You are looking at posts that were written in the month of April in the year 2007.
Posted on April 19th, 2007 by mvg.
Categories: Uncategorized.
Furniture made from tamarind tree in Kabankalan City
THE Kabankalan City’s theme booth features varied arrays of pandan displays like coasters, mats, placemats and bags. Beaded slippers, necklaces with different styles bejeweled beads and dolls dressed in different and impressive styles of tailored gowns added glitters to the display rack.
Delicacies lined the next display rack where one is treated to best selling peanut rolls, peanut balls, peanut bars, bandi, choconut mallows and peanut brittle. Then the classic sweets like yema, pinasugbo and unique bangkiling jam followed the onlookers delight.
Appetizers like pickled ampalaya and ginamos sautéed shrimp paste rounded up the tastes’ tour.
Equally impressive among the displays are home furnishings and furnitures made on tamarind “sambag” wood.
Herbal medicines in Calatrava
MEDICINAL capsules made of lagundi, pangawas, kumintang, tagalaway, dulaw and other herbs are among the highlights of the Calatrava booth together with exportable pandan weaves like mats, trays and bags.
Wooden “retasos” gathered from balayon were creatively transformed into various home furnishings and furniture.
Some local artists made use of balayon “retasos” to curve certain symbols.
Barquillos, bandi, biscocho, banana pastells, merengue, pork chicharon, uraro are among the delicacies display galore.
Posted on April 19th, 2007 by mvg.
Categories: Uncategorized.
Aiza S. Corbete
Lin-ay sang Talisay
Loves drawing
This Talisay beauty is quite confident given pieces of papers to draw for poster making.
She has some experiences in campus sports team as muse but to place her on stage where hundreds or more than a thousand were watching, is extremely new to Aiza S. Corbete.
She’ll do what it takes to share her talents, though, despite very limited exposure.
She took up Information Technology at Carlos Hilado Memorial State College and her parents, Jiovanni and Shirley are quite happy with this.
Elan Jane Ong Esteban
Lin-ay sang Victorias
A studious girl
A typical science high school student spends not less than three hours studying and accomplishing home assignments, daily.
This is the student life of Elan Jane Ong Esteban. Other than the respite, her parents Edward and Cristina should know better being educators themselves.
She expects that the pageant can offer a holistic perspective for her as teenager. The rigors of the scientific paradigm can now be extended to include Elan’s esteem development.
Posted on April 16th, 2007 by mvg.
Categories: Uncategorized.
Nicolas C. Delfin
UNITY and cooperation. These were the calls of Negros Occidental Governor Joseph Marañon to all Negrenses despite political differences between opposing candidates for this May 14, 2007 elections.
This he said during the opening of the 14th Panaad Festival at the Panaad Park and Stadium in Barangay Mansilingan, Saturday afternoon.
“Our success through the celebration of the annual Panaad Festival manifests our cooperation and unity among our local government under our leadership in the province, which I hope to continue for years to come,” Marañon said.
“This fruitful endeavor as we can see through every changes of colorful displays we had each year can bring more success to our province for as long as we continue to unite in bringing our best despite our political and social differences,” he added.
18 mayors absent
During the opening, every number performed by the different towns and cities wowed the almost 10,000 people watching the event. Of the 13 cities and 19 municipalites, however, only 12 mayors came while the 20 others sent their representatives to witness the event.
Among the 18 mayors absent during the opening were town mayors Caroll Guanco - Hinigaran, Enrico Elumba - La Castellana, Emmanuel Aranda - Binalbagan, Renato Malabor - Isabela, Jose Garcia - Moises Padilla, Francisco Bilbao - Hinobaan, Oscar Montilla-Sipalay City, John Paul Alvarez-Ilog, Alfonso Gamboa - E. B. Magalona, Manuel Escalante III-Manapla, Samuel Fabroz - Calatrava, Evello Valencia - Toboso, Santiago Barcelona - Escalante City, Salvador Escalante – Cadiz City, Severo Palanca - Victorias City, Eric Saratan - Talisay City, Carlo Gamban - Silay City and Carminia Bascon - Himamaylan City.
According to Governor Marañon, “most of our local mayors were not available mostly because of personal reasons especially that the event was in tuned with the election campaign period.”
“They might have been busy for their `house to house’ and `room to room’ visits, nevertheless, they have been supportive by sending some of their talents through their respective representative,” the governor said.
He added that they were doubtful at first whether to continue with the event or not since it was high time for the election campaign period.
“With all the positive feedbacks and cooperation of all, however, we decided to push through and we were very happy with the results especially with the efforts of our organizers for this event,” he said.
