Aguman Sanduk (Fellowship of the Ladle) ***
Date January 1
Venue Minalin, Pampanga
Description: The Aguman Sanduk of Minalin is celebrated in the afternoon at 2 p.m., January 1 (start at Sto. Domingo Church), while the rest of the country takes a break from the previous night's New Year revelry, and there's no one to catch the boys and men of this sleepy fishing town wear their mother's lipstick and put on their wive's dresses. The strange and largely secret tradition began in 1934; even Mayors and parish priests are said to have also joined hundreds of men who parade annually on the street in full transvestite bloom. At the end of the day they choose the Aguman queen, who is usually the ugliest of the cross-dressers. Contact Information: Office of the Municipal Administrator Tel. No. (63 45) 878-0306 / Mobile 0916-392-9404
FEBRUARY
Aurora Foundation Day
Date Feb 13 - 19
Venue Baler, Aurora
Description: The most awaited event during the celebration of the annual Aurora Foundation Day is the so-called 'Karansa': a Street Dancing Competition where the concept of cooperation and unity called 'Paatag' prevails as the overall theme of the day's hilarious activities. The weeklong activity includes singing and dancing competition, parade of the eight towns of the province with matching thematic floats and beauty queens, Search for Bb. Aurora and a street-side tourism and investment exhibits. The festival culminates in a beach party and fireworks display. A wreath-laying ceremony takes place at the foot of the monument of Dona Aurora Quezon before the end of the festival. Contact Information: Michael Palispis (Provincial Tourism Officer), Tel. No. Tel. No. (63 42) 209-4373 / 4211 / 0929-303-3506
Aurora Surfing Cup
Date February 12-15
Venue Baler, Aurora
Description: Every February, the province of Aurora plays host to the Aurora Surfing Cup, which through the years, has established a steady following of local and international surfing enthusiasts. The province boasts of internationally recognized surf sites such as Sabang Beach (beach break), Cemento Beach (reef break), and Charlie's Point (river mouth break). The best waves in these areas come around October to March. Contact Information: Michael Palispis (Provincial Tourism Officer), Tel. No. Tel. No. (63 42) 209-4373 / 4211 / 0929-303-3506
Caragan Festival
Date 3rd Week of February
Venue, Mabalacat, Pampanga
Description: Held every 3rd week of February as part of the month-long celebration of the town fiesta of Mabalacat, Pampanga, the event is named after the first chieftain or king known as Garagan of the said town who happens to be an Aeta and married to a Mabalaquena named Laureana Tolentino. The highlight of the festival is the street parade featuring all of Aeta culture and heritage. Contact Information: Pampanga Arts and Culture Office (Arwin Paul Lingat Provincial Tourism Officer), Tel. No. (63 45) 961-0538 / 963-0107 or Mabalacat Tourism Office (Guy Hilbero Municipal Tourism Officer) Phone (63 45) 499-1126 / 866-5093
Ibon-Ebon Festival
Date February (Movable)
Venue Candaba, Pampanga
Description: One of the more colorful events in Pampanga, the Ibon Ebon Festival (literally means 'bird - egg') initiated by Mayor Jerry Pelayo features the municipality of Candaba as the home of thousands of migratory birds from different parts of the globe, and at the same time showcase its growing duck-egg industry. Among the activities featured during the two-day event include: street-dance performance by Tribung Dumara and other schools' contingents, exhibits and trade fair at the Ms. Earth Park, bird-inspired fite flying exhibition, itik race and boat race along Pampanga river. Contact Information: Office of the Mayor (Leny Manalo - Executive Assistant to the Mayor), Tel. No. (63 45) 632-1299 / 1339 Mobile 0917-324-5038
Philippine International Hot-Air Balloon Festival ***
Date 2nd Thurs-Sun of February
Venue Clark, Pampanga
Description: Held every 2nd weekend of February in Clark, the annual festival features air-sporting events like hot-air balloon competition, aircraft maneuvers and precision flying, ultralights, RC Demonstration Flying, sky diving, aircraft rally, rocketeering, flag jump, balloon bursting competition, kite flying, trade fair, carnival rides and nightly concerts. The participation of international hot-air balloons from all over the world draws thousands of people to the site to witness the early morning balloon fly-out and late afternoon fly-in. Contact Information: Air Ads, Inc. (Capt. Joy Roa) Tel. No. (63 2) 833-3264 / 831-4939 / 551-2780 Fax No. (63 2) 831-4939 or call mobile : 0929-314-9191 Website: www.philballoonfest.net or www.asianairsafari.com
