Ibalong Festival kicks off in Legazpi

The two-week Ibalong Festival 2025 officially kicked off Friday here with Mass, followed by an opening parade from Saint Raphael Church to Ibalong Park in Barangay Puro.

- By NINO LUCES

Mayor Hisham Ismail announced temporary road closures on Saint Raphael Church, Legazpi City Boulevard, and Barangay Puro to give way to the festivities, advising motorists to avoid the affected routes.

The city government expects between 100,000 to 200,000 tourist arrivals during the festival, which was seen as a major boost to the city’s tourism and local economy.

“With the scheduled concert of popular P-pop girl group BINI, we expect a large influx of visitors not only from across the Bicol region but also from other provinces nationwide,” Ismail said.