Aguman Sanduk
Date January 1
Venue Minalin, Pampanga
Description The Aguman Sanduk of Minalin is celebrated in the afternoon of January 1, while the rest of the country takes a break from the previous night’s New Year revelry, and there’s no one to catch the boys and men of this sleepy fishing town wear their mother’s lipstick and put on their wive’s dresses. The strange and largely secret tradition began in 1934; even Mayors and parish priests are said to have also joined hundreds of men who parade annually on the street in full transvestite bloom. At the end of the day they choose the Aguman queen, who is usually the ugliest of the cross-dressers.
Contact Person Bessie Makabali
Tel. No. (63 45) 961-1780/861-2609

Angel Festival
Date September 29
Venue San Rafael, Bulacan
Description The Angel Festival in San Rafael, Bulacan is an extravagant parade where thousands of young people dance on the streets as “angels dressed in colorful and magnificent costumes” and as symbol of the choirs of angels coming down from heaven to walk on the streets traversed by man. It is held on September 29, the feast day of the town’s parton saint, San Rafael Archangel. Since 1992 when the festival started, the event never fails to draw the attention of a massive crowd to witness the angels dance. The annual celebration not only adds meaning to the rich cultural heritage of the town of San Rafael but also intensifies and deepens the devotion of people towards the Divine Healer amd Guide of the Christian pilgrim.
Contact Person Rev. Fr. Dennis Espejo
Tel. No. 0917-629-5285

Apung Iru Fluvial Parade
Date June 28 – 30
Venue Apalit, Pampanga
Description The Apung Iru Fluvial Parade in Apalit, Pampanga begins on June 28 when the ivory image of St. Peter, sitting on a papal throne, is transferred by boat from its permanent shrine in Brgy. Capalangan to Brgy. Sulipan, and culminates on June 30 when the image is returned. Thousands of devotees line both sides of the river shouting, waving leaves and flowers, and splashing in frenzy as the layered pagoda bearing the statue passes by accompanied by hundreds of boats. The floating pagoda, which bears the brass band and about 70 people dancing the traditional Kuraldal, is pulled along the river by swimmers who call themselves the Knights of St. Peter. During the fluvial procession, thousands of revelers on the riverbanks perform the annual shower of packed food containing boiled eggs, rice, and canned sardines meant for the swimmers. The annual event never fails to attract thousands of local and foreign tourists.
Contact Person Mayor Tirso Lacanilao
Tel. No. (63 45) 302-5233/7033

Araquio of Penaranda
Date May 8
Venue Penaranda, Nueva Ecija
Description Held every 2nd Sunday of May, in Penaranda, Nueva Ecija, the Araquio Festival is a traditional procession and dramatization of the finding of the Holy Cross by St. Helena and her son, the Emperor Constantine, where Jesus Christ was crucified. Similarly, the komedya or moro-moro carries on in some villages such as Poblacion (2nd Sunday of May), Las Pinas (May 11 – 12), Sto. Tomas (1st Sunday of May), San Jose (3rd Sunday of May) and Pinasahan (May 21-122). Dating back from the Spanish colonial period, the festival features vivacious beats of brass bands, spirited choreography and moving voices embraced with a daunting literary piece. Written in ancient Tagalog, the script tells about the feud of the Muslims and Christians that started over territories. It shows how Christians used the power of the cross symbolizing their faith in defeating the Muslims, who later retaliated by way of stealing the cross from them. Many battles preceded the retrieval of the cross, which in the end led to the Christening of the Muslims.
Contact Person Analiza Eugenio
Tel. No. (63 44) 958-1778/1776 to 79

Aurora Day
Date Feb 13 – 19, 2006
Venue Baler, Aurora
Description The most awaited event during the celebration of the annual Aurora Foundation Day is the so-called ‘Karansa’: a Street Dancing Competition where the concept of cooperation and unity called ‘Paatag’ prevails as the overall theme of the day’s hilarious activities. The weeklong activity includes singing and dancing competition, parade of the eight towns of the province with matching thematic floats and beauty queens, Search for Bb. Aurora and a streetside tourism and investment exhibits. The festival culminates in a beach party and fireworks display. A wreath-laying ceremony takes place at the foot of the monument of Dona Aurora Quezon before the end of the festival.
Contact Person Christopher Gonzales
Tel. No. (63 42) 209-4373/4211

