There are many things that add to and represent the vibrancy of Cebu but none of them as colorful as the various Cebu festivals held annually. With centuries of different beliefs and being the melting pot of cultural diversity, Cebu festivals are more than just fun activities to participate in or watch, these events are also enlightening.
There is no Cebu festival that is as famous as the Sinulog Festival. Held every third day of January this Cebu festival is in honor of the patron saint of the province, Santo Nino de Cebu. The Cebuanos’ faith in their religion is something that has remained a constant despite the end of the Spanish occupation of the Philippines. Basically, the Sinulog Festival is a step back in time to when the province was converted to Christianity. In honor of the patron saint, several parades are held during the Sinulog Festival and dancers dressed in colorful costumes dance to the rhythm of drums and other musical instruments. It’s hard not to get carried away with all the spirited dancing during this Cebu festival. The Sinulog Festival is celebrated for 9 days and on the last day, the grandest parade is held that starts off very early in the morning. The Sinulog Festival would not be complete without including the Santo Nino de Cebu in the parade adorned with candles, flowers and other relics. This Cebu festival starts in Mandaue with Basilica as the ultimate destination.
The next Cebu festival on the calendar is the Marawi Festival which happens in May. Marawi Festival is held in Mandaue and this is really a celebration of Cebu’s past and the crucial role that it played when Magellan first landed here. Parades and street dances are common during the Marawi Festival but in addition to those, plays and dramas are also held. The theme of these plays is historical events and by watching it, one will get to learn about the history of this province and understand the importance of it. During this Cebu festival, figures from Cebu’s myths and legends are on display in floats that parade around the city. The Cebuanos works on these creative designs for months on end prior to the Marawi Festival. At the end of the Marawi Festival, the grandest fireworks display illuminates the night sky. There really is no better way to end a whole day of reminiscing and celebration than by watching the fireworks display at the end of a very well organized Cebu festival.
Palawan is a known vacation getaway for both the locals and foreigners. It is not just the charm and beauty of this place that attract visitors, it is also the history and culture that Palawan has managed to preserve for centuries that draws them. Palawan sightseeing captures a moment in history of this island and certain places have been well preserved so that the tourists know and the Filipinos remember.
In Puerto Princesa itself which is the capital of Palawan, there are several places to visit. Palawan sightseeing in the capital city should include a visit to the museum which is located in the heart of this bustling metropolis and this showcases the history of the island from the Spanish occupation. There are artifacts that have been preserved for centuries. The Underground River is also a place that one must visit as part of Palawan sightseeing and this declared national park is a breath taker. The river is not only the longest river in the world it is also navigable and among the sites to see here are the limestone caves.
Palawan sightseeing is a chance to appreciate the beauty of Mother Nature and it allows us to go on an adventure with the many different Palawan activities that we can do. Palawan sightseeing is not complete without a trip to the El Nido beach and on this island alone, there are so many things to do that can be enjoyed by every member of the family.
El Nido beach, found on the island of Coron outside of Puerto Princesa City is a protected area known for ecotourism. Aside from the pristine white sand and turquoise sea of the El Nido beach, among the Palawan activities that should be on one’s agenda are a visit to the lush forests, the limestone caves, the mangrove river and if we are to include shopping, there are many souvenir items sold in small stores in the area. El Nido beach is among the places that are frequently visited when tourists go on Palawan sightseeing.
There are many resorts along El Nido beach that range from 3-star to 5-star accommodation. These resorts allow their guests the luxury of water sports and at the end of a very busy and tiring day, provide utmost comfort in one of their beach front cottages. Among the water sports offered at these resorts along El Nido beach are kayaking, jet skiing, diving to name a few and the good part is, they also offer tour packages that allow one to fully explore the island of Coron.
Tacloban City, found in the diverse Visayan region have festivals of their own that pay tribute to the heroes of the past through colorful dances and face paints. To truly understand and appreciate the beauty of Tacloban, it is a must to witness at least one of their festivals.
