Manggahan Festival 2025: Savouring the Future, One Mango at a Time
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May 17, 2025 | Guimaras, Philippines
Yesterday, I stepped into a world where mangoes weren’t just fruit—they were heritage, livelihood, innovation, and hope. The Manggahan Festival 2024 in Guimaras officially kicked off on May 16, and I was fortunate enough to be there for its vibrant and flavor-packed opening day.
Guimaras—famed for producing the sweetest mangoes in the world—goes all out every May. But this festival is more than just a local celebration; it's a living showcase of what sustainable, community-driven agriculture can look like, and a peek into a mango-powered future.
A display of mangoes like I've never witnessed before! This lively arrangement highlights our Carabao Mangoes in breathtaking formations.
🥭 A Golden Welcome—and Unlimited Mangoes!
Stepping into the main festival grounds felt like entering mango heaven—baskets and tables piled high with golden fruit, their fragrance thick in the air. And for mango enthusiasts like me, the “Eat-All-You-Can Mango” experience was the ultimate indulgence.
For just ₱100 (under AUD 3), guests could enjoy unlimited servings of fully ripened Guimaras mangoes—harvested days prior and matured to perfection. This wasn’t just a crowd-pleaser—it was a celebration of abundance, accessibility, and Guimaras’ deep agricultural pride.
🌿 Kokomojo: A Vision Realized
One of the most rewarding moments of my visit was reconnecting with Les, the visionary behind Kokomojo Mango Farm. We first met in 2023, and even then, his passion for sustainability and integrated farming left a strong impression.
This time, I had the opportunity to see the progress firsthand. Kokomojo now spans 37 hectares, with another 16 hectares underway. It’s more than a farm—it’s a working model of how mango production can evolve, featuring world-class post-harvest facilities, a strong focus on ecological practices, and a commitment to community impact.
As Les toured us around, I couldn’t help but admire how he’s thought through the entire value chain—from farm to fork, processing to product development. It reminded me of how the Hunter Valley transformed into a wine destination; Guimaras, if more farmers follow this example, could easily become the “Agri-Tourism Capital of Mangoes.”
Kokomojo’s approach resonates deeply with our Fil-Mango mission—one that uplifts farmers, promotes sustainable practices, and builds resilience across the mango value chain.
📍 Follow Kokomojo Mango Farm:🔗 Facebook: facebook.com/kokomojomango📸 Instagram: @kokomojomango
🍴 UMA: A Taste of the Orchard
Right at the entrance of the farm is UMA—Kokomojo’s farm-to-table restaurant and store, aptly named after the Hiligaynon word for “farm.” It’s where the orchard’s hard work is transformed into flavorful, imaginative dishes that pay homage to Guimaras’ world-renowned fruit.
At UMA, I treated myself to an unforgettable mango-themed culinary lineup:
A garden salad with ripe mango cubes and mango dressing
A surprisingly good mango pizza—sweet, savory, and perfectly balanced
A chilled fresh mango shake, naturally sweet and refreshing
The unique and bold cold coffee mango blend merges the rich taste of coffee with the freshness of mango (I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed it).
And the grand finale: Uma made mango ice cream with real mango chunks
I’ll say this—while we’ve crafted some great mango ice cream in Australia through Fil-Mango, nothing beats that locally made, orchard-fresh version with fruit ripened just right. It was rich, creamy, and full of honest mango flavor.
Looking Ahead with Fil-Mango
The Manggahan Festival isn’t just about celebration—it’s about direction. It’s a clear reminder of what’s possible when passion, community, and sustainability converge.
For us at Fil-Mango, this visit reaffirmed our commitment to bringing our sustainable agriculture programs to Guimaras and beyond. With leaders like Les and Grace already paving the way, the future is bright—and sweet.
💛 A Festival with Heart—and a Plan
From unlimited mango feasts to model farms, from farm-fresh flavors to real partnerships, Manggahan Festival 2025 was a reminder that we are standing on the brink of something powerful.
Here’s to mangoes, to bold dreams, and to futures rooted in purpose and sustainability. 🥭🌿
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