Major Festivals in the Philippines Part 1

The Philippines is perhaps one of the countries in the world with a diverse, colorful and unique traditions and culture. It is teeming with truly wonderful and inspiring festivals showcasing the history, products, and the trademarks of various places all over the archipelago. Get captivated not only with the great tourists destinations in the country but also with the colorful and vigorous street dancing and other fun-filled activities. The various festivals in the Philippines are distinct with each other and they have their own sense of identity that sets them apart.

Kaamulan Festival, Malaybalay City

Climb the breathtaking mountains of Malaybalay in Bukidnon and witness the vibrant culture of their tribes there, as the folks here celebrate their own festival, which is, the Kaamulan Festival. The festival is the gathering tribal groups of Bukidnon to perform traditional dances and chants. Held from March 1 through 10, the organizers also lined up a thanksgiving ceremony and long-established rituals to further promote unity among the tribesmen here.

One of the most popular groups of ethnic people here in the Philippines is the T’boli in South Cotabato. From March 5 through 16, the indigenous and old practices will be on the center stage with the celebration of the Ses’Long Festival. T’boli and B’laan folks will showcase the main attraction of the festival with their ethnic songs and dances.

Another much-awaited festival in Mindanao is the Bulawan festival which will be held at Compostela Valley from March 6 to 8. The festival is a way of thanksgiving of the province for a peaceful governance, plentiful harvest, prolific resources and promising future ahead.

Now let us travel into the Northern part of the Philippines and this time in Bangued, Abra. This quaint and rustic town celebrates the “Abrenian Kawayan” festival to put into limelight their main product which is the bamboo (also known as “kawayan,” in Filipino). The “Abrenian Kawayan” is celebrated by a grand cultural parade, trade fairs, cultural presentations, Balikbayan night and fashion show from March 6 to 8. Be on the lookout for cheap yet masterfully made crafts and souvenirs in the trade fairs. For sure you will be treated with things that you’ve never seen before and mesmerized by the resourcefulness and creativity of the people here.

Held throughout the month of March, the Visit Samal is an actually a marketing program designed to attract visitors and guests to see its enthralling tourists destinations. Avail of the discounts and packages by virtue of getting a free “passport” to the Samal Island. This so-called passport is valid for the entire summer season.

I’ve seen the Guling-Guling street dancers perform in the Festival of the North held at Dagupan City and I would say they are so captivating and lovely. The street dancers here are clad with colorful native costume whilst they sing and dance. The participants here are adorned with the eye-catching and striking “Abel Paoay Kimona” that goes well with a matching tapis or pandiling and they are embellished with antique jewelries. The festival is held from March 11 to 14.

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