NEWSFLASH

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ILOCOS CELEBRATES VIVA VIGAN '98

Vigan, Ilocos Sur, April 30, 1998 - The historic capital of Ilocos Sur is staging Viva Vigan '98 as the highlight event of its Fiesta Month of May and the country's Centennial of Independence.

The event will also be a Festival of the Arts, and is expected to draw thousands of local visitors as well as foreign tourists. Vigan's biggest attractions are the unique Old World buildings, brick- paved streets, centuries-old horse-drawn carriages, as well as the activities traditionally held only in the merry month of May.

Department of Tourism Region I Director Rowena Calica said the festival opens Friday, May 1, with a tribute to national hero Isabelo de los Reyes, considered the father of the Philippine union movement and also a leading propagandist of the Philippine Revolution.

Featured as part of the Viva Vigan cultural show will be Ilocano folk dances, the airing of kundiman songs, daniw poetry recitals, a Chinese opera, a tilbury race, an Abel fashion show, a Comedia Street Dancing show revolving around the moro-moro conflict between Christians and Muslims, a Santacruzan and the Grand Calesa Parade.

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