As the rhythmic beat of drums echoes through the streets and dancers in pineapple-inspired costumes sway to the music, Ormoc City celebrates more than just its famed Queen Pineapple. The annual Piña Festival, held every June, offers a unique invitation to explore the cultural heart of Eastern Visayas while discovering the therapeutic joys of domestic travel.
First launched in 2016 under former Mayor Richard Gomez, the Piña Festival has grown into a vibrant showcase of local identity and resilience. Rooted in agricultural pride and religious devotion, the event has drawn increasing numbers of visitors each year—many of them domestic tourists seeking more meaningful and accessible getaways.
For travelers from across the Philippines, getting to Ormoc is straightforward. The city is accessible via daily flights from Manila to Tacloban Airport, followed by a scenic two-hour drive to the city center. Alternatively, travelers can take ferries from Cebu to Ormoc Port, making the journey part of the experience.
“The festival brings people home and welcomes new visitors,” said Ana Lim, a Tacloban-based teacher who returns to Ormoc annually. “There’s something about the energy—parades, food, and history—it’s healing and exciting at once.”
Traveling locally offers more than just a change of scenery. Experts say that short getaways help reduce stress, boost mood, and improve mental well-being. In Ormoc, the combination of cultural immersion and scenic landscapes—ranging from pineapple farms to nearby highland spots like Lake Danao—creates the ideal setting for restorative travel.
During festival week, guests can enjoy street dancing competitions, culinary fairs, and historical exhibits that honor the city’s patron saints, San Pedro and San Pablo. Artisanal products like Alto Peak Chocolates and cold “sikwate” drinks are popular among visitors looking for authentic, locally made souvenirs.
But the Piña Festival is not merely for spectacle—it supports livelihoods. Pineapple farming, a backbone of Ormoc’s economy, receives heightened visibility during the festival. With over 100 tons of Queen Pineapples produced annually, the local agricultural sector enjoys a surge in sales and inquiries from potential business partners during the event.
“The Piña Festival is our way of thanking the land and our farmers,” said Mayor Lucy Torres-Gomez. “It’s also a platform to promote sustainable tourism that benefits everyone.”
Small businesses, from souvenir shops to homestays, report increased income during the festival season. One such example is Edna’s Pineapple Kakanin, a microenterprise that started selling pineapple-based rice cakes five years ago and now supplies products to local hotels and cafĂ©s during the festival week.
Ormoc’s local government is also aligning its tourism strategies with sustainability. Infrastructure developments—including improved roads, eco-tourism sites, and waste management initiatives—ensure that tourism growth does not come at the expense of the environment or community welfare.
“Tourism is not just about numbers; it’s about impact,” said City Tourism Officer Marissa Vega. “We want to create lasting jobs and experiences that showcase who we are.”
As part of the broader Bagong Pilipinas vision, Ormoc’s leadership has introduced educational initiatives like the City College of Ormoc to provide youth with better opportunities, ensuring that future generations continue to benefit from the city’s progress.
For those looking to explore the Philippines beyond the usual destinations, Ormoc City offers a compelling alternative—one that combines celebration with reflection, culture with commerce, and tradition with transformation.
The Piña Festival reminds travelers that meaningful experiences can be found close to home. In Ormoc, they are wrapped in the golden hue of pineapples, the warmth of community, and the enduring sweetness of a city proud of its roots.