Aurora Surfing Cup
Date February 8 – 11
Venue Baler, Aurora
Description Every February, the province of Aurora plays host to the Aurora Surfing Cup, which through the years, has established a steady following of local and international surfing enthusiasts. The province boasts of internationally recognized surf sites such as Sabang Beach (beach break), Cemento Beach (reef break), and Charlie’s Point (river mouth break). The best waves in these areas come around October to March.
Contact Person Christopher Gonzales
Tel. No. (63 42) 209-4373/4211

Calumpit Libad Festival
Date June 23
Venue Calumpit, Bulacan
Description The colorful event is celebrated on June 23, the day before the fiesta, when a fluvial procession in honor of the town’s patron saint, St. John the Baptist, is held on the Pampanga river which is made more festive by the presence of a host of decorated pagodas and bancas of every barangay. While the procession goes on, people dance while townsfolk watch in merriment along the riverbanks, and the traditional “Basaan” (water splashing) including the throwing of plastic-packed food keep people on their toes.
Contact Person Office of the Mayor
Tel. No. (63 44) 425-4136

Giant Lantern Festival
Date December 17
Venue City of San Fernando, Pampanga
Description HISTORY: The San Fernando lantern industry evolved from the Giant Lantern Festival of San Fernando. The festival, which is held every December, finds its root in Bacolor where a much simpler activity was held. Following the transfer of the provincial capital from Bacolor to San Fernando in August 1904, this parul event followed as well. ?Ligligan Parul? was said to have started in San Fernando in the year 1904. But some say that the ?Ligligan Parul? did not happen immediately after the transfer and in fact began in 1908. This predecessor of the modern day Giant Lantern Festival was actually a religious activity which we know today as ?lubenas.? The lanterns measured just two feet in diameter, a far cry from the fifteen feet that we see today. These were created in each barrio from bamboo and other locally available materials. During the nine-day novena before Christmas, which coincided with the simbang gabi from December 16 to 24, these paruls were brought around each barrio in procession to their visita. Before the midnight Mass on Christmas Eve, the lanterns were brought to the town church together with the barrio patrons. This tradition gradually evolved as the lanterns became bigger and the designs more intricate. Later, one big lantern was made for each barrio, which was created through a cooperative effort. Each resident contributed to its construction, from the concept and design to the materials and labor. In the end, these lanterns became a symbol of unity for the barrios. It was in the year 1931 that electricity was introduced to the San Fernando lantern, thus sparking the birth of the first Giant Lantern Festival. The added illusion of dancing lights highlighted the bright colors and intricate designs of these Giant Lanterns. At this time, the lights were controlled by individual switches that were turned on and off following the beat of the music. The barangays of Del Pilar, Sta. Lucia and San Jose were among the first barangays to participate in the festival. According to another version claimed by old folks, the Giant Lantern Festival started during the time of President Manuel L. Quezon. At that time, President Quezon was trying to make Pampanga a model province. In fact, Quezon made Arayat his resting place and converted the legendary Mount Arayat into a tourist resort. As a show of gratitude to Quezon, the people of San Fernando held a Christmas lantern contest to honor the first family. Quezon himself donated the prize for this lantern contest which was personally awarded to the winner by First Lady Aurora Aragon Quezon. FERNANDINO CREATIVITY AT WORK: In years that followed, more innovations were introduced to the giant lanterns. Colored plastic replaced the traditional papel de hapon. Large steel barrels called rotors also substituted that hand-controlled swithches to manipulate the lights. Strips of masking tape on these rotors determine the sequence of the switching on and off of the lights. The technology of the rotor is quite simple. Hairpins, attached to the end of the wires leading to each bulb, connect the lights to the rotor, which in turn, is connected to the source of electricity. Strips of masking tape are placed on the metal rotor to serve as light switches. As the rotor is turned, the hairpins pass through the strips of masking tape. When