Traders showcase local products at ‘Pastores’ fair

By Ana-Liza S. Macatangay

Twelve official partners of the Department of Tourism (DOT) in the Bicol region participated in a tourism fair to showcase their local products as part of the annual celebration of “Pastores” on Tuesday, December 16, at the Albay Astrodome in Legazpi City.

Hunny Quiano, the proprietor of HGQ Handicrafts from Camarines Sur, exhibited their native handmade bags crafted from raffia, abaca, and bangkuan—materials that are all endemic to Bicol. She noted that they have been exporting their products to Japan for 23 years, highlighting the exceptional craftsmanship of over 600 weavers from their community.

Allan Alalid, vice president of the Putsan Ceramic Manufacturer Association Inc. from Tiwi, Albay, said that their participation aimed to market their clay-based products, including keychains, magnets, and Christmas decorations, all offered at budget-friendly prices.

For wine enthusiasts, Alden Therese Food Industry offered a variety of wines, including mango wine, cacao wine, santol wine, and lemoncillo wine.

These products were developed through intensive research to maximize the health benefits of the main ingredients used in their beverages.

Maria Therese Bonot, the creator behind Alden Therese Food Industry from Calabanga, Camarines Sur, is a food technician and former dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Central Bicol State University of Agriculture – Calabanga campus.

Bonot explained that her intensive research aims to ensure that her clients gain the full health benefits from her wines.

“The focus is on the health benefits for the client,” she said.

According to her, their banana wine has calming properties, provides natural energy, and helps eliminate hangovers. Additionally, Blue Ternate wine is beneficial for reducing oxidative stress, enhancing memory retention, and lowering blood pressure.

Bonot also indicated that their acacia wine, set to launch to the public in January next year, is not only a beverage but also a herbal remedy.

Made from the fruit pads of the acacia tree, it offers holistic benefits for individuals suffering from asthma, tuberculosis, inflammation, and more.

One of their unique innovations featured at the tourism fair was chocolate drinks infused with brandy and whiskey.

Lina Jucutan, the official distributor of rice brew from ZBC Food Products in Albay, mentioned that their product, “tinutong rice,” was designed to allow the younger generation to experience how coffee was traditionally consumed.

“We wanted them to appreciate the tradition because coffee consumption used to be a family activity, unlike today’s convenience of instant mixes,” Jucutan explained.

ZBC Food Products was among the 20 companies in Bicol that recently received halal certification from the Department of Trade and Industry.

Recognizing Bicol’s reputation for gastronomy, DOT Assistant Regional Director Maria Salee Mora emphasized that this all-day activity not only celebrates Pastores but also highlights the creativity of local micro, small, and medium enterprises.

“This year is special. We organized a full-day event to showcase local products and the arts and crafts of our enterprises,” Mora said.

Mora hopes that through partnerships, this activity, which embodies the Philippine Experience Program (PEPs), will continue to maximize available resources.

PEPs is a flagship initiative promoting and preserving authentic Filipino culture and Christmas traditions.

The event, titled “Exciting Bicol Pastores: A Festival of Culture and Tourism,” featured various activities, including a gender and development forum aimed at advocating campaigns to end violence against women and children, as well as discussions to promote cultural tourism.

The proper competition of Pastores, featuring nine contingents from different parts of the Bicol region, also took place on the same day.

Pastores is a cherished Bicol Christmas tradition that reenacts the story of the shepherds’ journey to the manger through song and dance performances. (Nicole Frilles contributed to this story/PIA Bicol)