MANILA TO WELCOME ANDALUCIA GALLEON

Plans for the docking of the majestic Galeon Andalucia were finalized yesterday in the brief meeting between Senator Edgardo J. Angara and the other leaders of the Dia del Galeon committee.

The buzz for the upcoming Dia del Galeon or Day of the Galeon festival is already rising around the metro as teasers and posters about the event are posted on Roxas Boulevard.

Lists of the upcoming festivities are being circulated both online and by word of mouth to encourage people from all walks of life to participate.

Indeed, all the stops are being pulled out to ensure that the Dia del Galeon festival accomplishes what it is meant to do: to renew the ties between all 32 countries that took part in the grand Manila-Acapulco Trade in the 15th century.

Also present was Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim, who was very generous in lending the city's resources to facilitate the much-awaited event.

A grand ceremony complete with a welcoming band will usher the crew of the Galeon Andalucia to the country, and Mayor Lim will present a key to the city of Manila as a further gesture of goodwill to the visitors. This will be followed by a cocktail party in the evening with performances from the Dia del Galeon spectaculos.

Tourism staff will be provided to serve as guides onboard the Andalucia while it is berthed within the city. Art and culture workshops will be held on the pier as well for the entire stay of the Galeon.

The productive meeting ended on a positive, hopeful note, with everyone involved looking forward to the Festival.

For more information about the Dia del Galeon Festival, please visit www.ncca.gov.ph or http://diadelgaleon.blogspot.com. You may also call the National Commission for Culture and the Arts at 527-2192 local 616.