MARCH
NO ENTRY
APRIL
Sibit-Sibit Summer Festival
Date April (Movable)
Venue Olongapo City (Brgy. Barreto)
Description: The name Sibit-Sibit was derived from the name of small paddle-driven bancas used for fishing during the early days when Brgy. Barreto was yet called Sitio Maquinaya. During fiestas, fisherfolk hold banca race using pure human strength to win the competition. Today, the festival competition includes motorized banca race and sail boat competition to add fun and excitement to the activity. Contact Information: Greater Subic Bay Tourism Bureau (Chairman George Lorenzana), Tel. No. (63 47) 252-5212 / 0920-924-7915 / 0917-620-4259
Zambales Mango Festival
Date April (Movable)
Venue Iba, Zambales
Description: The event is a celebration of a bountiful harvest of mangoes and other agricultural products which the province is so known for. It is aimed to highlight the must-see attractions and places of interest in all its towns. Among the activities during the event include Hataw Saya Street Dancing Competition, trade fair and exhibit, PINAKA Product Display, Sand Sculpting Competition, Mango Mixing Bar-tending Competition, Mango Ultimate Dance Showdown, Mango Jam and Pie Making and much more. Contact Information: Zambales Provincial Tourism & Investment Office (Domitela Mora Provincial Tourism Officer) Tel. No. (63 47) 811-7216/7218
Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor) ***
Date April 9
Venue Pilar, Bataan
Description: Held every year on April 9 at the Dambana ng Kagitingan (Shrine of Valor) atop Mt. Samat in Pilar, Bataan, the fall of Bataan is commemorated during the Araw ng Kagitingan. Top government officials, Japanese and American World War II veterans including their Filipino counterparts and visitors go to Mt. Samat to participate in the annual rites held to honor the bravery of the soldiers who fought to defend Bataan and to preserve freedom and democracy. Contact Information: Bataan Provincial Tourism Office (Ceasar Cuayson Provincial Tourism Officer) Tel. No. (63 47) 237-4785/4476
Cutud Lenten Rites (Kalbaryo)
Date Good Friday, 12 noon
Venue Brgy. San Pedro Cutud, City of San Fernando, Pampanga
Description: An annual re-enactment of Christ's passion and death is done every Good Friday in Brgy San Pedro Cutud as well as in Sta. Lucia in the City of San Fernando. This dramatic re-enactment is complete with a passion play as performed by local residents and culminates at 12:00 noon with the actual crucifixion of a number of penitents on wooden crosses atop a makeshift calvary. Penitents perform their tradition in the hope of gaining favors from the Almighty. As the sun sets in late afternoon, elegant heirloom carrozas and santos are brought around the historic poblacion for the most solemn Good Friday traditional procession. Contact Information: City Tourism Office (Ching Pangilinan City Tourism Officer) Tel. No. (63 45) 961-5684/ 3328 loc 211
MAY
Obando Fertility Dance
Date May 17 - 19
Venue Obando, Bulacan
Description: Each year, this glorious hymn (Sta. Clarang Pinungpino...) could be heard as the devotees stamp their feet, wave their hands and sway their hips towards the Obando Church during the three-day celebration in honor of San Pascual Baylon on the 17th, Santa Clara on the 18th and the Virgen de Salambao on the 19th of May. Devotees dance their way to find a lover or be rewarded with a child during the three-day festival. Contact Information: Bulacan Provincial Tourism Office (Divinia Quetua Provincial Tourism Officer) Tel. No. (63 44) 796-3441
Pastillas Festival
Date May (Movable)
Venue San Miguel, Bulacan
Description: The festival is a tribute to one of the town's famous sweets - pastillas de leche (carabao milk candies). The town was formerly known as San Miguel de Mayumo, so called because it was renowned for the sweets made there. Among the events in the festival are demonstrations on pastillas cooking and the craft of making pabalat, the lacey pastillas wrappers made of rice paper. Contact Information: Bulacan Provincial Tourism Office (Divinia Quetua Provincial Tourism Officer) Tel. No. (63 44) 796-3441
Pulilan Carabao Festival ***
Date May 14 - 15
Venue Pulilan, Bulacan
