January-March Philippine Events and Holidays

From Top (Left-Right): Caracol Festival (Makati), Sto. Nino Festival (Binondo, Manila),
Via Crusis (Ilo-Ilo City), Aliwan Festival (Manila), Aliwan Festival (Manila), Pahiyas (Quezon)

Have you started scheduling your next local vacation? With only 15 paid days off (plus or minus for some), you really need to make a lot of thinking to ensure that those days are not wasted just lying in bed or staying at home watching TV series marathons. If you’re quite the explorer like me, this list of events and holidays all around the Philippines is worth a second look and maybe carving out a couple of days from your precious VL credits.

2012 is an exciting year for local tourism with the Department of Tourism getting all the help it can get from everyone who are into social media to advertise the campaign “It’s Fun in the Philippines”.  By the looks of it, Filipinos who have at least one Facebook account have responded to DOT’s plea and now making their own take on broadcasting the latest battle cry in marketing  Philippine tourism. 

WOW Philippines and its success formula may have been shelved for good. Now, the promise of the latest slogan will greatly depend on how Filipinos loudly and creatively sell the idea to the world that it’s indeed more “Fun in the Philippines.” 

It’s time to take part in this campaign. Go through the list, get excited and boost Philippine tourism by taking  that V-A-C-A-T-I-O-N!

QUARTER 1 (JANUARY – MARCH) CALENDAR OF EVENTS AND HOLIDAYS

Check also the April-June 2012 Philippine Events and Holidays

JANUARY

STO. NIÑO FESTIVAL January | Nationwide

A grand procession of over two hundred well-dressed images of the Child Jesus.

BULAKLAKAN FESTIVAL

January 1 | Muntinlupa City, Metro Manila

Annual procession, parade of flowers and costumes

FEAST OF THE THREE KINGS

January 2 | Gasan, Marinduque

A feast honoring the three kings who are visiting houses around the Poblacion of Gasan

ATI-ATIHAN FESTIVAL

January 3- January 16 | Kalibo, Aklan

Scene of a yearly celebration in honor of Sto. Nino held every third week of January, popularly known worldwide as Ati-Atihan. So called because Aklanons, domestic and foreign tourists, wipe soot on their faces and done ethnic paraphernalia and masquerade around town as Negritos and make merry and dance in the streets to the beat of ambulant ethnic troubadours.

BAILES DE LUCES

January 5 | La Castellana, Negros Occicental

The town’s celebration of Charter Day and a befitting culmination of the Christmas season, the festival is conceptualized as a festival of hope and thanksgiving. Thanksgiving for all the blessings received in the year that was and hope for a prosperous new year. Its unique feature is the use of lights or “luces” as props and adornment and its nocturnal festivities and streetdancing

LINGAYEN GULF LANDING ANNIVERSAY

January 9 | Lingayen, Pangasinan

Lingayen, Pangasinan (6 hours from Manila by land) Commemoration of the liberation of Pangasinan from the Japanese invasion led by Gen. Douglas McArthur of the US Pacific Command on Jan. 9, 1945

FEAST OF THE BLACK NAZARENE

January 9 | Quiapo, Manila

An intense, day-long festival highlighted by a mammoth procession through the streets.

BINIRAY FESTIVAL (Fluvial Procession)

January 9 | Romblon

Sto. Niño-inspired revelry and fluvial procession.

COCONUT FESTIVAL AND FAIR

January 10- January 13 | San Pablo City, Laguna

A grand mardi-gras celebration which pays homage to Laguna Province''s most ubiquitous crop.

ARAW NG KORONADAL "HINUGYAW FESTIVAL"

January 10 | Koronadal

Translated literally, it means "Day of Koronadal" and indeed it is. Hinugyaw Festival, dubbed as the "Festival of Festivals", is a celebration of the different cultures that has dwelled on the fertile valley of Koronadal for many years now.

BINANOG FESTIVAL

January 10- January 16 | Lambunao, Iloilo

Binanog is a yearly festivities celebrated by the Lambunaonos every January in honor of infant Jesus. Binanog means a pool of dance by the people in hinterland of Lambunao. The following are the Binanugan, the dance depicting the movement of the birds, the Inagong sayaw-sayaw, a celebration dances and the Dinagmay, the courtship dance. The dance movement is accompanied by lively drum beatings.

SINULOG (KABANKALAN) FESTIVAL

January 10- January 16 | Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental

Revelers garbed in distinctively colorful costumes with bare bodies painted in black soot take to the streets to the riotous and frenzied beats of drums celebrating the feast of El Señor Sto. Niño.

MAKATO STO. NIÑO FESTIVAL

January 15 | Poblacion Makato, Aklan

The ati-atihan festival of Makato dates back before the Spaniards came to sow the seeds of Christianity into this land. During the celebration, thousands of Catholic devotees from all over the country and those from abroad felt the urge to come and join in the wholesome, frolic and religious fervor of thanksgiving to the Holy Child, Sto. Niño.

PASUNGAY FESTIVAL

January 15 | San Joaquin, Iloilo

Celebrated every 3rd Saturday of January. This spectacular & exciting event find its origin on a hillside in one of the inland barangays of the municipality when resting farmers witness for the first time the fight between the two raging bulls, set loose by their herdsmen. It caught the fancy of the barangay folks and soon it became a popular entertainment in most barangay fiestas. During the municipal fiesta, the best bulls from different barangays are pitted against each other by weight category in a "Bull Derby".

KAHIMUNAN FESTIVAL

January 16 | Libertad, Butuan City

Butuan''s version of the Sinulog of Cebu which has an equally lively and spectacular street dancing.

PANGISDAAN FESTIVAL

January 16 | Brgy. Tangos, Navotas

One of the highlights of the Navotas Day celebration featuring a street dancing and float competition focusing on the fishing industry.

KINARADTO FESTIVAL

January 16 | Buenavista, Guimaras

This cultural festival makes maximum use of the rich cultural tradition of the oldest municipality of the province. The presentation of songs, dances and musical tableau depicts the various influences Buenavista has been subjected to. Celebrated in honor of the town’s patron saint, Sr. Sto. Niño, Kinaradto promises the participant loads of unforgettable positive experiences.