Pintados Kasadyaan is celebrated every 29th of June and this event lasts a whole month. Pintados Kasadyaan was said to have started from another festival, the feast day of Senor Santo Nino and these parades are held to commemorate the bravery of the Filipinos during the Spanish occupation. The Pintados Kasadyaan has several highlights and since this is a month long of merry making, there are several events held in between such as the Pintados Festival Ritual Dance, Paghayak Grand Parade and dubbed the Festival of Festivals, the Leyte Kasadyaan. During this festival, aside from the festive dancers who perform tribal dances, they recollect the past including folk religion and the wars so that we never forget the roots of Tacloban. Pintados Kasadyaan also showcases the exceptional talent of the Visayans in body art and tattooing and the dancers have themselves tattooed and painted as if they were warriors of old. The streets are jam packed with the performers during Pintados Kasadyaan and the excited onlookers who are dazzled and mesmerized by this event.
The Sangyaw Festival is also celebrated in Tacloban about a month before the Pintados Kasadyaan. The Sangyaw Festival was held May 11 this year but this date is subject to change and spans about week. This festival involves every member of the community and there are several events scheduled during this week. The Sangyaw Festival is usually started with a band fest with both local and foreign bands playing and some schools hold their cultural night prior to the grand event. The grand event itself of the Sangyaw Festival is a parade held on the streets of Tacloban attended by the tribes, and participated by the ladies dancing on the streets in colorful costumes and accessories. There are contests for street dancing and awards are given for those best in costume, best in music and of course for the Sangyaw Festival grand champion.
The Sangyaw Festival and the Pintados Kasadyaan are just two of the festivals celebrated in Tacloban that showcase the talent of the residents in terms of dancing and costumes. These festivals also provide the onlookers with an experience straight out of history and a chance to experience the culture of Visayas.
Legazpi is the center of socio-economics in the province of Albay and it is the one with the biggest population. Legazpi has the advantage of having a geographical core and it is no surprise that Legazpi festivals are held here. Most of the Legazpi festivals are held in honor of their patron saint or as a tribute to its rich cultural heritage.
Strictly speaking the Magayon Festival is celebrated by the entire province but it is held primarily in Legazpi City. The word ‘magayon’ literally means ‘beautiful’ and this Legazpi festival has been rightly described by its very name. The Magayon Festival is not something that has been celebrated for a very long time, in fact it was first celebrated in 1998 as part of the governor’s effort to increase tourism in Albay. The province of Albay is primarily Catholic and during the Magayon Festival, Catholic traditions are primarily what are showcased.
Aside from the religious aspect of the Magayon Festival, this event is also ingested with Bicolano culture. There is a cooking competition held during this Legazpi festival that draws contestants from the entire region and the theme of this contest is local delicacies. For those who are not aware, most Bicolano dishes are prepared with chili and coconut milk. Among the other events held during the Magayon Festival are marathons and an eco-camp that focuses on increasing awareness of the need to protect Bicol’s environment.
Held every October for 6 whole days, the Ibalong Festival celebrates the myths of Legazpi before the Spanish colonizers arrived. Apart from the myths, this Legazpi festival also showcases how resilient the inhabitants of this region are. The main event of the Ibalong Festival is the choreographed dances in the street prepared by high school students. There are other merry making activities during this Legazpi festival including street parties, drag races, concerts and the night always ends with a magnificent fireworks display. For those who like shopping, during the Ibalong Festival, the flea markets here also take center stage and here handicrafts can be bought as well as other items such as clothing and accessories. During the Ibalong Festival, the culture of the Bicolanos come shining through and the liveliness of the event is something that most visitors can’t resist. This Legazpi festival takes place in Albay with the Mayon Volcano and its perfect cone as the background. The Ibalong Festival allows the locals to remember times long gone and the tourists to learn the heritage of this region.
Summary: The Bicolanos have a rich heritage and they are considered as one of the most resilient. Every year, there are Legazpi festivals that are much awaited and these are the Ibalong Festival and the Magayon Festival. During these Legaspi festivals, everyone takes a step back in time to significant historical events and a lot of merry making happens to celebrate what the city has become over the centuries.
General Santos City is considered one of the most progressive cities in Mindanao. For tourists, it has several destinations like caves, lakes, mountains, beaches and dive sites for activities like sightseeing, trekking, camping, swimming and diving.
