Fiestas are eagerly awaited events in the Philippines. The festivals celebrate the happy nature of the Filipinos. Whether it be for honoring the patron saint, or a harvest rite or commemorating a historical event, Filipinos celebrate every event.
Some of these Philippine Festivals even attract local and foreign tourist. Street dances, fluvial processions, floral parades, reenactments are some of the attractions of Fiestas. Below are some of the Festivals that are celebrated in the Philippines.
Every Ninth of January, Filipinos from all walks of life congregate in Manila’s Quiapo Church to honor and give thanks to the Black Nazarene. Many Filipinos claim that the church’s Black Nazarene statue is miraculous. Devotees claim that the Black Nazarene has answered their prayers.
The religious devotion of the Filipinos is showcased in this day. The statue of the Black Nazarene is place on a carriage and pulled by thousands of male devotees along the streets near Quiapo Church.
The Ati-Atihan Festival is celebrated every third week of January in Kalibo, Aklan. This Philippine Festival is a combination of historical commemoration and religious homage. It commemorates how Bornean chieftains and the local Ati King Marikudo reached a deal to settle the land during the thirteenth century. Locals also give thanks to its patron saint Sto. Niño during this celebration. The main feature of this Philippine Festival is the street dance where soot-blacked people dressed in Ati-Atihan costume dance in the street along the accompaniment of drums.
Every last week of February, residents of Baguio take to the streets and celebrate Panagbenga. A parade of floats decorated with locally grown flowers is the highlight of this Philippine festival. Another attraction of this festival, is the street dance. Local schools compete in a street dance competition. Students of each school are dressed as Baguio flowers and perform in a choreographed dance. Thousands residents and tourist line up the sidewalks to watch the schoolchildren dance in the streets.
In Lucban, Laguna, residents give thanks to its patron saint San Isidro every 15th of May. Houses are colorfully decorated with fruits, vegetables and kiping (leaves colored with dyed ground rice) as materials.
Lechon or Roasted Pigs has made Balayan, Batangas famous. This locally delicacy is in demand around the Philippines. To showcase this famed Balayan product, residents dress-up their roasted pigs as politicians, celebrities, even saints. These dressed-up lechons are paraded around town. On-lookers can partake of the lechon as they are paraded around town.
Celebrated every September 16 in Naga City in the Bicol Region. This Fiesta honors its Patron the Virgin Mother Mary. The highlight of this event is the fluvial parade.
Very last week of November, residents of Angono, Rizal honor their patron saint San Clemente by paraded giant paper mache puppets. Another feature of this festival is that residents are dowsed with water as the procession marches on.
San Fernando, Pampanga is famous for its beautifully made Christmas lanterns. To showchase this artistry, the Giant Lantern Festival is held every December. Enormous Christmas lanterns with intricate designs and elaborate twinkling light bulbs compete with each other for the festival’s top prize.
Dumaguete City, being the capital of Negros Oriental, has many interesting places to visit for a tourist. Different kinds of activities like sightseeing, nature-tripping, swimming, diving can be engaged in by travelers. Parks, animal sanctuaries, historical landmarks, museums, religious shrines, natural landmarks and beaches are destinations that will make tourists enjoy their visit to Dumaguete City.
Right inside the city are destinations for different kinds of activities. Aquino Freedom Park is an ideal place for promenading. Another good place for promenading is Rizal Boulevard. One can stroll along the street and enjoy the waterfront scenery. Perdices Avenue, on the other hand, has many shops for dining and shopping. Meanwhile, the Center For Tropical Studies in Siliman University is an ideal place for nature-loving tourists. Animals endemic to the area like the spotted deer (Cervus alfredi) are showcased in this zoo. For tourists who love arts and culture, the Mariya Gallery and Silliman University Ethno-Anthro Museum are the places to visit. The Dumaguete Belfry in the Cathedral of Saint Catherine of Alexandria, Dumaguete City Hall, and Provincial Capitol are places to visit for history buffs.
Beaches near Dumaguete City are not just for sightseeing and swimming. Snorkeling and scuba diving are popular activities in some of the beaches. Antulang Beach in Siaton boasts of white pebble beach, clear blue water, magnificent rock formations and lush marine life. Apo Island in Dauin is a popular spot for diving. The beaches of Camangyawon Beach, Lag-it Beach, San Moritz Beach,White Sandbar Reef and
Talisay Beach Park are ideal for swimming or just strolling around. Mina’s Undersea World and White Sandbar Reef are ideal places for snorkeling. Diving enthusiasts will enjoy going to Balatong Point.
