First Las-ay Festival

Doot new beach ground
October 31, 2009

Submitted by Miss J. Galanida / Municipal Tourism Office

Gigaquit is well-known for its nipa wine called "Gigaquit Rum”. Through the efforts of the Local Government of Gigaquit and the Gigaquit Agra-Multi Purpose Cooperative (GIAMUPCO) the manufacturer and producer of the famous wine, the “Gigaquit Rum” was identified as the One Town One Product (OTOP) of the municipality. With great pride it was also adopted by the Provincial Government as the "OTOP" of Surigao del Norte.

Accordingly, the Local Tourism Office of the Gigaquit Local Government launched the “1st Las-ay Festival” last October 31, 2009 at Doot Beach, Gigaquit, Surigao del Norte. Another objective was to utilize what is given by mother earth and mother nature . . . our Doot Beach. The masses positively responded and cooperated by sharing their time and money during the festival. Government employees, barangay officials and the general public gave great support to the event through their attendance . . . their contribution in promoting our local product and other tourism assets. Tickets amounting to 100/person were sold to those who wanted to avail of the unlimited meals and drinks (las-ay).

Various activities were involved . . . the bar tendering competition and wine mixing served as the highlight of the affair. Contestants were HRM students from several colleges in Surigao City namely; Surigao Education Center, Philippine Women’s University and Center for Healthcare Profession. The core point during wine mixing is they used the "GR" as the main ingredient. The flavorings depends on the choice of each competitor.

From First Las-ay Festival 2009

The winner was the Center for Healthcare Profession. They were awarded with cash gifts and certificates.

The spokesperson during the event was the Regional Director of Department of Tourism Ms. Letecia Dc. Tan assisted by the Provincial Tourism Operations Officer Mr. Romeo P. Edillor and company.

From First Las-ay Festival 2009

The Augustinians and GNSHIans also participated assisted by their respective faculty staff by giving intermission numbers. Other entertainment were performed by the Mamanwa Tribe of Brgy. Mahanub, an acoustic band from Surigao City, Rodol (the Gigaquitnon pianist), and DJ R-Cue.

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The Local Tourism Office would like to extend its wholehearted appreciation to the sponsors who fully supported the activity . . . the municipal officials, college and high school departments from the aforementioned schools, all the committees and individuals who shared time and effort for the success of the festival.