The Kalaha Karst Area, fifteen kilometers northeast from Barangay Conel, is catered for activities like camping, trekking and caving. Lush tropical forest, diverse animal life and pristine rivers, waterfalls and caves await the tourist.
Lake Sebu is another tourist attraction of General Santos City. A sightseeing tourist will be amazed at the lake’s calm water. Seeing this mesmerizing body of water is not just a nature-trip but a mystical experience as well. There is a belief among local tribes that the lake has miraculous powers. West of Lake Sebu is a T’boli tribe settlement. Visiting this settlement will give tourists a chance to see the local tribe’s culture. Tourists will see how crafts like weaving and beading. Another lake that is worth visiting is Lake Maughan. This lake as well as the area around it is a nature sanctuary. Tourists can see exotic plants and animals endemic to the area.
Adventurous tourists will appreciate going to Mount Matutum and Nopol Hills. Lush vegetation and a spectacular view of the surrounding area are the reasons climbers flock to Mount Matutum which is the second highest mountain in Mindanao with a height of two thousand meters or seven thousand six hundred feet. Nopol Hills, on the other hand, gives sightseeing tourists a panoramic view of Sarangani Bay. Tourist flock to this area to witness a spectacular sunset.
Beach resorts are also found around General Santos City. Swimming and snorkeling are popular activities in London Beach Resort. This resort has an artificial reef that is home to moral eels and scorpion fishes. The Rajah Beach Resort, meanwhile, has fine sand and corals as its attractions which is suitable for swimming and snorkeling.
Diving enthusiasts will not be disappointed with General Santos City. Rocky Beach is catered for beginners in scuba diving. Submerging just after a few meters, divers can see beautiful corals and exotic fishes. Veterans Beach or Sulifman Diving Site has the Tampuan or Tinoto Wall Complex. This dive site gives an impressive view of underwater marine life such as eagle and manta rays, hammerhead sharks, parrotfish, shoaling fish and tuna. Other notable dive sites are Takot Maasim, Takot Malbang, Sandbar and Kamanga Reef. This dive sites offer picturesque view of underwater life of corals and fishes.
Tacloban City, the capital of the province of Leyte, has many destinations for tourists who want to go sightseeing and do other fun activities. Places such as parks, historical landmarks, religious shrines, museums and beach resorts offer tourists to engage not just in sightseeing but also other activities as well.
Right in the heart of the city, a sightseeing tourist has several places to visit. The Tacloban City Children’s Park and Playground, Plaza Libertad, Maria Kannon Garden and Philippine-Japan Peace Commemoration Statue and Park offers tourists to feast on the sights and sounds of Tacloban life. The Leyte Park Resort and Tacloban City Hall and Park give sightseeing tourists a breathtaking view of Samar Island and Kankabatok Bay.
Historical landmarks are plenty around Tacloban City. A tourist on a sightseeing tour will surely know more about the rich culture not just of Tacloban but the whole of Leyte as well. The Santo Nino Shrine and Heritage Museum has artifacts that show the history and culture of Tacloban. Since Leyte was the first province liberated from Japan during World War II, history buffs should visit Redona House (this is where President Sergio Osmeña, Sr. resided during the Liberation of Leyte), CAP Building or Price Mansion (the headquarters of General Douglas MacArthur), Leyte Landing Memorial in Red Beach, Palo and the Monument to the Filipino Soldier.
Shrines and centuries-old churches offer sightseeing tourists learn more about the spirituality of the people of Tacloban. In La Purisima Shrine, one can find a statue of the Virgin Mary that dates back to the Spanish period stands on a hillside. The Palo Metropolitan Cathedral, on the other hand, boasts of its gold-plated seventeenth century altar. Meanwhile, the Santo Nino Church is home to the patron saint of Tacloban City. In Serin District, there is a hill depicting the Stations of the Cross where life like statues of Jesus Christ and other saints are placed along the stations. On top of the hill is an eighteen-foot statue of the Sacred Heart.
For rest and relaxation, which are activities most enjoyed by tourists, can be experienced at several resorts in and around the city. Leyte Park Resort not only gives sightseeing tourists to enjoy panoramic views. Swimming and snorkeling are also popular activities in this resort. Dio Resort or Baluarte San Jose and MacArthur Park Beach Resort give tourists a chance to combine historical sightseeing and rest and relaxation. These resorts have cool waters, fine sand and spectacular views to soothe the body and mind of anybody.
