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Manila Bulletin devider Lifestyle devider How Mactan Newtown celebrates culture along its mango boulevard

How Mactan Newtown celebrates culture along its mango boulevard

This is what happens when a township celebrates its roots—literally

Published May 29, 2025 02:23 pm  |  Updated Jun 9, 2025 06:24 pm
There’s something about mangoes that brings everyone to the table. They are sweet, familiar, and undeniably Filipino. At The Mactan Newtown, that shared love now takes center stage in a full-on festival.
From May 16 to June 8, the Cebu Mangoes Festival 2025 transforms the 30-hectare township into a vibrant playground of flavors and community. Think mangoes in every form: in baskets of ripe fruit, sizzling cook-offs, giant desserts, parades, and even a pet costume show.
The cute and adorable festival mascot, Jodie Mango, smiles at the crowd as they make their way to the event area for the opening of the Cebu Mangoes Festival 2025.
The cute and adorable festival mascot, Jodie Mango, smiles at the crowd as they make their way to the event area for the opening of the Cebu Mangoes Festival 2025.
Opening day set the tone with a colorful street parade and a massive 200-kg mango halo-halo shared with children from the Children of Cebu Foundation and local schools. Created as a tribute to the over 200 mango trees planted across the township by Megaworld founder and chairman Dr. Andrew Tan, the giant dessert symbolized unity and abundance. The celebration continues with a mix of festivity and purpose—highlighting sustainability through a mango seed planting ceremony and the Great Mango Harvest. Other activities add playful energy to the lineup, including a festival queen pageant, mango mukbang challenge, chef-led tastings, and weekend visits from the festival mascot, Jodie Mango.

VIP guests shared a moment around the giant 200-kilogram mango halo-halo
VIP guests shared a moment around the giant 200-kilogram mango halo-halo
Graham Coates, head of Megaworld Lifestyle Malls, shared how this deeply rooted connection to mangoes shaped the event’s vision. “More than just a tropical treat, the mango is deeply woven into Cebuano life—reflected in local delicacies, export products, and even crafts. The mango is a symbol of the food culture and identity of Cebuanos, that is why it is only fitting that we celebrate it here in our township, which is home to the only boulevard in Cebu lined with over 200 mango trees.”
The celebration symbolizes the unity and shared commitment of Cebuanos to their community.
The celebration symbolizes the unity and shared commitment of Cebuanos to their community.
Leading the launch were Marilou Kuinisala, general manager of The Mactan Newtown; Chef Myke “Tatung” Sarthou; Graham Coates; Congressman Junard “Ahong” Chan; Mayor Cindi King-Chan; DOT Undersecretary Shahlimar Hofer Tamano; and DA Bureau of Plant Industry Director Gerald Glenn Panganiban.
The Children of Cebu Foundation enjoyed a serving of the cold and delicious mango halo-halo.
The Children of Cebu Foundation enjoyed a serving of the cold and delicious mango halo-halo.
The festival is presented in partnership with the Department of Agriculture, Department of Tourism, and Department of Trade and Industry, alongside support from local governments and community partners like Belmont Hotel Mactan, Savoy Hotel Mactan, and the Mactan Newtown School of Excellence.
From May 16 to June 8, the festival turns the township into a vibrant hub of mango treats, street parades, and cultural performances for everyone to enjoy.
From May 16 to June 8, the festival turns the township into a vibrant hub of mango treats, street parades, and cultural performances for everyone to enjoy.
Weekends bring the township to life with mango markets featuring local farmers and entrepreneurs. Culinary students compete in cook-offs, while Chef Tatung takes the stage for a live demo.
It’s a celebration of flavor, yes—but also of homegrown pride, shared stories, and a community that grows together.

Related Tags

Cebu Mangoes Festival 2025 The Mactan Newtown Graham Coates Megaworld
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