“I hope that with everybody’s cooperation, the next Panaad Festival will be more and more progressive and exciting for more years to come for all Negrenses to enjoy and celebrate,” he added.
Posted on April 16th, 2007 by mvg.
Categories: Uncategorized.
Lin-ay sang Himamaylan
Vanessa D. Isok
A future educator
“People should know that my town, now a city was once the capital of Negros in 1795″, says Vanessa Dingcong Isok in such a gentle but persuasive remark. Indeed, an educator by heart and her words are immersed in scholarship.
She understood what her hometown Himamaylan symbolized since time immemorial for she intends to teach and learn stuff including body movements essential to become an effective educator.
Taking up Teacher Education major in Physical Science at Carlos Hilado Memorial State College in Binalbagan, Vanessa is proud of her parents Liberato and Janeth and of course her guardian whom she intimately calls Tita Maricar.
The reigning Miss Riverside stands, values and loves health education more than anything else. Asked why? This beauty from Hinobaan said, ‘I saw my fellow Filipinos yield to carelessness in health care and this carried them nowhere.’
Curie N. Evangelista is a beauty who intends to strike a difference by improving herself through this Pageant believing that the nursing profession is not an assembly of prudes but also of fun, outing dancing and the contemplative yoga.
Curie is the daughter of Jose and Mila and is under the guardianship of her Tita Josephine.
Lin-ay sang Ilog
Gretchen S. Simple
Loves adventure
This teeny bopper beauty Gretchen S. Simple honed within the “Walls of Catholicism” at Cabarrus Catholic College, got an aura of youth, so restless, so free.
“But I’m not that without direction, it’s just that I love the adventure of searching what lies ahead,” says this “Simple” beauty of mom and dad, Mary Ann and Gideon Simple.
In matters of career path, no final decision yet. What Gretchen knows is that this pageant will develop the steadfastness in her.
This is what her parents and Catholicism had taught her. Either through adventure or stillness, Gretchen knows her quest for life.
—
Lin-ay sang Kabankalan
Berlyn Grace T. Tolentino
Wants to be an actress
She graduated salutatorian and likes to be an actress. She obtained spiritual nurture from the “Baptist Kingdom,” so it won’t be a surprise to many if her mind is immersed in the messages of Godly Hymns.
Berlyn Grace T. Tolentino admits being neophyte to beauty competition but not a rookie to sports.
She does not mind the sudden shift because the stage and klieg lights are among her dreams.
The same lights will beam her if a career in sports opens the pathway for her.
She owes all courage and confidence to the proud parents, Bernie and Lynly, where she got her name’s combinations.
Posted on April 15th, 2007 by mvg.
Categories: Uncategorized.
THE heat is on!
Despite the scorching heat of summer at 35 degrees Celsius, the forthcoming national elections and the threat of insurgency, the 14th Panaad sa Negros Festival opens Saturday at the Panaad Park and Stadium in Barangay Mansilingan, Bacolod City with the same fervor it has always been known for. (more)
Posted on April 15th, 2007 by mvg.
Categories: Uncategorized.
Panaad sa Negros was conceptualized in 1993 by the Provincial Government and representatives of the private sector to showcase the festivals of each of the then six (6) cities and 26 municipalities of Negros Occidental - their history, cultural heritage, commerce and industry and tourism potential.
This was to be a yearly summer event for Negrenses, both here and abroad, to look forward to and come home for.
The first Panaad sa Negros Festival was a three-day affair in 1993 that started April 30. April 30 is significant as it was on this day in 1901 when Negros Occidental became a separate and distinct province from Negros Oriental. The separation and incorporation of both Negros provinces was to take effect on May 1, 1901.
The festival was held at the Provincial Park and Lagoon fronting the Provincial Capitol for the first four years. As the festival grows each year, it became necessary to look for a bigger venue. In 1997, the festival was held at the reclaimed area near where the Bredco Port is located now.
The construction of the Panaad stadium and swimming complex in Mansilingan, Bacolod City for the Palarong Pambansa in 1998 paved the way for the establishment of the Panaad Park as the permanent home of the festival. The park hosts the theme booths of the now 19 municipalities and 13 cities of Negros Occidental, including the highly urbanized provincial capital, Bacolod City.
The football field is the battleground for the determination of the “Best of the Festival Dances,” and the Drum and Bugle competitions, among other events.
The stadium, which can accommodate around 25,000 spectators in its main grandstand and open bleachers, is the main venue for the cultural presentations, LGU competitions, concerts, and the festival highlight, the search for the “Lin-ay sang Negros”, the lady who epitomizes the ideal Negrense woman.