The more adventurous tourist will not be disappointed with Dumaguete City. Cave formations and mountain trails are available for tourists who want to go trekking. Mabinay Caves has many places to offer for a spelunking tourists. Cayaso Cave boasts of an underground river while Odloman Cave was just cited as the second longest cave in the Philippines. Other caves worth visiting in Mabinay are Baliw Cave, Crystal Cave, Mambajo Cave, Panligawan Cave and Pandalihan Cave.
Mountaineering and trekking are popular activities in destinations like Camp Mapot and Mountain Park, Makawiliwili Ridge, Mount Canlaon and Mount Talinis. For picnics and camping, Forest Camp, Whuthering Heights and Veranda of the World are the places to visit.
Nature and animal lovers have several destinations to choose from. One can visit Bais City for dolphin and whale watching. Talabong Mangrove Park offers tourist to see the diverse flora and fauna within the mangrove forest.
Aside from water sports and other outdoor activities, Puerto Princesa offers another enjoyable activity that everyone will appreciate. Puerto Princesa shopping is something that we all need to do just before our vacation ends so that we have souvenirs to bring home to friends and family and as memorabilia of a great vacation.
The Iwahig Prison Colony is not a place where one should be afraid to go to. Though this is a penal institution, it is also one of the tourist attractions in Puerto Princesa. The prisoners that are able to mingle with the tourists are low security prisoners who are not threatening and during one’s tour, a guard is always around to accompany the visitors. The Iwahig Prison Colony is a community where prisoners are taught productive and legal ways to earn a living so as to rehabilitate them. Puerto Princesa shopping is incomplete without making a stop at the Iwahig Souvenir Shop where the items made by prisoners are sold.
There are actually two Iwahig Souvenir Shops within the premises of the Iwahig Prison Colony. One is found in the main receiving area and the other Iwahig Souvenir Shop is located by the natural pools. What’s good about this type of Puerto Princesa shopping is that even if one only has a very small budget for souvenirs, one will surely have enough to buy more than just two items. The items that are on display at the Iwahig Souvenir Shop are key chains, wooden ashtrays and figurines, hand made accessories such as necklaces and bracelets, pens and many other small items. Puerto Princesa shopping does not mean that one has to spend thousands because at the Iwahig Souvenir Shop, one can buy a souvenir item for as little as Php 15.
Since we’re talking about Puerto Princesa shopping and if one has a keen liking for handicrafts, another good stop is the Kamantian Handicraft. Similar to the Iwahig Souvenir Shop, there are many handicrafts for sale at this store and pretty much everything it sells is finely crafted. The Kamantian Handicraft’s focus is on Filipino culture and the ethnic tribes who have lived for centuries in the area. The members of the indigenous groups themselves sell their hand-woven items to the Kamantian Handicraft. Among the good finds here for one’s Puerto Princesa shopping are figurines, rainmakers, sticks made from mahogany and bamboo canes. Kamantian Handicraft is found on Rizal Avenue in the town proper of Puerto Princesa. The Kamantian Handicraft also sells many useful household items.
Many know Zamboanga because of the beautiful flowers that grow here and the thriving businesses but not all are aware of the brilliant Zamboanga festivals that keep visitors coming back to this region in the southern part of the Philippines. One might be wondering what makes these Zamboanga festivals different from the events celebrated in other parts of the country but once one has attended a single celebration, it is a hundred percent guaranty that there are no other festivals that can compare to it.
Let’s take the Regatta de Zamboanga as an example. Done annually during October this Zamboanga festival is one of the most entertaining and colorful. Boat racing has never been this fun or amusing to watch. The locals make their own vintas or sailboats just for the Regatta de Zamboanga and regardless of whether they win the race or not, they go home proud and happy that they are able to showcase something that they have worked on for several months. Every history book about Zamboanga would have something in it about vintas but very few would be able to describe the Regatta de Zamboanga with such conciseness. The atmosphere at this Zamboanga festival is almost party-like with all the colorful sails and the contestants dressed to kill in equally colorful costumes. The Regatta de Zamboanga is an event sponsored by the local government and hence one can expect prestigious awards at this event.
Derived from the Spanish term that means “Flowers of May”, Flores de Mayo is a Zamboanga festival that has been celebrated for over a century, dating back to the Spanish occupation of the country. Flores de Mayo lasts for a whole month and no other Zamboanga festival will exhibit the devotion of the Filipinos to the Catholic faith. Flores de Mayo is in honor of the Virgin Mary and this is an event that is participated in by children as they are the ones designated to bring flowers to the statue of Zamboanga’s patron. Although Flores de Mayo is not really unique to Zamboanga, but the way that this province celebrates it is different. One of the highlights of this Zamboanga festival is the Santacruzan which is a series of parades held in the streets where Christian items such as bibles and statues of saints are showcased. The children in particular look forward to the game at the end of the Flores de Mayo called “pabitin”, where children are blindfolded one by one and would have to crack a clay pot filled with goodies.
