Saturday, February 8, 2014

39/365: Random Talk and Birthday Greetings

8th of February

If there is something that I am thankful about my doing the “365 Blogging Challenge” is that it gave me the opportunity to write about the things that I have been wanting to write and share and most of them in complete stories through a series of posts.  I am so engrossed of doing these series that I already drafted the skeleton of what I am going to post for April (LOL).

However it also seems like I am missing to share some random moments that is going around myself for the past few days so I thought of sharing them as well from time to time.  I’m not sure if you will be interested with my nonsense but heck I just want to do some random talks so bear with me.  If  you can’t bear please forget that you passed by this post.

Remember my post about my blogger friend Jonathan that was delayed and also caused the delay of the last three post prior to this one? (Jeez! that’s a mind boggling question phrase!).  Anyway apart from the reason that I edited that post for several times because I am writing about a blogger who is “one heck of a good writer”, the other reason was that  I have been out almost every night (and take note these are on week nights).  I’m not even sure how was I able to sneak on writing some of my updates on my daily post challenge while in fact I have been out most of the nights. (I’m nuts remember?).

IMG_20140203_011943For two straight nights hubby and I were out visiting an old-fashioned bar wherein we just leisurely enjoying a live band, soft music or whatever is playing on the wide screen of this bar over “three bottles”.

On one night we were just outside the house on a bench under the moonlight and enjoying “two bottles” that I picked from a convenience store together with the kid’s pasalubong. 

On another time we we found ourselves around midnight eating in a 24-hour Chinese fast food restaurant.   Burp!

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There was no occasion to celebrate.  These are just spontaneous moments that we enjoyed and found time to relax after battling a regular day of hard work.

And one of those week nights also I had a bonding time with my BFF Mac that ended in a stupidly hilarious incident wherein a fortune cookie is involved.  Hmn… I’m still contemplating if I will share the story of such stupidity hilarity.

Meanwhile, let me greet first two blogger friends who are celebrating their birthdays this month of February.
Firsts, a blogger friend whom I love following his blog and social media status because we have the same passion for adventure and running - Empi of  Kol Me Empi!

Happy happy birthday Empi!

KolMeEmpi

And a special greetings also to another blogger friend who is one among the first set of bloggers who welcomed me when I was just starting this blog.  He always passed by my blog,  leave a comment or any message on my chat page whenever he is not out exploring.

Happy happy birthday my dear blogger friend Marco -  The Soul Explorer

Marco

Wishing you both more wonderful running, adventures and explorations!  I also wish for a longer friendship with you both in and out of the blogosphere.  Cheers!

Friday, February 7, 2014

38/365: Moonlight Models (Part 3 of 3): Balut Edition

7th of February

A warm, slow breeze blows in over the dry reef,
Sweeps up the shoreline, dousing me in freshness.

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No daylight this, but a world of moonlight,
The heavens are spread with small points of light.

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Motionless; I watch the soldier crabs emerge.
Black, noise-some mud clings to the soles of my feet.

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My whole world is silent; the village is dark.
My hot soul is soothed and lulled by the sea-sound.

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Possessed of a sudden euphoria born of shore-ripples, of wind, of salt, of freedom,
I take up off up the bare slope, dodging crab holes…

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This spur-of-the-moment photography is a part of an spontaneous road trip that leads us to a beautiful beach south of the city.

Photo Credits: (my good friend) Ranie de Mesa
Subject/Model: Myself (Unprepared, without make-up not even wearing anything fancy or what not) 
Poem:  Excerpts from the poem “Nighwalking” from allpoetry.com

For the complete series:
Moonlight Models (Part 1 of 3): The Band of Brothers Edition
Moonlight Models (Part 2 of 3): The Little Red Hooded Girl Edition
Moonlight Models (Part 3 of 3): Balut Manila Edition

Thursday, February 6, 2014

37/365: Moonlight Models (Part 2 of 3): The Little Red Hooded Girl Edition

6th of February

“White in the moon the long road lies,
The moon stands blank above;
White in the moon the long road lies
That leads me from my love.

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Still hang the hedge without a gust,
Still, still the shadows stay:
My feet upon the moonlit dust
Pursue the ceaseless way.