Description: An annual festival featuring hundreds of water buffaloes (carabao) parading along the streets of Pulilan followed by a throng of colorful floats and farming machines - all celebrating the feat of their patron saint, San Isidro de Labrador. The popular beasts of burden are cleaned and waxed to an ebony shine, their horns festooned with garlands of flowers, and made to take a bow before the town church by performing the traditional genuflection - an incredible feat that never fails to mesmerize local and foreign visitors. Contact Information: Bulacan Provincial Tourism Office (Divinia Quetua Provincial Tourism Officer) Tel. No. (63 44) 796-3441
JUNE
Apung Iru Fluvial Parade ***
Date June 28 - 30
Venue Apalit, Pampanga
Description: The Apung Iru Fluvial Parade in Apalit, Pampanga begins on June 28 when the ivory image of St. Peter, sitting on a papal throne, is transferred by boat from its permanent shrine in Brgy. Capalangan to Brgy. Sulipan, and culminates on June 30 when the image is returned. Thousands of devotees line both sides of the river shouting, waving leaves and flowers, and splashing in frenzy as the layered pagoda bearing the statue passes by accompanied by hundreds of boats. The floating pagoda, which bears the brass band and about 70 people dancing the traditional Kuraldal, is pulled along the river by swimmers who call themselves the Knights of St. Peter. During the fluvial procession, thousands of revelers on the riverbanks perform the annual shower of packed food containing boiled eggs, rice, and canned sardines meant for the swimmers. The annual event never fails to attract thousands of local and foreign tourists. Contact Information: Pampanga Arts, Culture and Tourism Office (Arwin Paul Lingat Provincial Tourism Officer), Tel. No. (63 45) 963-0107/961-0538
Calumpit Libad Festival
Date June 23
Venue Calumpit, Bulacan
Description: The colorful event is celebrated on June 23, the day before the fiesta, when a fluvial procession in honor of the town's patron saint, St. John the Baptist, is held on the Pampanga river which is made more festive by the presence of a host of decorated pagodas and bancas of every barangay. While the procession goes on, people dance while townsfolk watch in merriment along the riverbanks, and the traditional "Basaan" (water splashing) including the throwing of plastic-packed food keep people on their toes. Contact Information: Bulacan Provincial Tourism Office (Divinia Quetua Provincial Tourism Officer) Tel. No. (63 44) 796-3441 or Office of the Mayor Tel. No. (63 44) 425-4136
Taong Putik
Date June 24
Venue Aliaga, Nueva Ecija
Description: Taong Putik originated from a unique practice of the devotees of Saint John the Baptist in Bibiclat, Aliaga, Nueva Ecija. Their bodies are completely coated with mud and adorned with vines, banana leaves or dried coconut leaves to hide their identity and as an act of humility and penance. The ritual starts as the curtain of the early dawn rises on June 24 - as the streets of Bibiclat becomes the stage for the unfolding of the performance of the devotees of the Fiesta ni San Juan Bautista. The Taong Putik (mud men) ask for alms and candles from the people and offering them at the church during the special mass celebrated at 7:00 in the morning. Devotees are also known as "San Juan or nag-sa-San Juan" by the townsfolk of Aliaga because they imitate Saint John the Baptist who hid his role as the chosen one to baptize Jesus Christ by wearing animal skin to deceive those who were after his head. A special mass and procession follow, with the taong putik in attendance. Thereafter, they wash up, symbolizing rebirth, They dress up and partake of the fiesta food and drink, music and merrymaking. Contact Information: Nueva Ecija Tourism Services Office (Carolina Uy Provincial Tourism Officer) Tel. No. (63 44) 982-3041 Trunkline /0910-888-8288
JULY
NO ENTRY
AUGUST
Sabutan Festival
Date August 22-25
Venue San Luis, Aurora
Description: The Sabutan Festival in the town of San Luis, province of Aurora highlights the importance of growing palm trees locally called Sabutan on the community's economic wellbeing. The raw material which grows on mountain terrain and forest land is used to weave a variety of useful products and ornamentals like hats, placemats, fans and even native dress - all made of Sabutan. The exclusive art of weaving Sabutan is handed down from one generation to the other. The festival features native dance presentation among school children, trade fair, cultural shows and exhibits. Contact Information: San Luis Municipal Tourism Office (Abigaile Ormilla Municipal Tourism Officer) Mobile 0919-462-7387