KAHIMUNAN FESTIVAL

January 16 | Libertad, Butuan City

Butuan''s version of the Sinulog of Cebu which has an equally lively and spectacular street dancing.

KINARADTO FESTIVAL

January 16 | Buenavista, Guimaras

This cultural festival makes maximum use of the rich cultural tradition of the oldest municipality of the province. The presentation of songs, dances and musical tableau depicts the various influences Buenavista has been subjected to. Celebrated in honor of the town’s patron saint, Sr. Sto. Niño, Kinaradto promises the participant loads of unforgettable positive experiences.

BATAN ATI-ATI MALAKARA FESTIVAL

January 16 | Poblacion Batan, Aklan

The participants celebrating this festival wear masks made up of paper mache and prepared costumes. The festival is celebrated in honor of the Sto. Niño with merry making for a bountiful harvest, peace and prosperity, street dancing along the streets and plaza of the poblacion. A holy mass is celebrated before the start of the contest on Sunday morning proceeded with a parade of participating tribes.

FIRE WORKS DISPLAY & CONTEST

January 16 | Arevalo, Iloilo City

Highlights of this District Fiesta of Arevalo are the multicolor fireworks. The skyline becomes a celebration with the dazzling display of sparkles and blazing lights.

CARACOL FESTIVAL

January 16 | Glorietta 4 Park Makati City, Metro Manila

Official Festival of the City of Makati by virtue of resolution No. 251 of Jan. 21, 1991 displaying the call of the local Government for the protection and conservation of our ecology.

BANSUDANI FESTIVAL/FEAST OF THE DIVINE SAVIOR

January 17 | Bansud, Mindoro Oriental

A thanksgiving for a bountiful harvest which coincides with town fiesta. It features dances and cultural presentations by schools and barangay communities.

SADSAD SA KALYE

January 19 | Janiuay, Iloilo

“Sadsad Sa Kalye” is a dynamic mass presentation expressing the beliefs, views, visions and aspirations of the Janiuaynons based upon tradition, historical experiences, and culture of the people of Janiuay. It is a street-dancing affair buoyed by the kaleidoscopic prism of cultured grace and fineness that reflects the embodiment of all that are beautiful in man’s body and soul. “Sadsad” is a native word meaning dance.

SINULOG FESTIVAL

January 20 | Cebu City

Celebrated every 3rd Sunday of January, is Cebu''s biggest and most popular festival. The feast is in honor of the Holy Image of Senyor Santo Niño de Cebu. Fiesta Senyor, as it is widely known, is the most celebrated among Cebu''s festival where people converge along the routes of a grand solemn procession and partake in the gaiety amidst a mardi gras parade immersed in wild colors and the constant beating of drums.

PANDOT SA BACOLOD

January 20 | Bacolod City, Negros Occidental

A true to life dramatization depicting the life of Bacoleños during the Spanish times and the life of being a Catholic

BINULIGAY FESTIVAL

January 20 | Jamindan, Capiz

A cultural and fiesta celebration.

ALTAVAS STO. NIÑO FESTIVAL

January 21- January 22 | Poblacion Altavas, Aklan

This day marked the end of the Fil-American war in Altavas. Since then, January 22 is being celebrated as an Annual Thanksgiving and Armistice Day in Altavas. Later, the date was adopted as its municipal town fiesta. This is the continuation of the joyous celebration of peace when Fil-American war ended in this municipality.

DINAGYANG FESTIVAL

January 22- January 23 | Iloilo City

A spectacular street merrymaking in honor of the Holy Child Jesus.

CHINESE NEW YEAR

January 23 | Region-wide

The Chinese community celebrates the Chinese New Year with pomp & color through a dragon dance.

CHINESE NEW YEAR

January 23 | Nationwide

The Chinese community celebrates the Chinese New Year with pomp & color through a dragon dance. This parade is performed at the prominent malls and department stores, and the giving of moon cakes.

FEAST OF OUR LADY OF PEACE AND GOOD VOYAGE

January 24 | La Carlota City

These features cultural shows and traditional fiesta activities like procession, traditional games and cultural presentation.

IBAJAY ATI-ATI MUNICIPAL AND DEVOTIONAL FIESTA

January 24- January 25 | Ibajay, Aklan

A religious feast in honor of its patron saint Sto. Niño, held by transferring the holy image of the patron from Ibajay Cathedral Rectory and enthronement at St. Peter Parish Church, by way of amusing the image from where it was originally discovered and brought to the church.

DINAGSA ATI-ATIHAN FESTIVAL

January 24- January 30 | Cadiz City, Negros Occidental

A revelry from sunrise to sunset, with ceaseless and rhythmic beating of drums. A sea of humanity in cadence with black soot “ati” performing rituals, all in honor of El Señor Sto. Niño. A spectacular fluvial parade where the Infant Jesus is carried aboard a fishing boat around the river, out to sea and back. “Dinagsa” connotes the sudden surge of good things washed ashore, such as the generous catch of fish and other sea foods, which Cadiz is famous for. Throw all cares to the wind as you street dance with gaily-costumed ati-tribes. Be game however if you find your own face painted black by playful ATIS.

SANA-AW FESTIVAL

January 28 | Jordan, Guimaras

Primarily a celebration of the economic endeavor that made Jordan what it is today. Sana-aw also pays tribute to the skillful artisans and the enduring workers in an endearing characterization through dance drama.

HINIRUGYAW FESTIVAL

January 30- February 6 | Calinog, Iloilo

An annual festivity of Calinog’s devotion to Sr. Sto. Niño. It is a nine day event and its activities consist of an opening salvo, food fest, live Sto. Niño contest among young boys not older than seven years old, Search for Lin-ay Kang Hinirugyaw and the contest proper for all participating tribes in three judging areas.

STO. NIÑO FESTIVAL

January 30 | Malolos, Bulacan

The Malolos Sto. Niño featuring a week long exhibits, a month procession featuring more than a hundred caros of drivers Sto. Niño images.