One of the highly progressive economies in the western part of Visayas, Iloilo City features a number of large shopping malls and other commercial centers. Just like its enchanting tourist spots, these establishments help the city attract more people from various parts of the world including local tourists. Check out the souvenirs, special products and other merchandises that these places have to offer and experience the excitement that only Iloilo shopping can offer.
As part of one of the biggest shopping mall chains in the country, SM City Iloilo offers almost everything that people need in their lives. It has a department store, where people can shop various kinds of clothing for men, women and kids. Likewise, it also has a separate section for teenage clothing and dress. For sure, children will have a great time visiting the toy section, where they can find the latest and most wonderful toys available today. The shoe section is also very impressive as it offers different types of footwear including, leather, casual and rubber shoes. Your Iloilo shopping experience is not complete without checking this place out.
Just like SM City, Robinsons is also part of one of the highly successful shopping mall chains in the country today. This place has state-of-the-art cinemas featuring the latest and hippest films in the world of entertainment. People find this place very attractive because it is less crowded compared to other commercial centers within the area. It has a department store where shoppers can purchase highly affordable clothes, shoes and other exciting items. It holds regular sales and other enticing promos in order to draw more people to shop. It also has a food court, where tired customers can reenergize their bodies with different kinds of great tasting food and thirst quenching drinks.
For people who are looking for handicrafts and other native products, Ilonggo Producers Association Trade Center is definitely the right place to go to, as it offers a wonderful collection of merchandises that reflect the ingenuity of Ilonggos. Here, customers can buy colorful paintings, beautiful woodcraft as well as native baskets of various shapes and sizes. There are also different kinds of fabrics, furniture and bags available inside this place. Furthermore, it also houses different types of local food and pastries.
Atrium Shopping Center is one of the favorite hangouts for many people living within the area. It features a large supermarket where people can purchase their everyday needs including frozen goods, detergents and other important personal items. Many expats love to shop at this place because it offers fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as different kinds of imported goods from various parts of the world. In addition, it also has a home store, which offers kitchen equipment and other household appliances.
Tacloban shopping is not as pronounced as it is in Metro Manila. Yet those who seek to find designer clothes, jewelry, and appliances apart from the native products, will never be disappointed. Tacloban shopping also makes good offers on a variety of products that you would naturally look for when you are out on a buying mode.
It must be understood, however, that Tacloban shopping goes beyond just the mall. In fact, as of this writing, only Gaisano and Robinson’s mall are standing proud to offer shopping, mall-style to the locals and tourists alike who are in for more metro-style shopping.
Meanwhile, Tacloban shopping, palengke-style remains to be the fashion. There are a number of local shops that you would find interesting with just about the most exciting goods you’d love coming home with.
Gaisano Capital Mall – This is the oldest sign of modernization in Tacloban shopping. It used to be that this is the only mall in Tacloban so it is not as hard to locate. Everyone knows where it is and everyone would be delighted to help you get there. It is filled with so many items, foreigners think shopping there is much wiser than bringing in some from abroad. That’s because Gaisano Capital Mall has a wide variety of items on sale, and at reasonable prices, too. Aside from the amazing array of clothing, shoes, jewelry, undergarments, and whatnot, there are also numerous eating hubs that offer just about every kind of delicacy you might be craving about. What’s more, the staff very helpful and courteous. You’d love getting bargains here through the aid of the friendly mall employees. [Downtown Tacloban, Cor. Rizal Ave. & Justice Romualdez St., Tacloban City, Leyte]
Gaisano Central Mall - Just recently, Gaisano mall became more renowned in Tacloban shopping because of the additions set in another mall area that is a few walks away from the capital mall. There are even more shops that could supply you with all that you need in Gaisano central mall, having opened its doors to shoppers only in the latter part of 2008. This one houses a huge supermarket that offers everything you might need around the household and beyond. Contrary to the rumors spreading, Gaisano Capital Mall is not to close with the opening of this new one. [Justice Romualdez St., Tacloban City, Leyte]
Bahandi Pasalubong – It’s good that you do not have to go far to fetch some native Tacloban products nowadays. That’s because one amazing store is situated right off the airport. Bahandi Pasalubong is filled with native delicacies as well as indigenous crafts not only from Tacloban but from all of Region VIII. [Tacloban City Airport, Tacloban City, Leyte]
Downtown Supermarket – If you plan to go shopping, the traditional way, you will find refuge from the downtown part of the metro where all sorts of items can be bought -- From dried fishes to moron to binagol to sip-hid and banig. [Downtown area, Tacloban City, Leyte]
Despite the economic success of Ormoc over the years, one will be glad to know that this city has managed to keep a large part of its culture and history intact through the various Ormoc sightseeing spots. When visiting this province, it's inevitable to want to learn more about this place and there is no better way to do that than to spend a day or two doing some Ormoc sightseeing.