When it started, the Negros Occidental Cultural and Sports Foundation had helped finance the festival. Starting 2002 to-date, it receives financial support from the Pag-ugyon Negros Foundation. Due to its magnitude and the large crowds it generates, the festival currently enjoys the support of corporate sponsors.
The Panaad Logo
The rainbow signifies firm, solid and absolute promise of God as the source of everything, as the rising sun symbolizes the brightness of hope for the people of Negros Occidental, represented by the boot-shaped cloud.
Panaad Festival
The Festival of Festivals. Discover Negros Occidental’s bountiful land… charming people. Savor its legendary cuisine of delectable dishes and sugar-based delicacies… Experience its lifestyle that is a sweet blend of the cosmopolitan and the rustic: enjoy the amenities of a modern metropolis without its hassles.
Capture the essence of Negros Occidental in the annual celebration of Panaad sa Negros Festival in Bacolod City, scheduled every April.
Dubbed the “Festival of Festivals”, Panaad (Hiligaynon for a vow and its fulfillment) is a colorful and jubilant presentation of individual festivals of the 13 cities and 19 municipalities of Negros Occidental. It brings together the 32 LGUs in an array of theme booths that showcase their history, arts and culture, tourism, commerce, trade and industry, in the 25-hectare eucalyptus trees-lined Panaad Park and Sports Complex.
Panaad is also a time for renewing bonds or initiating friendships. The festival attracts most of the 2.6 million-strong Negrenses, their balikbayan relatives and friends, who get a glimpse of the best offerings of the towns and cities in a tour of the uniquely designed booths, as well as in cultural presentations and friendly competitions for beauty, talent, skills, and in sports.
Free shows or concerts by popular Manila-based artists add fun and excitement to the festivities. The fun continues in the food and drinks alley that offer the famous chicken inasal, grilled fish and seafood, including various shellfish, oysters, and scallops. Local bands perform nightly till way past midnight in the food and drinks alley.
Panaad also features the gains the province has achieved in its diversification efforts and its priority agenda, particularly in Food Sufficiency and Agricultural Productivity. It is seriously developing its rice and corn industries and positioning livestock as its second major industry, next to sugar.
With the Negrenses’ pioneering spirit, Negros is no longer just sugar; it is also cut-flowers & ornamentals, high value fruits & organically-grown vegetables, prawns and seafood, champion fighting cocks, exquisite handcrafted gift items and house ware, world-class furniture and garments, and many more.
Panaad is a thanksgiving celebration and an exhibition of the best of Negros Occidental… now, “Sugar…and more!”
Posted on April 15th, 2007 by mvg.
Categories: Uncategorized.
Erwin Ambo S. Delilan
OF the 23 candidates vying for this year’s Lin-ay sang Negros crown, Frebejean Bartolo of Don Salvador Benedicto (DSB) town, the youngest town in Negros Occidental, is one among the first-timers with no experience at all in joining beauty contest.
But she said, “If others can, why I can’t I?” Coming from a mountainous town in central Negros, Frebejean, a graduate of Seafaring/Catering and Stewarding course from VMA Global College, is unfazed by the trending that Lin-ay pageant is largely for the veteran beauty contestants or for bets coming from progressive towns and cities.
In yesterday’s press presentation held at the Social Hall of the Provincial Capitol, she said, “I know how to walk and probably that’s my asset. Although, I feel nervous joining this pageant, yet I know that I still have something being kept right and this will be my asset during the pageant night.
In the 13-year history of the Pageant, none from DSB has been crowned Lin-ay sang Negros yet.
Lin-ay queens include Beatrice Lopez (Himamaylan City), Mita Enteria (Hinigaran), Jennifer Legaspi (Sagay City), Jerene Vinco (Hinoba-an), Wilva Ann Cadianza (La Castellana), Ma. Victoria Durana (Victorias City), Liezle Belonio (Silay City), Ritchie Mediavilla (San Enrique), Sharon Mallorca (Murcia), Mig Urmeneta (Sagay City), Riza Liz Catalan (Sagay City) and Jan Nicole Puentevella (Bacolod City).
Asked what encouraged her to join the pageant, Frebejean simply replied: “The people in our community at Spur 16, Barangay Bunga, my best friend, among others where I get my strength right now.”
Criminology student

Another first timer is Aprille Paz Felicisimo of Hinigaran town.
A tall, dark and beautiful lady, Aprille Paz is currently studying B.S. Criminology at the University of Negros Occidental-Recoletos (UNO-R).
“Joining this contest is a challenge for me being a Criminology student. This kind of challenge will help me grow and become a true woman,” she emphasized.