Tsinelas Festival ***
Date Aug 25
Venue Gapan City, Nueva Ecija
Description: To mark the anniversary of the town's cityhood, Gapan City holds its annual Tsinelas Festival until August 25 with street dancing, parade of floats decorated with regular to gigantic 7-ft slippers and now the famous slippers bazaar. The festival is aimed at bolstering the new city's claim as the North's Slippers Capital - it being the country's biggest producer of slippers using synthetic materials. Contact Information: Nueva Ecija Tourism Services Office (Carolina Uy Provincial Tourism Officer) Tel. No. (63 44) 982-3041 Trunkline /0910-888-8288
SEPTEMBER
Singkaban Festival (Linggo ng Bulacan) ***
Date Sept. 8 - 15
Venue Malolos City, Bulacan
Description: Known to many as Linggo ng Bulacan, the festival is a celebration of the arts and culture for the patron saint of the province, the Fiesta of Our Lady of Victory, and is held at the provincial capitol grounds. In conjunction with this, the annual Singkaban Festival is held. Singkaban is an acronym for "sining at kalinangan' (art and culture). It celebrates also the anniversary of the first Philippine Congress established on September 15, 1898 at Barasoain Church. Festivities include a 'balagtasan' (debate or declamation patterned after the poetry of Francisco Balagtas), folk dances, 'kundiman' (Filipino plaintive love song), Indakan sa Kalye (street dancing), and Lakan at Lakambini ng Bulacan beauty pageant. The event also showcases Bulacan's products - fireworks, plants, and delicacies like puto, inipit and pastillas de leche. Contact Information: Bulacan Provincial Tourism Office (Divinia Quetua Provincial Tourism Officer) Tel. No. (63 44) 796-3441
OCTOBER
Fiestang Culiat
October 1 - 31
Venue Angeles City
Description: In celebration of the twin fiestas of La Naval and Pyestang Apu, several fun-filled activities are undertaken during the month of October, among which are: Capampangan Food Festival, Parade of Floats, Cultural Nights at the Museo ng Angeles courtesy of various religious and private organizations, Kundiman ning Angeles-Rigodon de Honor, Fiestang Culiat Car Show, golf tournament, and of course the now famous Tigtigan at Terakan Keng Dalan every last Friday and Saturday of October. Contact Information: Angeles City Tourism Office (Archie Reyes City Tourism Officer), Tel. No. (63 45) 322-0507/7231/7238/893-2212 loc 195
Pyestang Tugak (Frog Festival)
Date October (movable)
Venue: City of San Fernando, Pampanga
Decription: Started in 2003 to perpetuate the beautiful traditions that emerged through the years in catching and cooking frogs that used to abound in the rice fields of Pampanga. The citizens of San Fernando have reserved a special day every year to honor this amphibian because of its important contributions to the environment, the economy and culture. It also resembles the Fernandino in many ways, including its resiliency. Contact Information: City Tourism Office (Ching Pangilinan City Tourism Officer) Tel. No. (63 45) 961-5684/ 3328 loc 211
Tigtigan, Terakan Queng Dalan ***
Date Last Friday and Saturday of October
Venue Angeles City, Pampanga
Description: Held every last Friday and Saturday of October, the celebration of Fiestang Kuliat culminates with the ever popular TIGTIGAN, TERAKAN QUENG DALAN which features singing and dancing in the street. It is the local version of the Mardi Gras. Local celebrity bands keep visitors entertained all night long. Food stalls of various cuisine fill the street along the entertainment district of Brgy. Balibago for the duration of the festival. . Contact Information: Angeles City Tourism Office (Archie Reyes City Tourism Officer), Tel. No. (63 45) 322-0507/7231/7238/893-2212 loc 195
NOVEMBER
Pawikan Festival ***
Date November 29-30
Venue Brgy. Nagbalayong, Morong, Bataan
Description: Pawikan Festival in Brgy. Nagbalayong, Morong was organized to intensify the information campaign and generate public awareness on the importance of endangered baby Olive Ridley turtles (Lepidochelys Olivacea are the smallest in the world) in our eco-system. The celebration is highlighted by a ceremonial releasing of Pawikan hatchlings in the blue waters off South China Sea , street dancing competition where participants are dressed gaudily in turtle-like clothing, walk for a cause, trade fair, beach volleyball, graffiti painting contest, sand castling contest, coastal clean-up project, seminars and other activities. Contact Information: Bataan Provincial Tourism Office (Ceasar Cuayson Provincial
