LEGAZPI CITY: After a four-year hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic and the eruption of Mayon Volcano, the Ibalong Festival kicked off Friday with a parade from the city hall here to Sawangan Park. Military and medical teams from the United States, South Korea, Japan, Australia and the United Kingdom who are in Albay for a humanitarian mission were among the estimated 15,000 who witnessed the opening activities. Mayor Geraldine Rosal said in an interview that the festival is a testament to enduring heritage of the Kingdom of Ibalong's epic heroes -- Baltog, Handyong and Bantong. 'They embody the true characters of Bicolanos: Patience, intelligence, helpfulness, dedication and bravery -- warriors who constantly fought for our freedom,' Rosal said. 'Now we will continue our celebration of the Ibalong festival as part of promoting the tourism industry in Legazpi City.' The Ibalong Festival's major events include a ballet and contemporary dance workshop by the Philippine Ballet Theater, street dance competiti ons, golf tournament, Mount Mayon Bike Challenge, regional dart tournament, and national billiards tournament. Twenty contestants will also compete in the beauty pageant Mutya ng Ibalong. Source: Philippines News Agency