I used to have the impression that August, being the peak of rainy days and monsoon season, was the leanest month in terms of events in tourism, arts and culture. But as the month comes to an end, I have realized that August is among the busiest months of them all.
August 31 marks the celebration of the Aldo ning Amanung Sisuan or Kapampangan Language Day, although these days, the commemorations are centered in Angeles City and the City of San Fernando, two cities which are at the forefront of heritage preservation in Pampanga.
In our city, many historic events are remembered in August. August 11 is the birth anniversary of Tiburcio Hilario, Marcelo Del Pilar's cousin, Jose Rizal's friend and masonic brother, lawyer, statesman, and Pampanga's governor during the Philippine revolution. Hilario is also the father of the famed Kapampangan writer Zoilo Hilario.
August 15 is both commemorated as the feast day of Our Lady of the Assumption or Assumption Day for the University of the Assumption community, and the founding anniversary of San Fernando as a town or Pueblo since 1754. August 16, 1904 is the date of the transfer of the provincial capital from Bacolod to San Fernando. Both dates are commemorated in the City of San Fernando as the Twin Celebration. This year, the National Historical Commission of the Philippines unveiled the historical marker for the Pampanga High School on the occasion of its 116th year since its foundation.
For Kapampangans, August 21 is a significant day since the assassination of fellow Kapampangan Benigno Simeon Aquino in 1983. Moreover, last Monday of August each year is commemorated as the National Heroes Day, in honor of Filipino heroes and heroines.
August is observed as the Buwan ng Wika or National Language Day in the entire nation, and is also the History Month.
In tourism circles, August marks the annual convention of the Association of Tourism Officers of Central Luzon which is now on its fifth year. This year's ATOCEL convention was held in the capital city of Nueva Ecija, Palayan City, on August 30 - 31, 2018.
As August comes to a close, those working behind the scenes can only breathe a deep sigh and say a prayer of thanksgiving. As we welcome September and the rest of the “ber” months we look forward to more activities in tourism, arts, and culture.