BINMALEY, Pangasinan–Townsfolk here are all agog as this town, known as the Fish Bowl of Pangasinan, will take the center stage when it stages the first-ever Sugpo and Malaga Festival on Feb. 2 as part of its 416th town fiesta celebration.

Sugpo (prawns) and malaga (siganid) are considered as the “hidden wealth” of this old and quiet town.

It will not just be purely fun and excitement when this big day comes as proceeds for this activity will be used for a noble purpose.

Municipal Administrator Josefina Victorio told this writer who also hails from this municipality that this historic affair also aims to inform Pangasinenses and everyone that the municipality produces the best and the greatest volume of (tiger) prawns in the province.

Municipal Councilor Leo Urmaza chairs the sugpo festival committee and the event is highlighted by a dinner-for-a-cause with sugpo locally known as bingalo as the main course cooked in different ways , as well as malaga (siganid) which is another top product of the town and other side dishes.

Incidentally, it was Urmaza's late father, former Councilor Marciano Urmaza Sr, who started the malaga culture here. This earned for the elder Urmaza to be cited as the Most Outstanding Fishfarmer from the national government then.

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ALAMINOS CITY—The Hundred Islands National Park (HINP) found here ranked third, out of 20 nominees, in the on-line survey conducted by the Asia Pacific Management Forum for the Best Place in Asia.

Mayor Hernani Braganza told local reporters that this good news brings back to the consciousness of tourists that there is this world-famous Hundred Islands, famous for its clear waters sparkling like diamonds as the sun’s golden rays touch the pristine sea, its white fine sand, lush green vegetation, deep blue water, unique rock formation and vast marine resources.

The 100 Islands is the only natural attraction in the Philippines located in Pangasinan province that made it to the paramount line-up all over Asia. It garnered an approval rate of 15.13 per cent or 477 votes out of 3,153 on-line voters besting other popular and beautiful tourist destinations in the country.
Penang, Malaysia was the top favorite followed by Koh Samui Thailand.

The “Best Place” category includes cities, small towns, country areas, event natural attractions or “special places” that for various reasons may have a unique and special attraction.

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