It was North meets North as the Department of Tourism Region 10 recently held its “Pasundayag sa Northern Mindanao 2016” at SM City Baguio. In this wonderful cultural exchange, residents of Baguio and the Cordilleras in the northern Philippines were able to have a glimpse of the rich culture and traditions of Northern Mindanao.
 
Celebrating unity through diversity, no less than Baguio City Mayor Mauricio Domogan, Congresswoman Mercedes Cagas of Davao del Sur, Governor Herminia Ramiro of Misamis Occidental, and Governor elect Maria Luisa Romualdo of Camiguin led the opening ceremonies which were highlighted by Northern Mindanao rituals.
 
Tourism officials from all over the Philippines came in full force: Northern Mindanao Regional Tourism Council Chair Dr. Jennifer Wee-Tan, DOT-CAR Regional Director Venus Marie Tan, DOT IV Regional Director Rebecca Labit, and DOT Region 1 Director Martin Valera, and of course, Region 10 Director Catalino “Butch” Tan III, who spearheaded the event. SM officials led by Senior Vice President for Marketing Millie Dizon and Regional Operations Manager Janssen Pe welcomed them.
 
Pasundayag highlighted the pomp and pageantry of Northern Mindanao and its cultural communities in the provinces of Camiguin, Misamis Oriental, Lanao del Norte, Bukidnon, and Misamis Occidental; as well as the cities of Cagayan de Oro, El Salvador, Iligan, Ozamis, Tangub, and Valencia.
 
Mallgoers were amazed at the cultural performances from the region, as well as the showcases of tourism spots in the different provinces. They also had a taste of Northern Mindanao through its fresh fruits and delicacies like the pastel, moron, and tablea. Woven wonders from the region, exotic beadwork and jewelry, and pearl inlaid furniture were also highlighted in the event.
 
The Northern Mindanao Fair is a joint project of the Department of Tourism and SM. Other partners include Cebu Pacific Air, the Regional Development Council, and the National Economic Development Authority Region 10, with support from the Cagayan de Oro City Hotel and Restaurant Association and the Cagayan de Oro Travel and Tours Association. SM malls in Cagayan De Oro, the Mall of Asia, Iloilo, and Clark have earlier hosted “Pasundayag” events.