LANAO DEL NORTE - Even with the tragic blast which occurred early this week, the province on Wednesday still became alive with joy and color as residents celebrated its 50th founding anniversary.

Tourists, celebrities, athletes, and other guests flocked to the Mindanao province to participate in the celebration, including Cesar Montano, Geneva Cruz, Jon Avila, and rock star Bamboo.

Montano held a live version of his ABS-CBN show "The Singing Bee" that thrilled young and old alike. The "Songbees" had a showdown, while Montano and his wife Sunshine Cruz sang a special number.

"Singing Bee" band leader Commissioner Mel Feliciano, meanwhile, led a suspenseful game of "Pinoy Bingo Night" for Lanao's millionaire hopefuls.

Geneva Cruz and Bamboo rocked the house with show-stopping performances at a special concert held at the Mindanao Civic Center. Audiences were heard singing along to the catchy beats.

Aside from the musical performances, guests were given more reasons to scream as they got to see Irish-Filipino hunk Jon Avila, who hosted a local beauty pageant.

"Miss Lanao del Norte 2009" contestants all wore their festival regalia, made from each of the contestants' home cities. The lovely ladies also bared more skin as they strutted onstage in their swimshorts.

For the question and answer portion, candidates were asked timely questions about their contribution to maintaining peace and order in the province.

Other popular activities during the day were the cheerdance competition and sports tournaments. Local athletes got the chance to play with or against Filipino champions in fields like tennis, motocross racing, and basketball.

Jerry Cordiñera and Bonel Balingit, both retired Philippine Basketball Association players, took part in the local Friendship Games.

Muslim youth, meanwhile, showed their martial arts prowess in the First Open Karate-do Tournament, which were also opened to female athletes.

The Cheering Squad Competition, meanwhile, featured colorful props and Michael Jackson-style moves from local contingents.

Lanao del Norte Gov. Khalid Dimaporo said the local government held the sports and cheerdance activities to showcase local talents. "I hope we can work hand in hand so we can bring a regional competition one day," he said.

As the evening's festivities winded down, a fireworks display was held to officially close the celebrations

Last year, Lanao del Norte was also wracked by violence from “rogue” Moro Islamic Liberation Front rebels. Several telecommunications towers were also bombed in the area. Report from Roxanne Arevalo, ABS-CBN Iligan.