Butuan is surrounded by rivers and bays including the Agusan River and the Butuan Bay making it a land fit for agriculture. Farming isn’t the only thing to do in Butuan though since this place has lush forests that are now part of a reserve program. When in Butuan, there are several Butuan destinations that one can visit and it includes an adventure both on land and on water.
The Golden Tara is the pride of the locals of Butuan and from this figurine has sprung many myths and legends. Because of Butuan’s long and diverse history, there are several artifacts that have been discovered here and the Golden Tara is considered as the most amazing of these finds. First found in 1917 by a Butuan resident, the Golden Tara came from the Agusan River and weighed less than 5 pounds. As to where it came from, nobody knows exactly and historians can’t pinpoint if it belonged to a particular era but the Golden Tara, made entirely from 21 carat gold is believed to be the image of a goddess. The Golden Tara is on display at the Butuan Regional Museum and this Butuan destination holds many unique finds and most of its sources are still a mystery.
Butuan is not just rich in flora and fauna and there is a diverse community living along the banks of the Agusan River. Because the Agusan River was the center of all commerce in ancient times, most of the civilizations lived here and a large part of Butuan’s history and culture can be explored by taking a boat ride along this Butuan destination. A boat tour along the Agusan River does not just show one the natural wonders of Butuan such as the flora and fauna, just as interesting as those are the communities that can be found by the river bank. One can even take a moment to get off the boat and mingle with the communities that live along the Agusan River to learn and understand their culture. The importance of this Butuan destination should not be undermined because a festival is held annually to honor this place called the Abayan Festival.
Moving back to land from the Agusan River, a visit to the Diocesan Ecclesiastical Museum is one that almost all Catholics never fail to make when in Butuan. This Butuan destination is home to the oldest and most significant relics in the entire history of the Catholic Church in Mindanao. One of the statues found at Diocesan Ecclesiastical Museum, the statue of the Santo Nino was first brought to this Butuan destination by historical figure Magellan prior to its transfer to Cebu.
<h3>Overview</h3>
Makati is home to a thriving commercial district and towering skyscrapers. Makati, a progressive and highly urbanized city has several tourist attractions that one can visit to get a feel of what living in Metro Manila is like. Several Makati destinations await and one will find that these tourist sites preserve Philippine history despite the fact that Makati is all about what’s modern.
<h3>Fort Bonifacio</h3>
Formerly a military base, Fort Bonifacio has become a vast commercial area and can be considered a city within a city. Although there are still remnants of its military history in that there are still fully functioning military facilities here, Fort Bonifacio has towering condominiums, several club houses and golf courses, business establishments, restaurants and bars. What’s good about this Makati destination is despite having all the modern conveniences that we are accustomed to, fresh air is not some pricy commodity here. This Makati destination has several training camps in forested areas where one can visit, and parks where one can just sit on a bench and relax or jog. The
Fort Bonifacio was a vast tract of land acquired by the US Government and turned over to the Philippine government pursuant to a bases conversion plan done in 1949. The suburbs of this Makati destination is the home of many affluent people, and one will notice that aside from being clean and well maintained, Fort Bonifacio has everything one could possibly need within its confines. Someone living in Fort Bonifacio for instance need not leave the area to go to the mall, grab coffee with friends or have the car tuned up. Equipped with all modern conveniences, this Makati destination is a good place to stay at aside from visit when in Manila.
<h3>Guadalupe Ruins</h3>
Now something that is purely historic is the Guadalupe Ruins found on Bernardino Street in Guadalupe Viejo. This Makati destination is really a church that is several centuries old called the Nuestra Senora de Gracia Church. The architecture of the Guadalupe Ruins is something straight out of the history books with its Doric style that was immensely popular during the late 17th century. The way that this Makati destination was built several centuries ago is also something that’s amazing. The original stones that make up the foundation of the Guadalupe Ruins were specifically cut to that size at a quarry and it was buttressed to ensure that it could withstand the test of time. This Makati destination despite being a church is visited by tourists no matter what religion they may belong to because the Guadalupe Ruins emanates tranquility. The Guadalupe Ruins is also very accessible via public modes of transportation.
