IBA, Zambales — The biggest, liveliest and most exciting festival in the history of Zambales is about to happen this April, with at least 16 major events to highlight a nine-day festivity centering on the pride of the province—the world’s sweetest mango fruit.

Gov. Hermogenes Ebdane said the provincial government and various community organizations have been busy preparing for the Zambales Dinamulag Mango Festival, which is expected to be a “revenge event” after the restrictions of the Covid-19 pandemic in the past three years.

“We expect more visitors coming to the festival this year because we have activities that would appeal to a wide range of audience. And Zambales is more than ready for them. That’s what we have been doing for the past two months—planning and preparing for this big event,” Ebdane said on Wednesday.

The Dinamulag Festival, which gets its name from the succulent and popular carabao mango variety found in Zambales, will kick off with the 1^st Gov. Jun Ebdane Cup Fun Shoot, with participants coming from all over the country for a three-day shooting competition, April 21-23 at Camp Conrado Yap in Iba.

This will bring in the first wave of visitors to the province, Ebdane said. After this, more events will follow:

April 24: 5 a.m. – “Pulayo ha Dinamulag Festival” marathon, with an Iba-Palauig-Iba route for various categories: 3km, 5km, 10km, 21km, and 40 km.

Starting April 24: Mango-picking at various farms.  Abille Farm, San Felipe, April 24-30; Jess Villamin Farm, Iba, April 25-M April 26-May 2ay 1; Angel Ignacio Farm, San Marcelino, April 26-May 2; Ebueng Residence Farm, Candelaria, April 26-May 2; and Bayto Farm, Sta. Cruz, April 28-May 5.

April 25: 7 a.m. – Mountain Bike Fun Ride, Iba.

April 26:  8 p.m. – Presentation of Candidates and Talent Night for the 2023 Binibining Zambales Pageant, Festival Grounds near the Provincial Capitol in Iba.

April 27: • 7 a.m. – “Lumba Tamo” Road Bike Race, Subic-Sta. Cruz-Iba, with Open Pro, Open Elite, and Open Amateur categories;

• 7:30 a.m. – Opening of mango booths, Festival Grounds;

• 8 p.m. – 2023 Binibining Zambales Swimwear Competition, Festival Grounds.

April 28: • 8 a.m. – Drum and Lyre Competition, Zambales Sports Complex;

• 8 a.m. – Opening of the Parayawan Agri-Tourism Showcase and Trade Fair, Festival Grounds. This will feature displays by local government units of the rich agricultural resources, as well as farm tourism attractions in the province;

• 8 a.m. – 1^st Philippine Mango Derby Open House, Batungbacal Farm, Palauig;

• 8 a.m. – Luzon Mango Congress, People’s Plaza, Botolan;

• 10 a.m. – Start of Mango Eat-All-You-Can buffet, Festival Grounds. This will give mango lovers a chance to savor the juicy sweetness of local mangoes at just P150 for 30 minutes. Various mango eating challenges will also be staged in the same venue;

• 5 p.m. – Zamba-Liwanag Float Parade & Competition, Zambales Sports Complex. This will feature float entries that depict the bountiful harvest of Zambales mangoes, as well as the unique attractions, and heritage and traditions in the local community;

• 8 p.m. – Zamba Tuklas Talento Finals, Festival Grounds.

April 29: • 9 a.m. – Gov. Jun Ebdane 4×4 Off-Road Challenge, Dirita, Iba;

• 10 a.m. – Gov. Jun Ebdane Motocross Challenge, Carael, Botolan;

• 2 p.m. – Zambayle Street Dancing Parade & Showdown, Zambales Sports Complex;

• 8 p.m. – “Yabin Concierto ha Dinamulag” musical concert, Festival Grounds.

April 30: • 9 a.m. – Finals of the Gov. Jun Ebdane 4×4 Off-Road Challenge, Dirita, Iba;

• 10 a.m. – Finals of the Gov. Jun Ebdane Motocross Challenge, Carael, Botolan;

• 7 p.m. – 2023 Binibining Zambales Grand Coronation Night, Festival Grounds;

• 11 p.m. – Fireworks Display, Festival Grounds.