Tourism Officer) Tel. No. (63 47) 237-4785/4476
DECEMBER
Belenismo sa Tarlac: The Art of Making Belen
Date December (Movable)
Venue Province of Tarlac
Description: The campaign to create an annual tourist attraction for Tarlac and at the same time develop a Belen-related cottage industry while preserving the religious importance of remembering the birth of Jesus Christ has gained ground with the launch in December 2007 of "Belenismo sa Tarlac," a project initiated by a group led by Ms. Isabel Cojuangco-Suntay that seeks to transform the province into the "Belen Capital" of the Philippines. Belenismo in Spanish means "the art of making Belen, a representation of the Nativity scene in which the Holy Family (Joseph, Mary and the infant Jesus) is visited by the three wise men who came to the manger through the guidance of a star. During the Yuletide season, entries to the competition ranging from larger than life-size, personal, monumental, to dioramas are displayed in various places around the province while the smaller dioramas are housed at the Museo de Tarlac. (Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer dated December 25, 2007, authored by Russell Arador). Contact Information: Tarlac Provincial Investment Tourism and Information Office (Ma. Asuncion Fronda Provincial Tourism Officer) Tel. No. (63 45) 800-1607/1499 / 1949 / 982-1234 loc 148
Duman Festival
Date December (Movable)
Venue Sta. Rita, Pampanga (Parish church patio)
Description: The annual Duman Festival is a culinary exposition cum cultural show where people can eat the best Kapampangan food "al fresco" and in the comfort of traditional and contemporary Kapampangan songs and performances under the shadow of the Sta. Rita Parish Church. The festival is also in honor of the local delicacy called Duman. It is a Christmas delicacy that is made from young gluttonous rice which is a variety of palay. It originated from the tradition of pounding and winnowing unripe glutinous rice (lacatan) and turning it into a light pale gold or green delicacy called "duman." The glutinous rice is harvested just before it gets ripe and continuously pounded amidst song and merriment. During harvest, mature kernels fall off. (Source: Sunstar Pampanga, issue 11/30/08) Contact Information: Pampanga Arts and Culture Office (Arwin Paul Lingat Provincial Tourism Officer), Tel. No. (63 45) 961-0538 / 963-0107
Giant Lantern Festival (Ligligan Parul) ***
Date Saturday before December 25
Venue City of San Fernando, Pampanga (SM City Pampanga)
Description: Rising at 18 feet in diameter and fitted with close to 7,000 bulbs that blink on and off through a number of rotors in sync with a medley of Filipino Christmas songs, these giant lanterns let out not less than 10 designs that feature geometric shapes, flowers, fans, cones and hearts glowing in all colours of the rainbow. The exhibition is usually capped by the opening of the innermost circle in half to reveal in full bloom what the lantern makers designed to be the showcase of their presentation like the image of the Sacred Heart of Jesus to the grand applause from a crowd estimated at 20,000 each year. The festival is participated in by some 8-10 villages of the City San Fernando in Pampanga with each one creating its own design, colour combination and interplay of lights and sound. The city is known as the lantern capital of the Philippines. Contact Information: City Tourism Office (Ching Pangilinan City Tourism Officer) Tel. No. (63 45) 961-5684/ 3328 loc 211
Sinukwan Festival
Date Dec 3 - 9
Venue City of San Fernando, Pampanga
Description: The Sinukwan Festival relives the Kapampangan spirit with a weeklong calendar of cultural revivals capped by a grand street-dance parade in the City of San Fernando, with some 21 towns outdoing each other to the tune of "Atin Cu Pung Singsing". It features hordes of gaily-dressed and gaudily crowned Pampangenos, native music and rituals. The festival memorializes Aring Sinukwan, an ancient mythical god, who is the epitome of Kapampangan culture. Activities include photo contest and exhibits, food and arts showcase (Lutong Kapampangan), Kapampangan singing competition, serenata and beauty pageant. Contact Information: Pampanga Arts, Culture and Tourism Office (Arwin Paul Lingat Provincial Tourism Officer), Tel. No. (63 45) 963-0107/961-0538
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