The nature lovers and the sports enthusiasts will find refuge at the Leyte Mountain Trek and this Ormoc sightseeing spot is the perfect place to sweat it out amidst virgin forests. The Leyte Mountain Trek is a favorite among backpackers and the trail that runs for a good 26 miles has been tried by many, both foreigners and locals. What's particularly good about a visit to the Leyte Mountain Trek is that by going to it and seeing this place, one will also get to see two other known Ormoc sightseeing spots. The trails starts at Mahagnao Volcano Natural Park and at the end of the trek, one will end up at the Danao Lake Natural Park right in the center of Ormoc City. The journey through the Leyte Mountain Trek is something that even children as young as 12 years old can make because the walk is something that is serene and the trail is easy to trod on. While at the Leyte Mountain Trek, enjoy the diverse flora and fauna of Ormoc and have an exhilarating day.
The Danao Lake Natural Park is a favorite Ormoc sightseeing spot by visitors because of its natural beauty and the many activities that can be done here. The Danao Lake Natural Park is great place to have a family picnic or if one wants to keep it hassle free, there's always the floating restaurant that serves sumptuous delights. There is also a scenic boat ride that will allow one to navigate the waters when at the Danao Lake Natural Park and the crystal waters is where one will see spectacular sea creatures. Legend has it that a giant eel a little over 3 kilometers long swims deep in the waters of Danao Lake Natural Park and there are souvenir shops in the area where one can buy a keychain or a shirt with a print of this mystical creature. Indeed when it comes to Ormoc sightseeing, the Danao Lake Natural Park is a place that is simply crying out to be visited and one will not regret dropping by at this famous tourist attraction.
Makati City is known as the most progressive city in the Philippines. Towering skyscrapers and the most successful businesses have their office in Makati but this is not to say that the city has forgotten its residents and the spirit of being a community. The community celebrates festivals annually and among those are Bailes Delos Arcos and the Xong Di Festival.
Bailes Delos Arcos has been dubbed as one the most exciting festivals that the city celebrates every 29th of June. Its literal translation is “Dancers of the Arch” and this festival both the older and the younger generations participate. Bailes Delos Arcos is no small time festival since the dancers that perform have to practice for a whole year for this one day event. Being a devout Christian country and in honor of Makati’s patron saints Virgen Dela Rosa, St. Peter and St. Paul, the female dances put on a spectacular performance dedicated to them. Only certain families in Makati perform this and the tradition as well as the method of dancing Bailes Delos Arcos have been passed on from generation to generation. Bailes Delos Arcos is performed annually in Barangay Poblacion.
Xong Di Festival on the other hand is considered the most educational of all the festivals celebrated by this high class city. Xong Di Festival, is highlighted by colorful costumes and accessories similar to those worn by the ethnic tribes in China. This festival is more for the Chinese community and its aim is to show that there is so much similarity between the Filipinos and the Chinese. Xong Di Festival, shows the brotherhood between the Chinese and Filipinos and how the two Asian cultures have embraced each other through the centuries and continue to do so today. A street parade is held during the Xong Di Festival, and this is celebrated right after the Chinese New Year so there is no ficed date for this.
If the Xong Di Festival is festival that celebrates the brotherhood between the Chinese and Filipino communities and the Bailes Delos Arcos commemorates the patron saints, Ganito Kami Noon is a tribute to the past. Ganito Kami Noon is held every June 1 at the city hall and all participants can wear either native clothing or what they used to wear and what was considered stylish during their time. Ganito Kami Noon is a festival celebrated only by Makati and its purpose is to make sure that no one particularly the youth forget about the past, the Filipino culture and the lessons that can be derived from years back. Ganito Kami Noon is a ball open to all residents of Makati at the end of which, the Mayor gives out awards to outstanding government officials. Ganito Kami Noon closes with a spectacular fireworks display.
Perhaps you’ve known Palawan for its pristine, white beaches, untouched forests, marine biodiversity , archeological sites as well as its breathtaking rock formations. But after you’ve got your tan, enjoyed your sumptuous seafood dishes, finished your dive explorations and ended your island hopping adventures, what’s next for your remaining Palawan vacation?