a certain hairpin hits a strip of masking tape, the current to a specific set of bulbs is temporarily cut thus switching off that particular set of bulbs. When that particular hairpin regains contact with the steel barrel, the bulbs are again lit. Thus, the placement of the masking tape on the rotors determines the interplay of lights on the lanterns and can spell success or disaster for each entry. Thinking about it, one needs a lot of creativity and technical know-how in designing a giant lantern. It is not as easy as getting a pen and paper and drawing a symmetrical design. As the giant lantern maker visualizes his design, he also has to into consideration the interplay of lights and colors. And just to illustrate the magnitude of difficulty, the designer should be able to picture when each of the 3,500 light bulbs should go and off. And just to stress, no computers are involved in the interplay of lights. Everything is done manually, yet the result produced by the lantern makers of San Fernando can even rival light effects done by computers The design, however, is just a part of the actual labor involved in the creation of a giant lantern. Once this has been finalized, the lantern makers weld together a steel frame, which follows the design itself. This is the first step in the actual construction of the giant lantern. The frame is then lined with cardboard and foil. This is followed by another monumental task, placing the over 3,000 light bulbs in their proper places and wiring them up together. Even an expert electrical engineer would go crazy while working on this intricate network composed of hundreds of yards of electrical wires. The wires are then connected to the rotors. And let me stress rotors with an ?s? since barangays have to change the interplay of lights with each tune. In fact, some barangays even use as much as eight to ten of these steel barrels for variety in movement. Finally, there is of course the plastic covering, which is cut and shaped precisely to fit each section. The Giant Lantern Festival is an inter-barangay contest. In past festivals, it really was a barangay effort and the best lantern makers of the barangay were called on to create the entry to the competition. During that time, each participating barangay had resident lantern makers. However, as years passed, many of these lantern makers were unable to pass on the trade. Today, only Del Pilar, Sta. Lucia, Dolores and San Jose can boast of resident lantern makers. So to keep the show on the road, other barangays have to rely on lantern makers from other localities. One of these commissioned giant lantern makers is Ernesto D. Quiwa of Barangay Sta. Lucia. Although from Sta. Lucia, he has actually created entries for other barangays. During the 2000 Giant Lantern Festival, Mang Erning created the entry for Barangay San Nicolas, which was adjudged the over-all champion for that year. His creations have in fact won the over-all honors in previous years including 1974, 1982, and a three-peat from 1993 to 1995. For the 2001 lantern competition, he again made the one for San Nicolas. In fact, aside from Sta. Lucia?s own entry and the entry of San Nicolas, it is said that two other lantern entries were being made in the same barangay. (Credits: www.cityofsanfernando.gov.ph written by Anthony Ivan Henares)
Contact Person Ferdinand Santos
Tel. No. (63 45) 961-5684/ 3328 loc 211

Kuraldal
Date Jan 6
Venue Sasmoan, Pampanga
Description The Kuraldal of Sasmuan occurs during the week of the town fiesta on January 6, when Kapampangans from neighboring towns gather in front of the chapel of St. Lucy and dance for favors all night. As soon as the mass ends at 8:00 p.m., the rowdy entry of the brass band signals the start of non-stop dancing that lasts till 3:00 a.m. Barren women are said to get pregnant after the festival. What is unique about this event is the mix of pagan and Christian elements shown in the tribal beat that the crowd dances to, and the rowdy adulation around the statue of St. Lucy.
Contact Person Lilibeth Yanbao
Tel. No. (63 45) 900-0306

Linggo ng Bulakan
Date Sep 8 – 15
Venue Malolos City, Bulacan
Description A weeklong celebration featuring the history of Bulacan, tourism and trade exhibits of Bulacan tourist attractions and products, craft demonstrations, street dancing, parade of floats, cultural events, on-the-spot painting contest, Tuklas-Talino, Dangal ng Lipi awarding to be given to Bulakenos that contribute their profession in various fields, among others.
Contact Person Rosette Ramos
Tel. No. (63 44) 662-0506/7557/791-9169/741-4169