BALOT SA PUTI FESTIVAL

January 31 | Pateros

One of the highlights of the Pateros Town Fiesta celebration

THE BORACAY INT’L FUN BOARD CUP

January 31- February 5 | Bulabog Beach, Boracay, Malay, Aklan

The country’s biggest windsurfing event drawing participants from all over Asia.

FEBRUARY

SALAKAYAN FESTIVAL

February 1- February 6 | Miag-ao, Iloilo

The festival is a week-long cultural presentation of Miag-ao shown through various activities like food fair, agro-industrial, and trade fair, photo exhibit literary and musical program, beauty pageant, street and ballroom dancing, sports events and many others.

PABIRIK FESTIVAL

February 1- February 2 | Paracale, Camarines Norte

Held in the town of Paracale, the festival is highlighted by “pabirik” street dancing, depicting the gold mining industry in the province.

BICOL ARTS FESTIVAL

February 1- February 28 | Legazpi City

A week-long festival showcasing the region’s arts and culture, crafts and agro-industrial products coming from the six (6) provinces and three (3) cities of Bicol. It coincides with the celebration of the National Arts Month every February.

FESTIVAL OF HEARTS

February 1- February 14 | Tanjay City, Negros Oriental

In celebration of Valentines, the city tourism council of Tanjay is coming up with a festival of romance showcasing a nightly Harana, Baile ng Bayan, Mass Wedding/Renewal of Vows and coronation of SK''s search for Miss Valentines.

NATIONAL ARTS MONTH

February 1- February 28 | Nationwide

A tribute to the talent and creativity of the Filipino artists,

highlights world-renowned Filipino masters, as well as the new generations influencing the local arts scene.

LAVANDERO FESTIVAL

February 1- February 6 | Mandaluyong

As part of the week-long Mandaluyong Day celebration, the

unique festival focused on the city’s ancient tradition of washing clothes in the once clean and clear waters of the Pasig River. Amusingly, focal point of the festival is the men participants washing clothes instead of women.

FESTIVALS OF HEART

February 1- February 28 | Tanjay City, Negros Oriental

In celebration of Valentines, the city tourism council of Tanjay is coming up with a festival of romance showcasing a nightly Harana, Baile ng Bayan, Mass Wedding/Renewal of vows and coronation of SK’s Search for Miss Valentines.

SUROY SA SURIGAO

February 1- February 28 | Surigao City

An activity initiated by the City Tourism Office that provides opportunities for participating groups to explore Surigao’s best thru island-hopping adventure, cave exploration and canoeing to the lush mangrove areas and other interesting sites.

FEAST OF OUR LADY OF CANDLES

February 2 | Jaro, Iloilo City

The biggest and most opulent religious pageantry in Western Visayas with the blessing of candles and a procession of the Nuestra Señora de Candelaria and the Fiesta Queen and her court.

PAMULINAWEN

February 2- February 10 | Laoag City, Ilocos Norte

The word means "Ilocano Maiden"; a festival showing Ilocano Customs and Virtues.

THE 30TH INTERNATIONAL BAMBOO ORGAN FESTIVAL

February 3- February 11 | Las Piñas

A ten-day series of cultural events, with a focus on the unique bamboo-made organ made by Fray Diego de la Cera found only in Las Piñas.

GULING-GULING FESTIVAL (STREET DANCING)

February 5 | Paoay, Ilocos Norte

Exciting and calendrical rites in Paoay where townsfolk and

their guests participate in singing and dancing in the street, dressed in their native costume, the antique and attractive "Abel paoay Kimona" with matching tapis or pandiling, adorned with century old jewelries

KALI-KALIHAN HARVEST FESTIVAL

February 6 | Don Salvador Benedicto, Negros Occidental

A harvest festival with a street dance showing their cultural heritage the art of "kali" otherwise known as "arnis" or "escrima", the traditional martial arts of the Filipino people since the 7th century.

FIESTA TSINOY

February 6 | Legaspi City

Chinese New Year Celebration featuring activities like Dragon / Lion Dance, Chinese Cultural Program and others.

TINAPAY FESTIVAL

February 7- February 13 | Cuenca, Batangas

An annual activity conceived by the town as thanksgiving to their patron saint, Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage for a bountiful life.

FISTAHAN

February 9- February 15 | Davao City

A culinary festival that features Davao''s grilled tuna specialties such as "panga and buntot".

BULANG-BULANG FESTIVAL

February 9 | San Enrique, Negros Occidental

A cultural identity moving high spirited, resilient, an interlude with the life of a cock or rooster, in unity with the nature, an icon of the sportive game of chance and arguably not as a gambling promotion, but basically Filipino Tinobaganon.

HOT AIR BALLOON FIESTA

February 10-13 | Clark, Angeles, Pampanga

Watch and enjoy hot air balloons fly to the sky and breathtaking air acrobatics.

PABALHAS SA TABLAS

February 11 | Candoni, Negros Occidental

The concept of “Pabalhas sa Tablas” originated from the actual history of Candoni, where a group of settlers (composed of Isabeleños, Hinigaranon, Ilonggo, etc.) decided to look for a land in which they can call their own.

TINAGBA FESTIVAL (BOUNTIFUL HARVEST)

February 11 | Iriga City, Camarines Sur

A tradition of the first harvest offering coinciding on the feast day of Our Lady of Lourdes. Derived from the early rituals of the ancient Bicolanos offering their harvest to their own gods as a form of thanksgiving and to seek favor for a more bountiful harvest throughout the year. A long parade of colorfully and grandiosely decorated bull and carabao carts, carrying newly harvested crops, ending with a mass before the Emerald Grotto at Calvary Hills. Here all the offerings are blessed, then distributed to indigent families.

TIBURIN HORSE RACE

February 12 | Libertad, Pasay City, Metro Manila

One of the highlights of the Sta. Clara Feast Day, about 100 horses have been trained to participate in this exciting and thrilling horse race.