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The world is round, so travelers tell,
And straight through reach the track,
Trudge on, trudge on, ‘twill all be well,
The way will guide one back.

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But ere the circle homeward hies
Far, far must it remove:
White in the moon the long road lies
That leads me from my love”

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Have you noticed something on the third photograph? (wink*)

This spur-of-the-moment photography is a part of an spontaneous road trip that leads us to a beautiful beach south of the city.

Photo Credits: (my good friend) Ranie de Mesa
Subjects/Models: Little Loiz in Red Hood
Poem:  A. E. Housman, A Shropshire Lad

For the complete series:
Moonlight Models (Part 1 of 3): The Band of Brothers Edition
Moonlight Models (Part 2 of 3): The Little Red Hooded Girl Edition
Moonlight Models (Part 3 of 3): Balut Manila Edition

Wednesday, February 5, 2014

36/365: Moonlight Models (Part 1 of 3): The Band of Brothers Edition

5th of February
“How sweet the moonlight sleeps upon this bank!  Here will we sit and let the sounds of music creep in our ears: soft stillness and the night become the touches t harmony,
Sit, angels. Look how the floor of heaven is thick in laid with patines of bright gold:
There’s not the smallest orb which thou behold’st.  But in his motion like an angels sing, still quiring to the young-eyed cherubins;
Such harmony is in immortal souls; But whilts this muddy vesture of decay doth grossly clos it in, we can not hear it.”
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This spur-of-the-moment photography is a part of an spontaneous road trip that leads us to a beautiful beach south of the city.

Photo Credits: (my good friend) Ranie de Mesa
Subjects/Models: Young boys ages between 11-13 studying in a catholic school for boys.
Quote: Taken from William Shakespeare’s “The Merchant of Venice” – Lorenzo, Act V, Scene 1

For the complete series:
Moonlight Models (Part 1 of 3): The Band of Brothers Edition
Moonlight Models (part 2 of 3): The Little Red Hooded Girl Edition
Moonlight Models (Part 3 of 3): Balut Manila Edition

Tuesday, February 4, 2014

35/365: Dedicating Back A Shoot and Ponder Post (And I Thought It Would Be Easy)

4th of February

I think I had mentioned several times how I feel when a fellow blogger tagged me in a post.  Be it an award, a holiday-related tagging or just any simple mention of my name on their blogs – it makes me feel very special.  Just to think that your name crossed their mind while writing – it’s simply awesome!

That’s why I always make sure to properly acknowledge my fellow bloggers when they mention me on their blog posts.  My actions may be delayed some times but it is just because  I always try to find a perfect time (and post) to sincerely express my appreciation. 

So the more I feel special when a fellow blogger made a post titled FINDING SUBJECTS: Shoot and Ponder and one of the photos/subjects is dedicated for my name.  I feel so very special that it took me some time to acknowledge this dedication because I wanted to thank the author, my blogger friend Jonathan of Metaphorically Speaking by dedicating also a “Shoot and Ponder”  post.  And I thought it would be easy ha ha.

It took me sometime because I can’t find an ideal subject to dedicate to Jonathan. It also took me several times to shoot a subject but when I tried to connect or dedicate it to Jonathan it doesn’t seem to fit… several frustrating attempts! 

Until yesterday while I was writing and got hungry and looking for something to eat. I picked an apple from our fruit tray but the apple doesn’t seem to fit as to what my taste bud is looking for that particular moment. It was the second day that the sun decided to shine at its fullest and the unusual cold (lower than 25 degrees) Manila weather is suddenly gone.   I suddenly had a craving for tropical fruits so hubby and I decided to have a quick trip to the fruit market and pick some local fruits.

I was back home enjoying the water melon that we just bought while contemplating if I will also have a taste of the other local fruits on the tray when a thought suddenly struck me. This is it! I grabbed my camera and took some random shots of the fruits at the table.

Yes this is Jonathan!   This variety of local fruits!  A single fruit will not fit his personality.  It must be a variety!