Malatarlak Festival
Date January 13 – 20
Venue Tarlac City, Tarlac
Description Malatarlak Festival, held in Tarlac City, derives its name from a Negrito word which means grass that grows abundantly in the area. The grass family contains plants of vast economic, ecological and historical importance including wheat, rice, rye, corn, barley, sugarcane, bamboo and an array of grassland species. The festival features various contingents of school children garbed in grass-inspired costumes – painted with black soots – all merrily dancing to the beat of local tunes and ethnic instruments made of bamboo. Also held on this day is the Rice Cake Festival when townspeople participate in a merry-making food festival of a variety of delicacies made more sumptuous by rice fusion.
Contact Person Wilfredo Toldanes
Tel. No. (63 45) 982-4051/1923

Obando Fertility Dance
Date May 17 – 19
Venue Obando, Bulacan
Description Devotees from all over dance their way to find a lover or be rewarded with a child on the feast days of San Pascual Baylon, Sta. Clara de Asis and La Concepcion de Nuestra known as Virgen de Salambao every May 17 – 19. Be enthralled by rythmic dances of men and women accompanied by traditional brass bands – all garbed in Filipiniana attire.
Contact Person Rosettte Ramos
Tel. No. (63 44) 662-7635/791-7335/662-7635

Pagoda sa Wawa
Date July 4
Venue Bocaue, Bulacan
Description Held annually on the 1st Sunday of July in the town of Bocaue, the festival features a fluvial parade in honor of the miraculous “Krus sa Wawa”. A huge pagoda bearing the image of the Krus accompanied by some 200 devotees symbolizes a dramatic tradition inspired by centuries-old tales. It is believed that the mounting of such a festival assures the agricultural town of Bocaue a bountiful harvest.
Contact Person Rosette Ramos
Tel. No. (63 44) 662-7635/791-7335/662-7635

Pawikan Festival
Date November 22 – 27
Venue Morong, Bataan
Description Pawikan Festival in Brgy. Nagbalayong, Morong was organized to intensify the information campaign and generate public awareness on the importance of endangered baby Olive Ridley turtles (Lepidochelys Olivacea are the smallest in the world) in our eco-system. The weeklong celebration is highlighted by a ceremonial releasing of Pawikan hatchlings in the blue waters off South China Sea , street dancing competition where participants are dressed gaudily in turtle-like clothing, walk for a cause, trade fair, beach volleyball, graffiti painting contest, sand castling contest, coastal clean-up project, seminars and other activities. The event is a joint project of the provincial tourism office, Bataan Tourism Council Foundation, Inc., municipal tourism council and LGU of Morong.
Contact Person Caesar Cuayson
Tel. No. (63 47) 237-4785/2413

Paynauen ‘Duyan’ Festival
Date April 19 – 23
Venue Iba, Zambales
Description Paynauen Festival in Iba, Zambales which commemorates the provincial capital’s founding anniversary (founded in 1611) traces its origin from a Zambal word which means rest or pahingahan – the ancient name of Iba before the Spanish conquistadores founded the village on the shore of the Bancal River in 1611. The festival is the brainchild of Vice Mayor Benjamin Farin, Jr. It features photo competition and exhibit, sand sculpture competition, skate boarding, 2-cock derby, carabao race, beauty pageant, kite flying, banca race, boxing tournament, street dancing / Duyan Parade, among other activities. For info, eMail at ibazambalestourism@yahoo.com
Contact Person Benjamin Farin, Jr.
Tel. No. (63 47) 811-2597/2910

Pyestang tugak
City of San Fernando, Pampanga
Started in 2003 to perpetuate the beautiful traditions that emerged through the years in catching and cooking frogs that used to abound in the rice fields of Pampanga. The citizens of San Fernando have reserved a special day every year to honor this amphibian because of its important contributions to the environment, the economy and culture. It also resembles the Fernandino in many ways, including its resiliency.