Veteran
Bacolod’s bet Crister Mari Taclobos, on the other hand, doesn’t consider herself a veteran
in beauty contest, although, she had been into several contests and was crowed Miss Freshmen and Miss UNO-R Bacolod in 2005, Mutya ng NOPSSCEA also in 2005 and a runner-up in the Masskara Queen pageant last year.
“Yes, I’ve already joined several beauty contests, but I don’t consider myself a veteran for this particular event. Until now, I am still scared up stage, especially during the question and answer portion.
However, having joined several beauty pageants and won several crowns, I would say that I have a small edge over 22 other candidates,” Taclobos said.
Nonetheless, she stressed, “I’ll do my best to win in this Lin-ay pageant.”
Mother’s dream

Katherine Rosal of Binalbagan town, on the other hand, said joining Lin-ay search is a way of fulfilling the dream of her late mother Lea Rosal.
“It’s my mom’s dream to see me on stage but unfortunately she passed away. I need to pursue what her dream for me, though,” Katherine told the press people.
She’s currently studying BS Nursing at the University of San Agustin in Iloilo City.

Pre-marital sex
Ilog’s Gretchen Simple encouraged her fellow youth especially the girls to refrain from submitting themselves to pre-marital sex.
“It’s against the law of God and men. We should avoid it,” she said.
The same contention was echoed by Berlyn Grace Tolentino of Kabankalan City.
Dance Sports lover

Lin-ay sang Bago Madel Magbanua loves dance sports.
A senior high school student of Ramon Torres National High School, Madel is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Romel Magbanua.
Being the youngest among the 23 candidates, Madel said, “Joining Lin-ay is to develop my self-confidence and skills on dealing with other people and to prove to myself and to others that anyone could achieve if they put their minds to it.”
Taekwondo enthusiast
Xyza Aburido Magbulogtong of Calatrava town is a taekwondo enthusiast.
A daughter of Mr. and Mrs.Edilberto Magbulogtong, Xyza is currently an Information Technology student of St. Joseph Computer Learning Center in San Carlos City, Negros Occidental.
She also confesses her love in dancing and acting.
“I joined Lin-ay because I want to develop my self-confidence and expose my talent,’ she adds.
Meanwhile, Lin-ay pageant director Rene Hinojales said this year’s Lin-ay sang Negros will recieve P100,000 cash prize, a one year scholarship grant from the province in any private or public college or university in the province, with a monthly stipend and uniform allowance, or a one year job contract at the Provincial Government, if she is already a college graduate.
The first runner-up will receive P60,000 and P30,000 for second runner-up.
This year’s pageant will highlight Negros as more than a sugar province and while the evening gown competition will be inspired by lace collections, added Hinojales.
While actor TJ Trinidad will host the pageant with a lot of celebrities and beauty titlists from Manila are coming to grace the coronation night on April 20 at the Pana-ad Park and Stadium in Mansilingan, Bacolod.
Posted on April 12th, 2007 by mvg.
Categories: Features, Festivals.
DISCOVER Negros Occidental’s bountiful land… charming people. Savor its legendary cuisine of delectable dishes and sugar-based delicacies… Experience its lifestyle that is a sweet blend of the cosmopolitan and the rustic: enjoy the amenities of a modern metropolis without its hassles.
Capture the essence of Negros Occidental in the annual celebration of Panaad sa Negros Festival in Bacolod City, scheduled every April. (more)
Posted on April 7th, 2007 by mvg.
Categories: Announcement.
Sunnex, the office that handles that Sun.Star website, will be celebrating its 8th anniversary this month and we will be coming up with an anniversary supplement. In that supplement we will carry a story about feedback from our readers about the Sun.Star website, how the website makes a difference in your lives and how are we serving your needs.
Posted on April 1st, 2007 by mvg.
Categories: Festivals, Schedule.