PAMAYPAY NG CALOOCAN FESTIVAL

February 12 | Caloocan City

One of the highlights of the city''s Foundation Day, showcasing the use of teh "Pamaypay"/fan as traditional tool to the surging heat as exhibited in techno-modern folk street dancing competition.

“SAMBALILO” HAT FESTIVAL

February 13 | Paranaque City, Metro Manila

FEAST DAY OF STA. CLARA

February 13 | Pasay City

Different activities are lined up in celebration of Sta. Clara’s Feast Day. Some of the highlights include the Serenata and The Tiburin Race. Serenata is a series of rondalla and brass band concerts and a revival of open-air musical performances held at the Sta. Clara patio, while the Tiburin Race is an exciting and thrilling horse-racing at Cementina and Libertad streets. About 100 horses have been trained solely for this event.

LOCAL MEDIA FAMILIARIZATION TOUR

February 13- February 19 | Cagayan de Oro

A one day excursion to media design to update on the new adventure of Cagayan de oro.

FESTIVAL OF HEARTS

February 14 | Tanjay City, Negros Oriental

In celebration of Valentines, the city tourism council of Tanjay is coming up with a festival of romance showcasing a nightly Harana, Baile ng Bayan, Mass Weddings/Renewal of Vows and coronation of Search for Miss Valentines

SERENATA

February 14 | Pasay City

A series of rondalla and brass band concerts. A revival of open-air concerts held at the patio of Sta. Clara Church.

2ND ANNUAL “HARANA: KARANTAHAN NIN PAGRANGA” (A MUSIC FESTIVAL)

February 14 | San Jose, Camarines Sur

The festival feature local talents and young artists in its effortsa to promote cultural awareness, tourism development and youth empowerment in the District of partido. Highlighted by the Bicol Love Song Choral Competition. Other activities are lined up to drumbeat the affair.

BLOOMING HEARTS DAY

February 14 | Baguio City

Mass Wedding with longest kissing scene to be held in Baguio City in celebration of Valentine''s Day

AURORA DAY AND SUMAN FESTIVAL

February 14- February 19 | Baler, Aurora

Celebration of the foundation of the province of Aurora which celebrated on the very day of birth of the Late Lady Aurora Quezon that coincide with the grandest festival, the Suman Festival.

APAYAO PROVINCE 6TH FOUNDATION

February 14 | Apayao

A provincial celebration marking the creation of Apayao as a separate province with cultural activities and the trade fairs.

KALINGA PROVINCE 6TH FOUNDATION

February 14 | Kalinga

A provincial celebration marking the creation of Kalinga as a separate province with cultural activities and trade fairs featuring the Ulalim.

PHILIPPINE MILITARY ACADEMY ALUMNI HOMECOMING

February 18- February 19 | PMA, Baguio City

Annual gathering of military officers and their families in Baguio who graduated from PMA, the premier military school which trains the elite corps of the Armed Forces of the Philippines

KAP’YAAN FESTIVAL

February 18- February 20 | Jose Abad Santos, Davao del Sur

Founding Anniversary of the creation of the municipality; agri-trade fair and civic military parade

BICOL REGIONAL TOURISM COUNCILS ASSEMBLY

February 18- February 19 | Naga City

A gathering of all tourism stakeholders to agree on a cooperative program and synchronized efforts that would trigger the response towards a unified and sustainable regional tourism development.

PASAYAW FESTIVAL

February 19 | Canlaon City, Negros Oriental

A combined word of "Pasalamat Pinaagi sa Sayaw" (a thanksgiving through dance). This Pasayaw expresses the joys and jubilations in praise and thanksgiving to the Almighty God

BABAYLAN FESTIVAL (RITUALS)

February 19 | Bago City, Negros Occidental

A festival newly conceptualized by the City of Bago and celebrated during the Charter Anniversary every 19th of February. Babaylan Festival is based on the rituals performed by the Babaylans, like rituals on marriage, baptism, healing, harvest and others. Babaylans get their healing powers from the unseen spirits.

ILOILO PARAW REGATTA

February 19- February 20 | Iloilo City

An exciting race among outriggers in the strait between Guimaras and Iloilo City

MUTYA NG CARAGA

February 20 | Urios College Gym, Butuan City

This beauty search is one of the highlights of the annual celebration of the founding of the Caraga Region.

BALSAHAN FESTIVAL

February 20 | Sibunag, Guimaras

Balsahan is Sibunag’s way of immortalizing the mystical Sibunag river which snakes its way through most of the town’s barangays. A major geographical feature of the town, the river holds many interesting myths and legends that are sure to tickle one’s imagination, and whet one’s appetite to unravel its secrets. Use the balsa in your trek for some satisfying discoveries – you will be pleasantly rewarded.

ASINAN FESTIVAL

February 20 | San Lorenzo, Guimaras

Marvel at how the ordinary salt has gravitated the people of San Lorenzo into an annual gathering with all the delicious trimmings of specialty products. Not everything in the Asinan festival is salty though, as there are the spicy seafoods, the juicy citrus, the crispy nuts. With the proper blend of the unique hospitality and the natural smiles of the people and one will hunger for more of the Asinan spectacle.

CEBU X INTERNATIONAL FURNITURE AND FURNISHINGS EXHIBITION February 21- February 27 | Cebu City, Cebu

With Cebu X promoting Cebu as the Design Destination in Asia, an exhibition is scheduled by the end of February showcasing Asia’s best furniture designs expertly executed by master craftsmen.

KALILANGAN FESTIVAL

February 21 27 | General Santos City

Celebrates the "friendly co-existence with all the people of General Santos City". Activities include agro-industrial trade fair, cultural presentation, culinary arts contest, Pagana, Kulintangan, ethnic musical instrument competition and Kidig-Kidig sa Dalan.

TRAVEL TOUR EXPO

February 22 24 | SM Megamall

Annual exhibition of travel and tourism destinations, products and services.

CARAGA ANNIVERSARY

February 23- February 25 | CARAGA

A grand celebration of the creation of CARAGA Region

60TH ANNIVERSARY WORLD WAR II

February 23- September 3 | WW II Sites

60th Anniversary of WW II "A Salute to Valor"

SIBUG-SIBUG FESTIVAL

February 23 | Zamboanga Sibugay

Highlighted by colorful ethnic street dancing with rituals depicting good harvest, wedding and healing rituals.

