BY VINCE JACOB VISAYA
CABARROGUIS, Quirino (December 11)—Amid glowing lights highlighting a three-week Christmas variety fair, the 10th Paskuhan sa Quirino, opened on Friday night at the capitol compound at 7:30 p.m.
“We highlight our own handicraft, customs, culture and traditions with exhibit booths adorned with ethnic motifs from the province’s Indigenous peoples such as Bugkalots, Agtas, Igorots, Kalingas, Ilocanos, among other tribes and groups,” Gov. Dakila Carlo Cua said.
The event is focused on the theme “Paskuhan sa Tribu: Magsaya, Magkaisa at Magsama-sama.”
First hatched in 2012, the annual event has been a way to attract residents and tourists in visiting the holiday sites, he added.
A street parade capped the start of the opening while about 2,500 people flocked to the lighted decorated cathedral, photo station, lighted Santa and Reindeer, kiosks, giant Christmas tree, giant Belen, and giant Bear.
Christmas gifts, Christmas trees, decorations, food products and handicrafts were common sights while variety shows, raffle draws, bazaars, food plazas and raffle draws also capped the gathering.
Nelma Uao, Cabarroguis tourism officer and exhibitor, told The Manila Times that their town officials and other participants ensured that the materials used were recycled, indigenous, and biodegradable.
Cultural dances and practices by tribes who wore ethnic attire and used local musical instruments were also shown to spectators.
William Bill Doria, Saguday acting tourism officer, said they tried their best to depict the town’s identity with local items associated with local folk.