APRIL
|
Festival name |
Date and Location |
| BANANA FESTIVAL A harvest festival that opens on the first day of April, showcasing the different varieties of banana which is abundant in the municipality. |
April 1- April 5 | La Castellana, Negros Occidental |
| KESONG PUTI FESTIVAL Different activities lined up in this celebration that include trade fair, food festival, cultural shows, street dancing, painting contest, beauty pageant and with highlight on the kesongputi, made from carabao milk, fermented and wrapped in banana leaves. |
April 1- April 9 | Sta Cruz, Laguna |
| PANAAD HALAD KAY SAN VICENTE FERRER FESTIVAL The miraculous healing of San Vicente Ferrer through palapak or the act of setting the image to one’s head, have gathered devotees from all over the region. |
April 1- April 9 | Leganes, Iloilo |
| FIESTA PASIKLAB It is a multi-lateral Trade Exposition highlighting 12 renowned provincial festivals: Ati-Atihan of Aklan, Higantes of Angono, Iloilo’’s Dinagyang Festival, Lucban’’s Pahiyas, Davao’’s Kadayawan, Ilocos Sur’’s Viva Vigan, Bacolod’’s Masskara, Zamboanga’’s Hermosa, Naga’’s Peñafrancia, Batangas” Parada ng Lechon, Tacloban’’s Pintados, and Cebu’’s Sinulog. |
April 1- May 31 | Commonwealth Ave., Diliman, Quezon City |
| CUARESMA 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. |
April 1-7 | San Jose, Antique |
| SUROY TA Initiated by the City Tourism Office, this activity offers affordable tours around Davao City. |
April 1- May 31 | Davao City |
| ENCHANTED KINGDOM ANNIVERSARY FIREWORKS COMPETITION The competition is an annual tradition that features the best fireworks suppliers in a contest to out-do each other in presenting supreme-quality pyrotechnics. EK is celebrating 10 years of providing magic and enchantment to the public. As a treat to their patrons, guests to the park will witness at least 4 fireworks presentations for all weekend of April and May. |
April 1- May 31 | Enchanted Kingdom, Laguna |
| LILIW GAT TAYAW FOOTWEAR FESTIVAL A colorful event highlighted by a parade of floats featuring the agricultural and industrial products of Liliw. |
April 3- April 7 | Liliw, Laguna |
| PANA-AD SA NEGROS (GRAND CELEBRATION) Is the “festival of all festivals” in the province. It is a week-long summer event that brings together the towns and cities in Negros Occidental in one big showcase of handicrafts, products, tourism attractions, and local festivals. Festivities include trade and food fairs, garden show, golf tournament, singing and songwriting competitions, beauty pageant, and a fiesta presentation featuring the festival of each town and city in a colorful and jubilant presentation at the Pana-ad Park and Stadium |
April 3- April 9 | Bacolod City, Negros Occidental |
| SEMANA SANTA SA BIKOL A week-long observance of Bicolanos unique religiosity and a pilgrimage to “Amang Hinulid” |
April 5-7 | Calabanga, Camarines Sur |
| PASKO SA KASAKIT (SEMANA SANTA SA BANTAYAN) 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. |
April 5-7 | Bantayan, Cebu |
| PAGTALTAL SA 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”. |
April 5-7 | Jordan, Guimaras |
| PANAAD 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 |
April 5-7 | Camiguin |
| MORIONES FESTIVAL 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. |
April 5-7 | Marinduque |
| SEMANA SANTA AT IGUIG CALVARY HILLS 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. |
April 5-7 | Iguig, Cagayan |
| SENAKULO / HOLY WEEK RITUALS & PROCESSIONS A nationwide celebration of Lenten Season |
April 5-7 | Nationwide |
| SENAKULO A Lenten presentation reenacting the Passion of Christ. Lenten observance include Visita Iglesias or altar visitations and processions. |
April 5-7 | Paracale, Cam. Norte |
| CUTUD LENTEN RITES A re-enactment of Christ”’’s passion and death. |
April 5-7 | San Pedro Cutud, San Fernando, Pampanga |
| PAMALANDONG HA PALO Dramatic re-enactment of Christ’’s sufferings on the cross. |
April 5-7 | Palo, Leyte |
| LENTEN FESTIVAL OF HERBAL PREPARATION A time when herbalists from all over Visayas and Mindanao participate in a ritual known as “Tang-Alap”. |
April 5-7 | San Antonio, Siquijor |
| ANG HATOL . . . .(THE WAY OF THE CROSS) A stage presentation that highlighted the judgement of Jesus Christ |
April 5-7 | Cainta, Rizal |
| PAGTALTAL IN BAROTAC VIEJO A yearly depiction of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. |
April 5-7 | Barotac Viejo, Iloilo |
| PAGHUKOM Lenten presentation depicting the judgment, crucifixion, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. |