Tradition. The frog is part of Kapampangan tradition and culinary culture. It is said that in the early days when the farmers were totally dependent on rainwater to irrigate their farms, the children would gamely catch the frogs while their elders were busy cultivating the land or planting rice. This ?game? eventually became an opportunity for families to establish strong bond as the technique used in catching frogs evolved to the point of being ritualistic. It was not unusual to see families lined up on top of ?pilapil? in many rice fields with their ?paduas? on one hand and ?panyapu? on the other. They would patiently wait for the frogs to bite the ?bulating tudtud? as they move the ?paduas? in slow horizontal direction. They do this very quietly so that the frogs would not be agitated. This practice was handed down to the succeeding generations. Up to this time, though their number has decreased, many families still carry this tradition as they catch frogs for their own consumption or for selling purposes. Frog Cuisines. Known for their virtuosity in their cuisine, the Kapampangan ultimately discovered the gastronomic attributes of the frog. Thus, recipes were formulated using indigenous ingredients. These include the ?betute? which is a pun for ?butete?. The latter is a Kapampangan word for tadpole. ?Betute?, on the other hand, is dressed frog stuffed with minced frog meat or pork and some finely chopped ingredients.

Philippine International Hot-Air Balloon Festival
Date Feb 9 – 12, 2006
Venue Clark Field, Pampanga
Description Held every 2nd weekend of February at Omni Aviation Complex in Clark, the annual festival features air-sporting events like hot-air balloon competition, aircraft maneuvers and precision flying, ultralights, RC Demonstration Flying, sky diving, aircarft rally, rocketeering, flag jump, balloon bursting competition, kite flying, trade fair, carnival rides and nightly concerts. The participation of international hot-air balloons from all over the world draws thousands of people to the site to witness the early morning balloon fly-out and late afternoon fly-in. The festival was initiated by the Department of Tourism in 1994 by then Secretary Mina Gabor to rescucitate the fledgling spirit of the Kapampangans – only three years following the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo. The tourism regional office led by Regional Director Ronaldo Tiotuico handled the initial stages of the project in cooperation with Clark Development Corp. and the local government of Angeles City before turning it over to the Hot Air Balloon Club of the Philippines under the leadership of Capt. Joy Roa of Air Ads, Inc. in 1999. For information on the current festival, visit www.philballoonfest.com or send query to joyroa@flyaai.com
Contact Person Air Ads, Inc. (Capt. Joy Roa)
Tel. No. (63 2) 833-3264 / 551-2780

Pulilan Carabao Festival
Date May 14 – 15
Venue Pulilan, Bulacan
Description An annual festival featuring hundreds of water buffaloes (carabao) parading along the streets of Pulilan followed by a throng of colorful floats and farming machines – all celebrating the feat of their patron saint, San Isidro de Labrador. The popular beasts of burden take a bow before the town church by performing the traditional genuflection – an incredible feat that never fails to mesmerize local and foreign visitors.
Contact Person Rosette Ramos
Tel. No. (63 44) 662-0506/7557/791-9169/741-4169

Sabutan Festival
Date August 22-25
Venue San Luis, Aurora
Description The Sabutan Festival in the town of San Luis, province of Aurora highlights the importance of growing palm trees locally called Sabutan on the community’s economic wellbeing. The raw material which grows on mountain terrain and forest land is used to weave a variety of useful products and ornamentals like hats, placemats, fans and even native dress – all made of Sabutan. The exclusive art of weaving Sabutan is handed down from one generation to the other. The festival features native dance presentation among school children, trade fair, cultural shows and exhibits.
Contact Person Abbie Ormilla
Tel. No. 0919-462-7387

Singkaban Festival
Date Sept 8 – 15
Venue Malolos City, Bulacan
Description A festival of arts and culture every September 8 – 15 in honor of the patron saint of the province, Our Lady of Victory, showcasing the traditional arts of “Balagtasan”, folk dances and “kundiman” amidst display of Singkaban arches. It is held in conjunction with the Linggo ng Bulakan celebration.
Contact Person Rosette Ramos
Tel. No. (63 44) 662-7635/791-7335/662-7635