Fondly known as Gensan and the crown jewel of southern Philippines, General Santos has fascinating attractions that draw visitors to it all year round. Originally just a vast farm land, General Santos has progressed to a highly urbanized city but at the same time has managed to preserve age old traditions. General Santos festivals are one of the many things that people enjoy and the experience during these events is truly something else.
General Santos is known for having one of the best Tuna in the world and hence it comes as no surprise that this city would celebrate the Tuna Festival. Tuna caught in General Santos is fresh out of the sea and it is one of the sources of income for this progressive city. The Tuna Festival is a culinary event that showcases the many different dishes that can be made from Tuna. This General Santos festival was an instant hit when it was first celebrated and today the entire city celebrates this. During the Tuna Festival, there are several contests and the biggest one is the cooking competition. This General Santos festival draws the best chefs from all over the country hoping to win that prestigious award. The other highlights of the Tuna Festival are the parades, street dances and trade exhibits all centered on the sashimi-grade fish. The best part though about the Tuna Festival is the gastronomical feast where one can try the many different dishes prepared by the different restaurants that take part in this event.
The Kalilangan Festival is the second biggest General Santos festival that has been celebrated for almost two decades. The Kalilangan Festival commemorates the foundation of this bustling city and it is an event organized by the local government in collaboration with civil society groups. This General Santos festival is more than just about merry making as it affords every visitor the opportunity to learn about this city’s rich culture and heritage. During the Kalilangan Festival, there are several presentations prepared by the residents from different towns that showcase the history of General Santos from the time the first settlers arrived. The Kalilangan Festival also has several contests for the local community which includes dancing and singing competitions. Some of the best talents are discovered right here at this General Santos festival. After a day filled with exuberance, a magnificent fireworks display light the night sky signaling the end of the Kalilangan Festival.
Definitely one of the shopping hubs in the eastern part of Visayas, Samar is home to a number of huge malls, souvenir shops and specialty stores. All the wonderful items and products that these commercial establishments offer always leave customers very much satisfied, which contribute greatly to a one-of-a-kind fun and exciting experience called Samar shopping.
Perfect for people who are looking for interestingly beautiful items that they can bring home with them, Wayang Wayang Souvenir Shop offers an assortment of items. This specialty store sells special t-shirts with various colors and designs. Add to that, there are also other beautiful things to purchase such as key chains, ref magnets and mugs. Of course, it also sells paperweights with special designs and inscriptions on them. Inside this store, different kinds of beautiful products are up for grabs for only 200 pesos.
Probably the largest shopping mall in the area, Wilsam Uptown Mall offers customers a wonderful Samar shopping experience. Right inside this building, shoppers can do numerous things aside from shopping. They can eat at some of the food stalls available, which serve different kinds of tasty treats and refreshing drinks. Furthermore, it also hosts numerous fast food chains including those that specialize in Italian, Filipino and American cuisines. For people who are looking for clothes, they can shop for jeans and shirts at retail stores like Bench, Novo and BNY. Paying your mobile phone bills is never a problem inside this place because it has a Globe Telecom center. Meanwhile, the Cirilo Digital Photo Services is always ready to help customers in their various photo-printing needs.
Found within the municipality of Basey just along San Fernando Street, Delzas Native Products sells different kinds of beautiful handicrafts. These special products serve as special souvenirs including tablemats, doormats and floor carpets. The store also offers native slippers, lampshades and various kinds of in-house decorations. For those who love bags, this place has a lot of beautiful items to offer, all of which are made from durable and well-selected native materials. These items are available for the reasonable price of 350 pesos to 500 pesos only considering their pretty good quality.
Primarily a small commercial center featuring numerous food stalls and retail stores, Catbalogan Centro is found within the city proper of Catbalogan. In here, customers can find numerous interesting items and special products. Many food service providers are available inside, which offer different types of food and beverages including hamburgers, soft drinks and sandwiches. In terms of fashion and style, this mall houses stores that sell footwear, clothes and different kinds of accessories for the body.