April 5-7 | Calinog, Iloilo |
| SEMANA SANTA AT 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. |
April 5-7 | Silay City |
| LIVE STATIONS OF THE CROSS AT SAN CARLOS CITY A live reenactment of the 14 Stations of the Cross along the main thoroughfares of the city. |
April 5-7 | San Carlos City, Negros Occidental |
| LIVE VIA CRUCIS 14 Stations of the Cross locally known as the Kapiya is set up along the main road of the barangay |
April 5-7 | Brgy. Bo Obrero, La Paz, Iloilo City |
| ANG PAGTALTAL A live reenactment of the Passion of Jesus Christ patterned after oberammergau of Germany stage in Good Friday withy the participation of several Catholic religious organization |
April 5-7 | Cadiz City, Negros Occidental |
| AGOO SEMANA SANTA The Holy week celebration, particularly Good Friday, is a display of devoutness and traditional pomp. |
April 5-7 | Agoo, La Union |
| SEMANA SANTA AT BALINTOKATOK LA SALETTE SHRINE Traditional presentation of the passion and death of Christ on a hill and ends at the top where a chapel stands. |
April 5-7 | Santiago City |
| LENTEN WEEK/ PAGPAPAKO Highlighted in every Good Friday at a hilltop of Ermita hill “Pagpapako” celebration. Simultaneous at poblacion procession of different patron saints. |
April 5-7 | Baler and Casiguran, Aurora |
| CENAKULO (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. |
April 5-7 | Cainta, Rizal |
| LENTEN OBSERVANCE (SAN PABLO CITY) 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. |
April 5-7 | Sn Pablo City, Laguna |
| BUHING KALBARYO During the Lenten season, the Buhing Kalbaryo Foundation Inc. will have Lenten presentations. |
April 5-8 | Cebu City, Cebu |
| KATKAT SAKRIPISYO SA 3003 STEPS A mountain climbing/trekking activity and via cruces participated in by the Catholic community of Zamboanga del Norte and the neighboring municipalities. |
April 5-7 | Dipolog City |
| SEMANA SANTA (DIPOLOG 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. |
April 5-7 | Dapitan City |
| KAPIYA DISPLAY AND PASYON SINGING CONTEST 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. |
April 6 | Santa Barbara, Iloilo |
| KALBARYO 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. |
April 6 | San Vicente Ferrer Parish Bgy. La Granja, La Carlota City |
| GIWANG-GIWANG 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. |
April 6 | Binangonan, Rizal |
| ALLAW TA APO SANDAWA (TRIBES HONOR MT. APO) A gathering of all highlighted tribes in honor of Mt. Apo as the country’’s highest peak, it comes as no surprise that Mt. Apo is considered sacred ground. Join the highland tribes of Mindanao to the mountain in this annual gathering. |
April 7 | Kidapawan City, North Cotabato |
| HUDAS-HUDAS 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. |
April 7 | San Jose, Antique |
| SALUBONG (EASTER VIGIL) AND PASKO NG PAGKABUHAY (FEAST OF THE RESURRECTION) 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. |
April 8 | Barangay San Dionisio, Parañaque City |
| SUGAT 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. |
April 8 | San Carlos, Negros Occ. |
| NATIONAL INVITATIONAL SKIMBOARDING COMPETITION A showcase of skills, courage and agility of skimboarders coming from various parts of the country. |
April 8- April 9 | Misamis Oriental |
| SALUBONG (HOLY CROSS FESTIVAL) A festive celebration of meeting the Holy Cross of Bauan and Holy cross of Alitagtag and Binuhalan shrine at 8:00 am. |
April 8 | Alitagtag and Bauan, Batangas |
| MT. HAMIGUITAN JOURNEY A trek to Mt. Hamiguitan where one finds the 600 hectares Bonsai Field or the so called “Pgymy Forest”. |
April 08 - 12 | La Unino, San Isidro, Davao Oriental |
| KA-ANGKAN The feast of Ka-Angkan coincides with the founding anniversary of Marikina. It is an event that honors the big native clans of the city that usually has unique “monikers”, i.e. Angkan ng Bangus, Kamote, Hilot, etc. |
April 8 | Marikina City, Metro Manila |
| HALADAYA FESTIVAL 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. |
April 8-15 | Daan Bantayan, Cebu |
| SUNDUAN HA CARIGARA Cultural/social activities and float parade held on Easter Sunday. |
April 8 | Carigara, Leyte |
| SUNDUAN A colorful procession of 2 barangays which hold their respective fiestas every other year, sharing one patron saint - Sta. Rosa de Lima. The image is fetched by the celebrating barangay from the other barangay. |
April 8 | Pasig City, Metro Manila |
| SALUBONG (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”. |
April 8 | Angono, Rizal |
| PORMA BALAS Sand sculpture competition organized by Rotaract. |
