Philippines: ''Tobacco Festival'' Promotes Enduring Industry

Source from:  Manila Bulletin 03/31/2015

The promotion of the country's enduring tobacco industry was highlighted in last weekend's "Tobacco Festival" in this city, which was attended by thousands of visitors and tourists.

Candon City Mayor Ericson Singson said he feels proud that Candon – one of the two component cities of Ilocos Sur – is hosting the festival which lifts the province's image as the "Tobacco Capital of the Philippines."

'TABAKO' DANCING - Students performing at the Tobaco Street Dancing Showdown in Candon City last Saturday, include the puffing of 'dinobla,' a chemical-free homemade cigar, in their performance.

To highlight the celebration, 12 contingents of students clad in tobacco-inspired costumes and props participated in the Street Dancing Competition, which features the cultural practices of tobacco farming communities.

Winning the competition was the clustered group of Barangays Ayudante, San Pedro, Calungbuyan, Patpata Primero and Patpata Segundo for the barangay category; and the group of the Calamansi Festival of Tagudin, Ilocos Sur for the open category.

Candon's Tobacco Festival is now on its 14th year coinciding with the celebration of Candon's cityhood anniversary on March 28. Enditem