In between storms, Ilocos Norte’s celebration of “Himala sa Buhangin,” set on Saturday, will push through to raise funds and collect donations for typhoon victims.
Ilocos Norte Governor Matthew Joseph Manotoc confirmed this in a message to local journalists Thursday, as he enjoined the public to show their support by buying limited edition merchandise, such as shirts, caps, tumblers, and tote bags, to aid typhoon victims in Northern Luzon.
Organizers said this year’s art and music festival at the Paoay sand dunes would be a way to help local communities recover from the onslaught of typhoons this month by donating parts of the proceeds to those who are struggling from disaster.
A donation drive will also be conducted on the same day, where festival goers can drop new clothes, new blankets, new towels, canned goods, noodles, and bottled water in designated drop-off points, such as the Provincial Capitol and Plaza del Norte in this city, the Arte Luna in Paoay, and the Imelda Cultural Center and the Mariano Marcos State University High School gate in Batac City.
“Let us show our solidarity in the spirit of music and arts and in our efforts to uplift our communities in times of crisis,” Xavier Ruiz, officer in charge of the Ilocos Norte Tourism Office, said as he enjoined everyone to support this cause.
Ruiz said the staging of Himala continues to gain generous support from the private sector, enabling them to have a more efficient and sustainable use of resources.
As in the previous years, Ilocos Norte residents are free to watch the evening concert but some tickets, priced between PHP500 and PHP1,500, are sold this time for an upgraded experience with exclusive access to the Himala lounge with complimentary food, drinks, and limited edition merchandise.
Day activities will start at 8 a.m. with a 4×4 race, sand boarding, beach volleyball, kayaking, and sand castle making, among others.
Home-grown artists and designers were tapped to create the art installations, and the evening concert, fire and belly dancing, and foam party are among the hits during the event.
There will also be a food park featuring Asian cuisines in support of the province’s micro, small and medium entrepreneurs. (Leilanie Adriano)
(Source: Philippine News Agency)