April 9 | Iloilo City |
| TATUSAN FESTIVAL An annual Agro-Industrial exposition which includes Ati-Atihan mardigras, Search for Binibining Caluya. |
April 9- April 15 | Caluya, Antique |
| ARAW NG KAGITINGAN The fall of Bataan is commemorated every year. Top government officials, Japanese and American WW II veterans including their Filipino counterparts and visitors go to Mt. Samat to participate at the annual rites held to honor the bravery of the soldiers who fought for the defense of Bataan. |
April 9 | Mt Samat, Bataan |
| CONQUER MT. APO An annual sumer climb to Mt. Apo, the country’s highest peak. |
April 13 - 20 | Mt. Apo, Davao City |
| BANCATHON SA MAGNAGA An annual motorized banca race among fisherman of the region within waters of Magnaga offering huge cash prizes. |
April 13 | Pantukan, Comval |
| PASA-PASA FESTIVAL A premier summer festivity dedicated to the beautiful presence of Manta Rays in the locality. |
April 14- April 18 | Monreal, Masbate |
| KADAGATAN FESTIVAL A boat race of outriggered sea crafts powered manually, while “Palayag” is another boat race with sails. |
April 15 | Bacacay, Albay |
| 9TH TOUR OF THE FIREFLIES A 50-kilometer costumed parade of cyclist who seeks to promote cycling as an alternative means of transportation for clean air and sustainable cities. |
April 15 | Tiendesitas, Ortigas Avenue corner E. Rodriguez Jr. Avenue (C-5), Pasig City |
| TORUGPO Carabao and horse fights. |
April 15 | Carigara, Leyte |
| PAHIMIS FESTIVAL A Festival that revives the coffee industry |
April 15 | Amadeo, Cavite |
| MANOK NI SAN PEDRO FESTIVAL 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. |
April 16 | San Pedro, Laguna |
| TAMPISAW FESTIVAL (EARTH DAY CELEBRATION) The festival is an annual 3-day festivity to commemorate the Earth Day Celebration. |
April 16- April 22 | Concepcion, Iloilo |
| SINABALU FESTIVAL Celebrates the town fiesta of Rizal highlighting the Malaweg ancestry and cooking of glutinous rice on bamboos; showcasing the culture in songs and dances. |
April 16- April 30 | Rizal, Cagayan |
| OBANDO FERTILITY RITES Childless couples, praying that they bear children, do the “fertility dance” on the streets of Obando. The fiesta is observed in honor of Sta. Clara, San Pascual and Virgen de Salambao. |
April 17- April 19 | Obando, Bulacan |
| TANDUYONG FESTIVAL A parade to give thanks for a good harvest participated by various barangays and establishments in colorful costumes and instead of marching, dance in the street. |
April 17 | San Jose City, Bulacan |
| BINONGEY FESTIVAL From the traditional taste to the most modern way of rice cake cooked in bamboo using direct firing. They have also tried competing in the longest grill. |
April 17 | Anda, Pangasinan |
| TUNGOH AD HUNGDUAN A cultural fiesta of the Ifugaos of Hungduan which features ethnic games, rituals, arts and crafts-oriented activities. |
April 18 - 24 | Hungduan, Ifugao |
| FEAST OF SAINT SALOME Annual Fiesta of Barangay Zone 1A |
April 19- April 20 | Pulupandan, Negros Occidental |
| MAPANDAN PANDAN FESTIVAL A celebration of the people’’s achievements, a venue to discover and develop skills/talents and make the people appreciate history, culture and promote the town as an investment area. |
April 19 | Mapandan, Pangasinan |
| TUGBÛNG FESTIVAL The festival simply connotes a large gathering of communities coming from different parts of the town mainly from the barangays. |
April 20- April 25 | Pandan, Antique |
| COCOWAYAN FESTIVAL Beauty pageant, street dances and trade fair of coconut and bamboo products which abound in Isabela, characterize this festival. |
April 20 25 | Isabela City |
| BANKARERA Boat rowing race at the clear waters of the Pinacanuan River within the Callao Caves Tourist Zone |
April 21 | Penablanca, Cagayan |
| KINULOB FESTIVAL Kinulob Festival gives recognition to the local native chicken raisers. Kinulob is one way of cooking the whole chicken with unique presentation. Street dance competition, mini band exhibition, cultural presentation and Mutya ng Mabini pageant are some of the highlights of the festival. |
April 21- April 25 | Mabini, Batangas |
| BANGKARERA (Boat-rowing race) A boat-rowing race on the waters of scenic Pinacanauan River. |
April 21 | Penablanca, Cagayan |
| SANDUGUAN FESTIVAL Reviving the barter trade between the Mait native and the Chinese traders. This weeklong festivity features agro-trade, historical parade, reenactment of the barter trading and Indakan sa Sanduguan (a street dancing competition). |