ARAW NG ZAMBOANGA SIBUGAY

February 24 | Zamboanga Sibugay

A civic-military parade kicks off the celebration. Agri-trade fair, sports competition, cultural presentation and selection of Bb. Zamboanga Sibugay are also held.

CEBU CITY CHARTER DAY

February 24 | Cebu City

In celebration of Cebu City''s Charter Day, related activities like civic parade, cultural presentations attended by Cebu Officials and guests at the Cebu city hall.

3RD MINDANAO DIVE CONGRESS/FIESTA

February 24- February 25 | Davao City Samal

A gathering of diving enthusiasts, promotion of dive areas, exhibits, fun dives, aqua sports competition, scubasura; discovery dive; scuba lessons; concert for a cause; dive safari

ADIVAY

February 25 | La Trinidad, Bengued

The maiden launching of an annual Agri Tourism Trade Fair featuring the various products of the BLIST area which will complement the activity highlights of Panagbenga 2005. Adivay which means "fun" will be held in La Trinidad Benguet.

EDSA REVOLUTION ANNIVERSARY

February 25 | People Power Monument, EDSA, Ortigas

Commemorates the 1986 EDSA People Power Revolution.

PANAGBENGA - BAGUIO FLOWER FESTIVAL

February 26- February 27 | Baguio City

Also known as the Baguio Flower Festival, it will be the 10th holding of this annual event which will showcase the City of Baguio as a City of Flowers. The Floral Street Parade will be held on February 26 and the Floral Float Parade on February 27.

DIA DELA CIUDAD DE ZAMBOANGA February 26 | Zamboanga City

A celebration to honor the historical event when Zamboanga was converted into chartered city. Activities include street dancing, cultural dance festival and a regatta.

HIL-O - HIL-O FESTIVAL

February 26- February 28 | Maayon, Capiz

A cultural and fiesta celebration.

ITIK-ITIK FESTIVAL

February 27 | Pasig City, Metro Manila

The Itik-Itik Festival is held every last Sunday of February in

Brgy. Kalawaan. Men, women and children take part in the activities and merrymaking. The significant event is not only limited to colorful activities, sumptuous food, revelry and fun, but also draws people closer to God and to one another. It is a rich showcase of Filipino culture and tradition usually celebrated on the Feasts of the barangay’s beloved patroness, St. Martha.

MANIAMBUS FESTIVAL

February 27 | Negros Occidental

"Maniambus" is a Visayan term meaning to strike with a club because its coastal waters were them beaming with fish that catching could be done simply by clubbing.

SAMBAYAN FESTIVAL

February 28- March 31 | Tobias Fornier, Antique

A celebration of rites called samba/paned. This describe two kinds of rituals, one held on the hills (or mountains) and other held along the seacoast perform to ask for rain, to thank the ancestral spirit for good harvest.

MARCH

KAAMULAN TRIBAL FESTIVAL

March 1- March 6 | Malaybalay City, Bukidnon

A spectacular yearly gathering of the seven (7) hilltribes featuring their traditional songs, dances, sports, crafts and rituals, clad in their traditional vibrant costumes and heirloom jewelry

RODEO MASBATEÑO (LOCAL COWBOYS)

March 1- April 2 | Masbate City

Hold on to your horses, caballeros, its rodeo time in Masbate once again! Feel the excitement as our local cowboys pit their brains against bovine brawn in western style rodeo events like bull riding and sterr wrestling, apart from our local games like the good old carabao race. So put on them boots and saddle up – its gonna be a rope-slingin’, dust-kickin’, cowpunchibn’ affair.

ARAW NG ISLAND GARDEN CITY OF SAMAL (IGACOS) March 1- March 7 | Island Garden City of Samal

Festival to showcase the natural bounty of the Island Garden City of Samal, includes water sports competition, horse fight, sand castle contest, cultural shows, etc.

PASIG SUMMER MUSIC FESTIVAL

March 1- March 31 | Pasig City

Participants vary from singers, pianists & violinists, bandleaders and music teachers whose common goal is to keep classical music and "kundimans” alive. On this event, artists, and music lovers gather at the Pasig City Museum to listen and appreciate the music of classical artists as performed by their fellow Pasigueños. In all, the Summer Music Festival aims to revive the great musical tradition of Pasig.

PARADE OF FESTIVALS

March 1 | Muntinlupa City

One of the highlights of Muntinlupa City’s Cityhood Anniversary.

PAYVANUVANUAN FESTIVAL

March 1 31 | Sitio Jura, Racujaide, Mahatao

The festival marks the start of the fishing season in Batanes where the fisherfolks perform a ritual to pray for good fishing season and safety.

4TH ZP SUMMER

March 1- March 31 | Zamboanga City

This event, which cover the Zamboanga City, and the provinces of Zamboanga Sibugay, del Norte and del Sur, promotes domestic tourism in the Peninsula.

SUGBAHAN

March 2- March 14 | Davao City

A culinary festival that features Davao''s grilled specialties such as tuna.

PACTO DE SANGRE OR BLOOD COMPACT OF NEW WASHINGTON, AKLAN

March 3 | New Washington, Aklan

Katipuneros respectively wounded their wrists and used their blood to sign a document that formally expressed their grievances symbolizing their revolt against the Spanish authorities, which happened at Sitio Kuntang, Ochando, New Washington. From then on it is remembered as one of the historical places in the country.

COUNCIL OF BALABAGO REENACTMENT

March 4- March 5 | Culasi, Antique

It is a reenactment of the gathering of the Malayan Datus headed by Sumakwel after their settlement in Malandog for thanksgiving and renewal. The site of the reenactment overlooks the island of Mararison and the Majestic Mt. Madia-as home of Bulalakaw, their acclaimed God.

PUERTO PRINCESA FOUNDATION DAY

March 4 | Puerto Princesa City

A celebration of the founding anniversary of the City highlighted by the crowning of Ms. Puerto Princesa.

