BANGUED, Abra – Gov. Eustaquio Bersamin invites tourists here and abroad to take the enchanting and exciting journey of discovering  this province’s treasures.

Waiting to amaze tourists include among other things, the unspoiled wonders of nature, rich culture, unique arts and crafts, exotic cuisine, and the traditional hospitality of the Abreños.

Abra is celebrating its 3rd Abrenian Kawayan Festival from March 6 to 10, and the 93rd Foundation Day of the province on March 9.  This year’s celebration is focused on the protection of Mother Earth hence the theme, “Nalangto a Panagrang-ay” (Green Development) in which all Abreños are urged to take part in the preservation of the province’s natural resources and beauty in celebration of Abra’s magnificent heritage.

The four-day festivities are jam-packed with colorful activities that promote Abra’s tourism and economy, as well as showcase the special talents of its people.

The grand opening yesterday also saw the launch of the trade fair, tourism booth and food fest, and the TAKIT Program of the Technical Education Skills Development Authority which rendered free automotive service to the people.  The trade fair likewise sponsored a bamboo weaving competition while the visual artists of Abra exhibited their craft dubbed as “Nabaludbod a Panagrusing” (healthy sprouting) at the Governors’ Gallery at the Capitol and conducted a workshop on oil pastel painting.

Today is dedicated to the youth so that all activities for the day feature the children and youth.  The Abra Motocross and Trail Riders Association will lead the general public to a festival tour in the different scenic spots of the province.  The youth will parade around the town proper of Bangued after which a street dancing competition will be held.  The search for the Little Miss Abra 2010 will be held at 2 p.m. at the Capitol Atrium to be followed by the celebrity motorcade featuring JC Tiuseco, Jackie Rice, and Hip-Hop Dancers who will be leading the Hip-Hop Dance showdown at the Bangued town plaza in the evening.

The Kawayan Festival does not take for granted the celebration of International Women’s Day on March 8.  The women all over Abra will parade around the Bangued town proper to be followed by a cook fest and Women’s Health Corner at the Capitol.  The events of the day will be highlighted by a cultural journey dubbed as “Taldyap, Law-ing” where special performances of Ilocano and Tingguian cultural groups will be presented in the afternoon.  In the evening, the Ilocano-Tingguian fashion show will be held at the Bangued plaza where Abel creations of the famous fashion designer Bang Lazo and other Bangued designers with celebrity models will be performing in the fashion show.

The foundation day will have the grand parade to be participated by the public.  After the parade, a magic show will entertain the public at the Bangued plaza.  Coke will also be giving away prizes in cash and in kind with their Coke Bingo at 1:30 p.m. to be followed by a celebrity basketball exhibition game at 4p.m.

The celebrity game will feature Andy de Guzman with John Cardel and Company.  The final activities in the evening are dedicated to the balikbayans dubbed as “Inniliw” where music and dances will be performed by the Abra Cultural Ensemble, Abra Children’s Choir, Abra Capitol Chorale, and the Bloomfields.  Awarding of the winners in the Congressman Luis Bersamin Peace Prize and the Abra Medallion Merit Award will also be done on the finale program at the capital town plaza.