April 21- April 27 | Calapan, Mindoro Oriental |
| GOTAD AD HINGYON Ethnic thanksgiving with cultural fair by Ifugaos in Hingyon. |
April 21- April 24 | Hingyon Municipality, Ifugao |
| KADAUGAN SA MACTAN FESTIVAL A week-long commemoration of the historic battle of Mactan between the Spanish Conquistador Fernando Magallanes and Mactan Chieftain Lapu-Lapu. |
April 22 - 27 | Bgy. Mactan, Lapu-Lapi City, Cebu |
| HINUGYAW FESTIVAL An annual town fiesta dubbed as “Hinugyaw” to commemorate the blessed event, “Hinugyaw” a local dialect that means rejoice/revelry. |
April 22- April 30 | Hinigaran, Negros Occidental |
| PASALAMAT FESTIVAL Annual fiesta of Barangay Zone 2 |
April 23- April 24 | Pulupandan, Negros Occidental |
| BAGGAK FESTIVAL Inland and coastal sports, beauty contest, musical extravaganzas and activities for balikbayans. |
April 23-30 | Bauang, La Union |
| AKLAN PIÑA FIBER FESTIVAL The festival will showcase their products with world-class craftsmanship and ingenuity utilizing abaca, piña, raffia. |
April 23- April 30 | Kalibo, Aklan |
| GOTAD AD KIANGAN An Ifugao cultural celebration featuring Kiangan’’s ethnic customs and traditions. |
April 23- April 25 | Kiangan, Ifugao |
| PINAKBET FESTIVAL A festival celebrating a favorite dish of the Ilocanos, “pinakbet” featuring street dances, cooking competitions. |
April 23 | Sta. Maria, Ilocos Sur |
| BUTANDING FESTIVAL A festival which users the “Butanding” (whaleshark) season and a thanksgiving for its blessings to the people of Donsol. The festival is highlighted by a street parade. |
April 23 30 | Donsol, Sorsogon |
| CANGMATING SIBULAN, NEGROS ORIENTAL Yagyag is the vernacular for spawning, to lay eggs or spread, propagate and grow. The process refers in particular to the crabs and other marine creatures that gather during the months of October to December in Sapa, one of two springs found in Barangay Cangmating of Sibulan. |
April 24- April 30 | Yagyag Festival |
| BAHAG-HARI FESTIVAL A colorful celebration highlighted by street dancing, a parade of float and a different Moriones Festival. |
April 24 | Pinamalayan, Mindoro Oriental |
| KAROSAHAN FESTIVAL This is a proud tradition where beautiful maidens compete for attention with the gaily-decorated Karosas with their load of goodies. |
April 24 | Nueva Valencia, Guimaras |
| PAGBANA-AG FESTIVAL Hinoba-an was founded in the year 1999. Hinoba-an got its festival name “pagbanaag”, because people enjoy non-stop disco dancing and merry making from wee hours of the morning, from dusk till dawn. |
April 24 | Hinoba-an, Negros Occidental |
| LAGONOY KADAHOMAN FESTIVAL A week-long festivity showcasing the beauty and rich historical/ cultural heritage of the town. Features are cultural presentation, native foods galore, songwriting and logo making contest, nature trekking and many more. |
April 24- May 1 | Lagonoy, Camarines Sur |
| HIMAYA-AN FESTIVAL The festival is one grand fiesta celebration of the city |
April 25 | Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental |
| AKLAN DAY CELEBRATION An Annual celebration commemorating the province’s founding anniversary when it formally declared independence from its mother province of Capiz on April 25, 1958. |
April 25 | Aklan |
| PANAGAT “FISH” TIVAL This is a tribute to fishermen of Estancia. It is a celebration that calls for ultimate cooperation and soul of “Bayanihan” among their neighboring town. |
April 25 | Estancia, Iloilo |
| THE SABUTAN FESTIVAL AND MINI-TRADE FAIR Exhibit of different products mainly from Sabutan. |
April 25- April 29 | Mabitac, Mindoro Oriental |
| PISTA SA KINAIYAHAN A tree-planting activity done at the foot of Mt. Apo and clean-up program at the peak. |
April 25- April 30 | Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur |
| KUTSITSA FESTIVAL This is a thanksgiving event for a bountiful harvest, with festivities like street dancing |
April 26 | Molave, Zamboanga del Sur |
| SAKNUNGAN FESTIVAL Festival incorporating the exhibition of the cultural heritage of Mindoro’s ethnic communities. |
April 27- April 30 | San Jose, Mindoro Occidental |
| MANGO-BAMBOO FESTIVAL AND TRADE FAIR A festival promoting San Carlos City as major trading center of bamboo based products/furniture and best producer of “carabao” mangoes and other mango variety in the country. |
April 27- April 28 | San Carlos, Pangasinan |
| KAFAGWAY A commemorative event reliving the liberation of Baguio City from the control of Japanese Forces through a moving pageant along Session Road |
April 27 | Baguio City |
source:www.wowphilippines.com.ph