CEBU X INTERNATIONAL FURNITURE AND FURNISHING EXHIBITION

March 6-9 | Cebu City

With Cebu X promoting Cebu as the Design Destination in Asia, an exhibition is scheduled by the end of February showcasing Asia's best furniture designs expertly executed by master craftsmen.

BANGKERO FESTIVAL

March 6-10 | Pagsanjan, Laguna

Pagsanjan, the tourist capital of Laguna will hold its “Bangkero Festival” on March 10 until March 14 with the theme: “Mamamayan Makilahok! Bayan Ko, Tutulungan Ko!”

ARYA! ABRA FESTIVAL (Bamboo rafting)

March 07 - 11 | Bangued, Abra

Abra's biggest festival highlights of which are "Karerakit" bamboo rafting along Calaba River and Tinguan Festival of the tribal natives of Abra.

PANAGTAGBO FESTIVAL

March 7 | Tagum City

Coincides with the city of Tagum’s founding anniversary. It aptly describes a celebration in the city where Tagumeños met Tagumeños from all walks of life in one occasion and setting since the city of Tagum is a crossroad business center in the northern part of Southern Mindanao.

NATIONAL WOMEN'S MONTH CELEBRATION EXHIBIT

March 8- March 12 | Clamshell I, Intramuros, Manila

A weeklong exhibit organized by the National Commission on the Role of Filipino Women (NCRFW) showcasing numerous products and services in celebration of the National Women''s Month.

BIRTH ANNIVERSARY OF LATE PRESIDENT JOSE P. LAUREL

March 9 | Tanauan, Batangas

A yearly celebration commemorating the birth of President Jose P. Laurel.

HOLISTIC FESTIVAL

March 9- March 11 | Villa Jireh, Labrador, Pangasinan

Projects Pangasinan as a health tourism destination with focus on wellness & lifestyle change from the holistic approach. Converging multi-sectoral groups: Eco-Defense Movement, Fishermen/Farmers Association, Tourism.

BANTAYAN FESTIVAL

March 9 15 | Guimbal, Iloilo

A celebration of the birth of a new history and culture of the people of Guimbal as a tribute and reverence to the triumphant struggle of its ancestors for meaningful existence.The magic of the Gimba (drum) and the Bantayan (watchtower) are the major features of the festival. The festival also features dance drama, drum, float & street dancing competition, cultural shows, beauty pageant, paraw & boat racing, fluvial parade, musical concerts and many other presentations.

ARAW NG DABAW CELEBRATION

March 10- March 16 | Davao City

Davao celebrates its birthday in a grand gala fashion befitting the largest city in Mindanao. The Araw ng Dabaw festivities come complete with a jam-packed, seven-day schedule of trade fairs and cultural presentations. There''s also a colorful civic-military parade and a citywide beauty pageant, featuring the smartest, most charming ladies this side of the islands.

STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL

March 14- March 20 | La Trinidad, Benguet

The municipality of La Trinindad in Benguet, known as the Strawberry Capital of the Philippines, will feature the baking of the largest strawberry cake including a trade fair on strawberry products and cutflowers.

PINTADOS DE PASI FESTIVAL

March 13 | Passi City, Iloilo

A festival depicting the history of Passi through “pintados” as a colorful celebration of how Passi got its name, as influenced by the Spanish regime. It also coincides with their Foundation Day commemorating the conversion of Passi as a component city. The festival’s main features include the parade and competition of Tribes, Carosa Parada, Pinta Carabao, Search for Bb. Pintados de Pasi, Laro ng Lahi, Binayle sa Kalye, Drum & Lyre Competition, Food Festival

HOMONHON LANDING

March 16 | Homonhon, Eastern Samar

Commemoration of the discovery of the Philippines by Ferdinand Magellan.

SEMANA SANTA AT IGUIG CALVARY HILLS

March 16 23 | Iguig, Cagayan

Traditional presentation of the passion and death of Christ on an 11 hectare rolling terrain of the larger than life size 14 Stations of the Cross.

LUGAHAIT FESTIVAL

March 16 | Lugait, Misamis Oriental

A local festival celebrating the rich history and the founding of the municipality of Lugait through native street dancing, showcase of agricultural products, and other colorful cultural performances

BUTUAN-CHINA TRADE MISSION

March 17 | Butuan City

Commemoration of the first Butuan-China Trade Mission

SOLI-SOLI FESTIVAL

March 18 | San Francisco, Camotes Island, Cebu

Named after the Soli-Soli plant which abounds around Lake Danao, its freestyle street dancing competition uses soli-soli plant as its dominants material.

BANANA FESTIVAL

March 18- March 19 | Baco, Mindoro Oriental

A celebration of its abundance of banana. It features banana cook fest and a banana (saba) inspired street dancing competition and beauty pageant. this coincides with the town fiestain honor of St. Joseph.

MAYON CONQUEST

March 18- March 20 | Albay

A mountain expedition to the country’s most popular volcano, MT. MAYON to be participated in by mountain-climbing enthusiast aimed to develop mountain climbing as a safe, enjoyable and environment-friendly activity.

SULYOG FESTIVAL

March 19 | Bongabong, Mindoro Oriental

A religious festival in honor of St. Joseph celebrated by way of a Sulyog (Suli and Niyog) Festival done through dances, flats and cultural shows.

TABAK FESTIVAL

March 19- March 22 | Tabaco City, Albay

Held in conjunction with the celebration of the City’s 1st Foundation Anniversary. The festival derived its name from a local word “tabak”, meaning bolo, where the name of the City (Tabaco) was taken from. It’s highlight is a street presentation where participants showcase the legend of the City. Numerous other activities are lined up to drum beat the affair.

SINIGAYAN FESTIVAL

March 19 | Sagay City

An annual celebration & thanksgiving in honor of their patron, St. Joseph, showcasing the best of Sagay - - the arts, culture, products, and its people. Sinigayan concocted from the spherical shell “sigay” which abounds many islets and shores of the city.