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Just like Jonathan – these fruits are homegrown but when it comes to taste and quality they are world class.  Jonathan is locally breed and educated but his qualities is at par with a world class personality.  He writes well – read his blog and you will know what I mean.  He spreads his knowledge, talents, fruitful experiences that he got from his  well travelled life  - by being a teacher to other nationalities.  He is also a competitive person and has proven that racism can’t bring him down.  He looks so simple but behind the simplicity is a persona full of extra-ordinary talents.  He looks and speaks so humble and yet his achievements are countless.

Thanks again Jonathan for the dedication.  It is an honor to be in your thoughts while you pen your beautiful metaphors.  I feel so humbled every time you appreciate my writings while in fact you are one among the best writer that I know.   And as I’ve said on your birthday, I am one blessed person to be of friend to you.

***
The flower is very distinctive as it resembles hands reaching up. They are like dainty fingers extended as if dancing through the sound of the wind. When we can support others with whatever we can be it time, words of encouragement or a simple hello; we might be giving others a needed boost at that time. We have our sunsets and sunrises and when someone peeks through that window to say "How do you do?", it gives us an appreciation of our existence and the friendships we made with others. (dedicated to Ms. Balut)
By: Jonathan / Metaphorically Speaking

Monday, February 3, 2014

34/365: Philippine Festivities in The Month of March

3rd of February

March-MadnessMy previous entries for this series were posted during the first week of each month.  However I think it is better to post this series a month ahead so if you will be interested in joining or witnessing any of the festivals you still have an ample time to “save the date” and make necessary travel arrangements.


So I am posting this consecutively with the the month of February.  The festivities for the month of April will be posted in the first week of March and so on.

KAAMULAN TRIBAL FESTIVALMarch 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.

PAYVANUVANUAN FESTIVALMarch 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.


SUGBAHANMarch 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 REENACTMENTMarch 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.

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.

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.


STRAWBERRY FESTIVALMarch 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 FESTIVALMarch 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 LANDINGMarch 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 FESTIVALMarch 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


SOLI-SOLI FESTIVALMarch 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 FESTIVALMarch 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 CONQUESTMarch 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 FESTIVALMarch 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 FESTIVALMarch 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.


PANAADMarch 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


CENAKULO (CAINTA, RIZAL)
March 21- March 26 | Cainta, Rizal
Passion plays called cenaculo are held in various places all 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.

MORIONES FESTIVALMarch 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.

TURUMBAMarch 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".


ALIMANGO FESTIVALMarch 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.

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 the highlights the endowment of Minglanilla in history, trade and arts.

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.

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.

There you go the festivities for the merry month of March!  However don’t forget the most important event in the month of March ok?
***

Source: Website of the Department of  Tourism


Sunday, February 2, 2014

33/365: Philippine Festivities in the Month of February

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2nd of February

Whoops!
I’m so into with my 30-Day Milestone  post that I almost forgot that I promised to provide a monthly schedule of the Philippine Feast and Festivals for the month of February.

Before you missed out an event here’s the list!
(Source: Department of Tourism Website)

SALAKAYAN FESTIVALFebruary 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.
LAVANDERO FESTIVALFebruary 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 SURIGAOFebruary 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 FESTIVALFebruary 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.

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 the "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.

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.

KAP’YAAN FESTIVALFebruary 18- February 20 | Jose Abad Santos, Davao del Sur
Founding Anniversary of the creation of the municipality; agri-trade fair and civic military parade

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 REGATTAFebruary 19- February 20 | Iloilo City
An exciting race among outriggers in the strait between Guimaras and Iloilo City

BALSAHAN FESTIVALFebruary 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 FESTIVALFebruary 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.

KALILANGAN FESTIVALFebruary 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.

SIBUG-SIBUG FESTIVAL
February 23 | Zamboanga Sibugay
Highlighted by colorful ethnic street dancing with rituals depicting good harvest, wedding and healing rituals.

3RD MINDANAO DIVE CONGRESS/FIESTAFebruary 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


PANAGBENGA - BAGUIO FLOWER FESTIVALFebruary 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 ZAMBOANGAFebruary 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 FESTIVALFebruary 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.

If you want to check on the January’s schedule of festivities for your next year adventure you can find it here.






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