Sinukwan Festival
Date Dec 3 – 9
Venue City of San Fernando, Pampanga
Description The Sinukwan Festival relives the Kapampangan spirit with a weeklong calendar of cultural revivals capped by a grand street-dance parade in the City of San Fernando, with some 21 towns outdoing each other to the tune of “Atin Cu Pung Singsing”, It features hordes of gaily-dressed and gaudily crowned Pampangenos, native music and rituals. Organized annually by the Save Pampanga Movement, the festival memorializes Aring Sinukwan, an ancient mythical god, who is the epitome of Kapampangan culture. Activities include photo contest and exhibits, food and arts showcase (Lutong Kapampangan), Kapampangan singing competition, serenata and beauty pageant.
Contact Person Ferdinand Santos
Tel. No. (63 45) 961-5684/ 3328 loc 211

Sto. Nino Festival
Date Jan. 25
Venue Malolos City, Bulacan
Description The biggest expression of devotion to the Holy child Jesus in the entire Luzon island. The event features a week long celebration cum exhibits, a procession featuring more than a hundred caros of diverse images of the the Sto. Nino.
Contact Person Rosette Ramos
Tel. No. (63 44) 662-7635/791-7335/662-7635

Subic Karakoa Festival
Date TBA
Venue Subic Bay Freeport, Zambales
Description In honor of the warship Karakoa, a warship built by the Pintados tribe, SBMA sets the stage for a unique festival filled with colorful floats, parade and motorcade called Subic Karakoa Festival. It is meant to complement the annual Philippine Motorsports Festival and the Karakoa Food Festival.
Contact Person Venancio Triguero II
Tel. No. 63 47) 252-4123/4242/4194/4196/4195/4561

Tanduyong Festival
Date April 25
Venue San Jose City, Nueva Ecija
Description San Jose City prides itself as the “Onion Capital of the Philippines” and is a leading producer of onion, garlic, rice and vegetables. Every year, on the fourth Sunday of April, the people of San Jose dance through the main street in a colorful, enchanting celebration of the blessing of the harvest. On festival day, the streets are filled with contingents of dancers outfitted in striking, multi-hued native costumes. Exotic rhythms of improvised musical instruments fill the air as the dancers gyrate and sway to the beat of life. Special activities included are: beauty contest, tourism and trade fair, awarding ceremony and cultural shows.
Contact Person Lito Buenaventura
Tel. No. (63 44) 511-1744

Taong Putik
Date June 24
Venue Aliaga, Nueva Ecija
Description Taong Putik originated from a unique practice of the devotees of Saint John the Baptist in Bibiclat, Aliaga, Nueva Ecija. Their bodies are completely covered with mud and adorned with vines, banana leaves or dried coconut leaves. The ritual starts as the curtain of the early dawn rises on June 24 – as the streets of Bibiclat becomes the stage for the unfolding of the performance of the devotees of the Fiesta ni San Juan Bautista. They ask for alms and candles from the people and offering them at the church during the special mass celebrated at 7:00 in the morning. The taong- putik devotees are also known as “San Juan or nag-sa-San Juan” by the townsfolk of Aliaga because they imitate Saint John the Baptist who hid his role as the chosen one to baptize Jesus Christ by wearing animal skin to deceive those who were after his head.
Contact Person Analiza Eugenio
Tel. No. (63 44) 958-1778/1776 to 79

Tugak Festival
Date September 24
Venue City of San Fernando, Pampanga
Description Pampanga is known for its Kapampangan frog traditions and cuisine. This festival is presented with ?Mamadwas Tamu? (Let?s go and catch frogs), a bouncy, lively dance that depicts the industry and perseverance of the Kapampangan. Kapampangans are the only frog-eating race. It can be cooked in several ways either tinolang tugak, ?betute,? adobo, bola-bola, torta or simply fried in tasty and crispy style. Festival activities include ‘Padwasan’ (frog catching competition), Frog Costume Contest (best dressed), Frog Olympics (long jump, frog race, heaviest frog), and Frog Cooking Contest. The day is capped by a food festival and cultural show. (Credits: www.pampanga.gov.ph)
Contact Person Ferdinand Santos
Tel. No. (63 45) 961-5684/ 3328 loc 211