PASKO SA KASAKIT (SEMANA SANTA SA BANTAYAN)

March 20 21 | Bantayan, Cebu

A unique mixture of solemn religious rites and local celebration in Bantayan Island where friends of the residents and tourists experience the scenic rites and cool off the summer heat in beautiful white sandy beaches.

SEMANA SANTA SA BIKOL

March 20- March 27 | Calabanga, Camarines Sur

A week-long observance of Bicolanos unique religiosity and a pilgrimage to "Amang Hinulid"

PANAAD

March 20 21 | Camiguin

A yearly trek of devotees coming from the neighboring municipalities, cities and provinces in Visayas and Mindanao to Camiguin's walkway considered the Region's famous Holy Week site

SENAKULO / HOLY WEEK RITUALS & PROCESSIONS

March 20- March 27 | Nationwide

A nationwide celebration of Lenten Season

SEMANA SANTA AT BALINTOKATOK LA SALETTE SHRINE

March 20- March 27 | Santiago City

Traditional presentation of the passion and death of Christ on a hill and ends at the top where a chapel stands.

LENTEN WEEK/ "PAGPAPAKO"

March 21- March 26 | Baler and Casiguran, Aurora

Highlighted in every Good Friday at a hilltop of Ermita hill “Pagpapako” celebration. Simultaneous at poblacion procession of different patron saints.

CENAKULO (CAINTA, RIZAL)

March 21- March 26 | Cainta, Rizal

Passion plays called cenaculo are held in various places sll over the Philippines during Holy Week. However in Cainta, Rizal, people take to the streets to witness passion plays participated in by the town folks.

LENTEN OBSERVANCE (SAN PABLO CITY)

March 21- March 26 | Sn Pablo City, Laguna

An impressive array of centuries old religious images owned by Don Escudero. These images are borne by their silver carrozas as an expression of faith of the citizens of San Pablo.

BUHING KALBARYO March 21- March 26 | Cebu City, Cebu

During the Lenten season, the Buhing Kalbaryo Foundation Inc. will have Lenten presentations

SEMANA SANTA (DIPOLOG CITY) March 21- March 26 | Dapitan City

Experience spiritual cleansing through sacrifices, i.e. religious rites (reenactment Passion of Jesus) at St. James the Greater Church, procession alongside life-size images of saints on carriages on selected city streets.

AGOO SEMANA SANTAMarch 21 | Agoo, La Union

The Holy week celebration, particularly Good Friday, is a display of devoutness and traditional pomp.

MORIONES FESTIVAL

March 21- March 27 | Marinduque

A festival of the moriones, colorfuly garbed and masked soldiers and centurions; culminates in the reenactment of the beheading of Longinus. The entire towns of Boac, Mogpog and Gasan are virtually converted into huge stages as the story of Longinus unfolds.

TURUMBA

March 21- March 26 | Pakil, Laguna

The largest religious activity consisting of 7 fiestas or lupi to commemorate the seven sorrows of Our Lady of Turumba, starting before the Holy Week every nine days thereafter and ends in the month of June and in celebrated with dancing procession.

PAGTALTAL SA GUIMARAS

March 21 | Jordan, Guimaras

Lenten Presentation on the hillside of Jordan with locals as actors. This ala-Oberrammergau Passion Play has been attracting locals and tourists whose visit usually culminates in the trek to "Balaan Bukid".

CUTUD LENTEN RITES

March 21 | San Pedro Cutud, San Fernando, Pampanga

A re-enactment of Christ's passion and death.

PAMALANDONG HA PALO

March 21 | Palo, Leyte

Dramatic re-enactment of Christ''s sufferings on the cross.

ALIMANGO FESTIVAL

March 22 | Lala, Lanao del Norte

A festival to celebrate "Araw ng Lala" featuring displays of different sizes of alimango (crab). Also features native costumes, dances and cotests depicting and promoting local culture and tradition and fluvial parade passing through unspoiled mangroves.

TORUGPO

March 22 | Carigara, Leyte

Carabao and horse fights.

BIRTHDAY OF GENERAL EMILIO AGUINALDO

March 22 | Cavite

A celebration commemorating the birth of the First President of the Philippine Republic.

19 MARTYRS OF AKLAN

March 23 | Kalibo, Aklan

Celebration dedicated to the 19 martyrs of Aklan who consecrated their lives in the cause of freedom against the colonizers.

SUNDUAN HA CARIGARA

March 23 | Carigara, Leyte

Cultural/social activities and float parade held on Easter Sunday.

KABANHAWAN FESTIVAL

March 23 | Minglanilla, Cebu

Showcases the "SUGAT" in which the town is known for many years since. This year, the celebration will be more grand followed by a day long games and entertainment tht highlights the endowment of Minglanilla in history, trade and arts.

LUCKY SUMMER VISITOR/S

March 24 | Baguio City

A special feature of Summer in Baguio Project, this annual event spearheaded by the Baguio Correspondents and Broadcasters Club, will choose the lucky visitors to the Summer Capital of the Philippines and will be afforded prizes that include hosted meals, tours, free accommodations, and other souvenir items

SEMANA SANTA AT SILAY CITY

March 24- March 27 | Silay City

Highlights of activities fall on Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Black Saturday and Easter Sunday. The Christian Community Theater in coordination with the Silay City Government presents contemporized and stylized version of the sacrifices, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Good Friday procession of the images of Saints made in Italy and crafted by the local artists attract believers and tourists alike.

MALIBAY CENACULO

March 24- March 25 | Tanghalang Malibay, Malibay Plaza, Pasay City

A 10-day activity commencing with daily performances of particular scenes from the Bible stories. Different scenes are to be performed by Cenaculistas of Pasay.

KATKAT SAKRIPISYO SA 3003 STEPS

March 24- March 25 | Dipolog City

A mountain climbing/trekking activity and via cruces participated in by the Catholic community of Zamboanga del Norte and the neighboring municipalities.

LIVE STATIONS OF THE CROSS AT SAN CARLOS CITY

March 25 | San Carlos City, Negros Occidental

A live reenactment of the 14 Stations of the Cross along the main thoroughfares of the city.

