil, puto from Biñan, buko pie, uraro, and espasol from Los Baños and Calamba, and processed food from Pila and Cabuyao, among others.
Meanwhile, the indigenous gown and barong creations of the province’s promising couturiers took center stage in a daily grand sagala and designers’ competition.

Spicing up the festivities were beauty pageants, body painting, entertainment events, body painting, a brass band tilt, drum and lyre exhibition, dog show, Palarong Pinoy native sportsfest, a cooking and bar tending contest, and various special events.

The festival’s highlight was the Grand Float Parade where gaily-adorned municipal floats took  to the streets featuring Laguna’s towns and cities led by local officials.

La Laguna drew to a close on April 17 with a dragon boat and banca race, and a fluvial parade on the picturesque Sta. Cruz River.

Ejercito said that the festival is special because it would serve as a fitting prelude to the nationwide observance of Dr. Jose Rizal’s 150th birth anniversary on June 19 which will center around the Rizal Shrine in Calamba City.

Composed of 26 towns and four cities, Laguna has successfully combined modern living and rural ambiance. The bustling province is host to residential villages, golf courses, emerging business districts, industrial enclaves and first-rate tourism-related establishments, and at the same time has preserved its rustic character especially on the towns around Laguna de Bay, the country’s biggest lake.
For details, call (049) 501-8212, 501-3323, 0916-5381157 or 0908-8974071 or visit www.laguna.gov.ph/lalaguna.