The Best of Aklan Showcase

By: Chita de la Cruz – Heap

ONCE again, the hard working, innovative, caring, artistic and skilful co-chairman of the Provincial Tourism Council, Ms. Anita Victoria Ramos –Antonino proved her point that so long as Aklanons are willing to participate and to work harder, there is always money to be found in all aspects of Tourism in this province.

Although the commencement of the Blessing and Launching of the Stalls for the Best of Aklan was delayed, it was worth the wait. It also gave the invited guests the opportunity to browse the beautiful displays of various handicrafts prior to the event.

Just under sixty guests managed to gain access as CAAP ran out of the identification stickers to be worn by guests, in order for them to be identified and for them to gain access.

Gov. Marquez came early with the hope of seeing the displays in place, but was disappointed that the stalls were not ready. He had to leave early for another commitment.

The four associates who were in charge with the afternoon’s event and displays were:
Baligyaan, composed of Aklan Visual Artist Association, The Aklan Kamera Organization, Literary Group represented by Ms. Ninia Candelario;Aklan Piña Manufacturers and Traders Associations of Piña Weavers, headed by Ms. India dela Cruz Legaspi; Hugod Aklanon Association represented by Ms. Rose Nepumoceno; Aklan Food Processors headed by Rose Sauza. Not only the foreign guests but also local visitors showed their appreciation of the beautiful things they viewed on the second floor.

It was a very hopeful omen for all of the booth owners with many of them selling out of some items on their first day. They could see the potentials of their efforts. With the success on the first run, there are still more improvements that are needed: On Administration, Transportation, Facilities (ie toilets) and Cultural (ie) photos of various tourism destinations in Aklan not only in Boracay to be displayed on the walls.

Note from the Editor: I believed that the suggestions for these situations I listed here were made many years ago but the people to whom these concerns were addressed were unreceptive, hence these suggestions made remained as suggestions only. It could be that some provincial officials are reluctant to make changes as a consequence of their lack of foresight and of their own limited imagination. Some believed that as these practices were already in place before their time they do not want to rock the boat by introducing innovations and developing the scope of the existing facilities. I would like to remind these people that the Age of the Dinosaurs is long gone and that if they are unable to think constructively, they should give way to younger and more energetic counterparts who have the required vision.

How could Aklan lose with such an energetic and dynamic woman like Vicky Ramos at the helm?/TE