Finishing all these activities does not mean Palawan has nothing else to offer and you have no choice but stay in your hotel room, catch up on what’s happening with the rest of the world and take a rest. No, it’s not yet time for that as shopping in Palawan is another kind of adventure which may prove to be one of a kind depending on which city or town in Palawan you are.
The items that you may you want to buy in Palawan would serve as your souvenir gifts for your yourself or to friends and relatives when you go home. Since Palawan’s natural resources, sceneries, cultures, arts and beliefs are diverse, you may find yourself with tons of souvenir items worth shopping for.
Apparels – Shirts, with or without sleeves, for kids or adults are a dime a dozen. From simple logos and images of beaches in El Nido, the Palawan subterranean river, Coron’s diving spots to Palawan artworks, you can choose which one to best describe your vacation in Palawan.
Pearls – Palawan is a shopping mecca for south sea pearls. From big pearl earrings to complete set of pearl necklace, bracelet and earrings, pearls stores in Palawan sell budget-friendly pearl jewelries. You can also opt for ingeniously crafted jewelries made from seashells that would definitely add a touch of class to your wardrobe.
Rain maker – This bamboo instrument used by natives in Palawan to summon rain clouds have been in the shopping bags of local and foreign tourists. You will never have a hard time looking for this souvenir item especially when you are in Puerto Princesa.
Tourist spots memorabilia – Choose from a wide variety of memorabilis such as native baskets, pens, bags, slippers and display items.
You need not worry if these souvenir items are only available at limited or certain locations in Palawan. Whether you’re staying at one town, just head to these spots and you would definitely find souvenir stalls.
El Nido – At the town proper, small establishments have been set up to cater to multitudes of tourist in El Nido. You can also head to your respective resorts and check out their souvenir shops.
Puerto Princesa – Shopping in Puerto Princesa is as easy as taking a tricycle and asking the driver to bring you these souvenir stores either you can head to the plaza just right across Puerto Princasa’s municipal hall or look for items at your hotel or even at the airport.
Coron – Though Coron may seem to be the less commercialized among the three tourist destinations in Palawan, the town has its share of souvenir stalls worth checking out. You can head to the dry market section at the town proper or walk around the town proper vicinity and you will easily find shops offering Coron memorabilia.
A good vacation or maybe the best vacation is a combination of relaxation, discovery, sharing and shopping. Palawan offers not just a respite from crowded cities and busy schedules, the island also lets you benefit from the therapeutic aspect of shopping.
They say: "If you can't beat it, join it."
As with many life-changing decisions that people make, many people became full-fledged outdoor enthusiasts for many reasons. It only used to be a dream, so far-fetched they never imagined that someday they would be among the privileged few who, despite a chaotic schedule, would still find time to commune with nature, meet new friends, discover hidden wonders, and have the pleasure of writing about it.
Mountaineering has been in existence for years. In the Philippines, it met its glorious height in the early 1990s. Ascents to the country's highest peak have become more frequent that throughout the years thousands have conquered and survived. The sport itself has lured thousands in its web of danger, challenges and risks.
Many were lured into the sport itself. How could they not with mountaineer friends from all over the Philippines? These people would often tell stories about their climbs, their treks that many have become envious of them. They weren't comfortable about it at first. They fought so hard but they couldn't beat the desire to experience it myself so they joined.
And it was one of the greatest decisions they've made and they're extremely glad they joined. It brought me so much pleasure that they would gladly go exploring some more despite the dangers and risks it poses and a chaotic schedule - especially now when most people do both day and night shifts at work. Not only that they would also help promote tourism in their own little way.
The islands in Panay abound in places worth laying eyes on. One only has to have the passion and daring to visit them. One can witness the majesty of nature in its ethereal seclusion for just a day. To bask in the allure of nature doesn't have to be spending a night or two sleeping on the earth. Take our journeys for example, we explored three caves in Guimaras Island for a day. We climbed five waterfalls in Barotac Viejo for a day too. We bouldered the rocks of Dingle that have been withered by time for a day also. But if you really want to feel the extremes in the wilds, then go camping for a night or more.
Believe me. You will find it refreshing and soul-gratifying.
Got Scabs? Climbing salves are now available so you don't have to worry.
Live with courage. Have a passion for the outdoors. Be a nature lover for a change.
Forget about scabs.
They'll heal.
Mine did.
His did.
Ours did.
Yours will too.
[Tags]Philippines, Outdoor Activities, Mountaineering, Caves, Rocks, Guimaras, Mountain Climbing, Spelunking, Panay, Highest Peak[/Tags]