BAYBAY CITY — The beautiful city of Baybay, in Leyte, Philippines, will soon host to the much-anticipated Visayas Mountain Festival (VMF) 2024, a celebration highlighting the stunning mountain landscapes, rich biodiversity, and vibrant culture in the Visayas.
The festival, scheduled on March 22 – 24, 2024 at Garden Beach Resort in Baybay Leyte, aims to promote adventure tourism and sustainable practices while highlighting the unique offerings of the Visayan mountains.
Hosted by the Baybay City – based mountaineering group Mt. Pangasugan Trailblazers and its partners, the VMF will feature a series of events and activities that showcase the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the region. From mountain treks and nature walks to cultural performances and local cuisine, the festival promises an immersive experience for visitors and locals alike.
One of the highlights of the festival is the Mountain Adventure Challenge, where participants can test their stamina and endurance by hiking the Panan-awan Peak on the second day, from 6AM to 5PM. Skills of the participating mountaineers will also be tested in various outdoor activities such as Camp Skills Olympics, Outdoor Cookfest, Stand Up Paddle, Forest Trail Hike, Bird Watching, and other challenges designed to promote physical fitness, camaraderie, and appreciation for the region’s rugged terrain.
In addition to adventure activities, the Visayas Mountain Festival will also include educational programs and workshops on environmental conservation, sustainable tourism practices, and the importance of preserving the region’s natural resources.
Trainings on Basic Mountaineering Course (BMC), Advanced mountaineering Course (AMC), and Orienteering Challenges to be handled by Mountaineering Federation of the Philippines, Inc. (MFPI) accredited instructors will also be conducted to teach each hiker and outdoor lovers to be responsible in mountaineering.
These series of initiatives aim to raise awareness about the impact of tourism on mountain ecosystems and encourage responsible travel behavior among visitors.
At the culmination night, a Mountaineers’ Night, a semi-wood stock type of music jam with awarding of winners and raffles of camping items and cash from sponsoring outdoor stores nationwide.
Expected to attend are mountaineers from different outdoor clubs in the Philippines, mostly members of MFPI, which also celebrates its 45th years Founding Anniversary.
Neil Mabini, the lead organizer, said local outdoor folks may also play a significant role in the festival, with musical presentations, traditional arts and crafts demonstrations, and local food fairs showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the Visayas. Visitors will have the opportunity to interact with local communities, learn about their way of life, and support sustainable tourism initiatives that benefit the local economy.
The Visayas Mountain Festival is a yearly celebration of nature and adventure hosted by MFPI-member mountaineering clubs based in the Visayas; it is also a platform for promoting sustainable tourism practices and responsible travel. By highlighting the region’s natural beauty and cultural diversity, the festival aims to attract more visitors to the Visayas while ensuring that the region’s mountains and ecosystems are protected for future generations to enjoy.
This year’s mountain festival is expected to draw a significant number of local and international tourists, providing a boost to the region’s tourism industry and showcasing the beauty and diversity of the Visayan mountains.
As of today, February 29, 2024, registration is still open for MFPI members and Non-Members. Registration Fee is P1000 for MFPI member and P1200 for non-member.
If interested, you may register via the Visayas Mountain Festival FB page or message Neil Mabini on FB or their social media page Mt. Pangasugan Trailblazers.