PAGTALTAL IN BAROTAC VIEJO

March 25 | Barotac Viejo, Iloilo

A yearly depiction of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.

KALBARYO

March 25 | San Vicente Ferrer Parish Bgy. La Granja, La Carlota City

Live re-enactment of the 7 last words held on Good Friday at the Hills of Bgy. La Granja. The Kalbaryo, being a community based and multi-sectoral theatrical showcase makes a total distinction in translating the promise of Christ's most liberating resurrection.

PAGHUKOM

March 25 | Calinog, Iloilo

Lenten presentation depicting the judgment, crucifixion, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

KAPIYA DISPLAY AND PASYON SINGING CONTEST

March 25 | Santa Barbara, Iloilo

A Kapiya or tableau of the 14 Stations of the Cross is set-up in strategic places all over the town where the procession would pass through. This tableau would either be composed of human characters or art works. On Good Friday, people would go around the town to witness the judging of the most unique and beautiful Kapiya along with the most authentic Pasyon (Passions of Christ) Singing.

ANG HATOL . . . .(THE WAY OF THE CROSS)

March 25 | Cainta, Rizal

A stage presentation that highlighted the judgement of Jesus Christ

GIWANG-GIWANG

March 25 | Binangonan, Rizal

It is a play executed every Good Friday by replaying the funeral of Jesus Christ through a procession. Due to the influx of tourists, devotes and other people trying to touch the “Sepulkro”, it sways, hence, Giwang-giwang. People searching for an amulet or anting-anting to join this religious activity.

SALUBONG (ANGONO, RIZAL)

March 26- March 27 | Angono, Rizal

Black Saturday is highlighted by 3-hour presentation of “Vigilia na Muling Pagkabuhay” at the patio of the church. On Easter Sunday, a celebration is held of the reunion of the Risen Christ with Virgin Mary is reenacted. It is facilitated by young girl inside an inverted giant paper flower suspended the removal of the mourning veil from Mary’s head by a from bamboo trellis. The petals are mechanically opened by giant toy birds to reveal the girl inside. It is then followed by a religious dancing of young ladies called “Kapitana” and “Tenyenta”, to the tune of “Bati”.

LENTEN FESTIVAL OF HERBAL PREPARATION

March 26 | San Antonio, Siquijor

A time when herbalists from all over Visayas and Mindanao participate in a ritual known as "Tang-Alap".

CUARESMA

March 26- March 27 | San Jose, Antique

The center celebration is replete with theater practice: from Domingo de Ramos (Palm Sunday) to Paskwa kang Pagkabanhaw (Easter Sunday). It is a one week theatrical events where there is a street pageantry where the dramatic persons are composed of antiquated life-sized images of saints on pasos decorated with flower.

SUGAT

March 27 | San Carlos, Negros Occ.

A religious procession that depicts the meeting of the resurrected Jesus Christ and His mother, the Blessed Virgin Mary. It is usually celebrated every dawn of Easter Sunday.

HUDAS-HUDAS

March 27 | San Jose, Antique

Initiated by the Aglipayan Church since the seventies. The people gather in the town plaza to hang Judas and burned the effigy done on Black Saturday. In this spectacle, the people are reminded of Judas' treachery and they all participate in "executing" him.

SALUBONG (EASTER VIGIL) AND PASKO NG PAGKABUHAY (FEAST OF THE RESURRECTION

March 27 | Barangay San Dionisio, Parañaque City

The Easter festivity unfolds at dawn around five o'clock with a procession heralding the resurrection of Christ and his reunion with Mary. While the molded images of Mother and Son are placed side by side, a little girl dressed up like an angel replace the Blessed Virgin's black veil of grief and mourning with a white one as the Osana, a hymn of praise and adoration endemic to Parañaque, is sung.

KISI-KISI FESTIVAL

March 27- March 31 | Negros Occidental

Kisi Kisi Dance Parade is a dance parade which stands for the way fishes flip-flops and twitches as they are hauled during the bountiful harvest. It starts at 1:00 in the afternoon where participating groups wear costumes and headdresses adorned with multi-colored shells & fish nets while props include bamboo poles and baskets used for fishing. Before the dance parade a re-enactment of the Sinulod is being shown wherein the town’s patron Sr. Sto. Niño saved the village from the moro raids.

MANOK NI SAN PEDRO FESTIVAL

March 27 | San Pedro, Laguna

Grand parade of various and colorful floats participated in by both government and private sectors while the tribal groups aggressively partakes on street dancing with numerous tribal participants lined-up alternately with floats.

HALADAYA FESTIVAL

March 27- April 3 | Daan Bantayan, Cebu

Is celebrated every Easter Sunday and ends with a streetdancing on the seventh day after Easter. Haladaya means "Halad kang Datu Daya", the leader of the first Malayan settlers in Daan Bantayan.

SIARGAO INTERNATIONAL MOUNTAIN BIKE CUP

March 27- March 31 | General Luna, Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte

An annual international competition which is open for all local and foreign bikers.

TABACCO FESTIVAL

March 28- March 29 | Candon City, Ilocos Sur

Annual festival to promote major industry of the city "Tobacco."

KATKAT SA DIPOLOG

March 28- April 3 | Dipolog City

An annual activity at the mountain ranges of Dipolog City’s Linabo Peak and the Sungkilaw Falls area. This is participated in by mountaineers and nature trekkers, which is to be held every summer season in Dipolog City.

GAWAGAWAY-YAN FESTIVAL

March 30- April 13 | Cauayan City

Celebrates the cityhood of the City of Canayan in Isabela Province; activities include cultural shows, trade shows, parades and street dancing and variety shows, etc.

SINUGDAN/COMMEMORATION OF THE FIRST CHRISTIAN MASS

March 31 | Limasawa Island, Southern Leyte

Commemoration of the first mass in the Philippines held by the Spaniards.

FIRST EASTER MASS CELEBRATION

March 31 | Butuan City

A re-enactment of Magellan's landing and planting of the cross on March 21, 1521 at Mazaua, Butuan City.

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