June-July Happenings in the Philippines
June 2012
June marks the start of rainy season in the Philippines, but this doesn’t stop the fun going all over the country because Filipinos never run out of things to celebrate, no matter what season it is. If you are planning for an out of town trip for June and July, here are some of the events around the country that ypu may want to catch.
June 4-10 Philippine Eagle Week
Davao City
The Philippine Eagle (Pithecophaga jefferyi) is one of the icons representing Davao City. The Philippine Eagle week aims to showcase the beauty and symbolism of the Philippine Eagle and the richness of the Philippine environment, encourage responsible enjoyment of wildlife and also to promote awareness on the Philippine Eagle as an endangered species. Various activities are held in the Philippine Eagle Center in Malagos and in other places in Davao.
June 12 Philippine Independence Day
Kawit, Cavite and various points in the country
Philippine Independence is observed every 12th of June. The celebration is marked by a flag raising ceremony at the balcony of the Emilio Aguinaldo Shrine in Kawit, Cavite, where the first Philippine flag was unfurled but there are various celebrations and activities held simultaneously all over the country to commemorate the country’s independence from the Spaniards. Filipino citizens show love and support for their country by putting a flag in their homes, cars and offices.
June 24 Parada ng Lechon
Balayan, Batangas
Every 24th of June, the people of Balayan celebrate the feast of their patron saint, John the Baptist by parading a number of decorated lechon (roasted pig) around town. The lechons are dressed and decorated according to the yearly theme and are wrapped with clear plastic to avoid getting wet during the parade. Dousing of water to the people is done to signify the baptism of Jesus by St. John. Festival-goers and locals partake of the lechon after the parade.
June 28-29 Pili Festival
Sorsogon City
Sorsogon holds an annual grand event known as Pili Festival which also coincides with the city’s traditional patronal fiesta in honor of its patron saints, St. Peter and St. Paul. Pili Festival showcases the Pili Tree which is indigenous to Sorsogon and is a premier product of not only of Sorsogon and but the Bicol region. The festival highlights a streetdance demonstrating the many uses of Pili tree.
JULY 2012
July 1 Pagoda sa Wawa
Bocaue, Bulacan
Every first Sunday of July, the people of Bocaue holds a festival in honor of the miraculous Cross of Bocaue (Krus ng Wawa) which was discovered floating on the Bocaue River some 200 years ago. During the fluvial procession, a replica of the cross in which Jesus was crucified is paraded on a decorated pagoda float and guided by colorful bancas. The pagoda is accompanied by devotees who douse each other with water during the procession.
July 2 Sagayan Festival
Tubod, Lanao del Norte
Sagayan Festival is a cultural event performed during Araw ng Lanao del Norte. The festival depicts a war dance among Maranaos. It is said that the festival is based on the epic of Bantugan, a legendary hero of Darangan and beholden by the Maranaos. Male performers clad in warrior-inspired costumes and native spears perform the Maranao war dance while women, also in colorful costumes, perform the fan dance.
July 22 Sandugo Festival
Tagbilaran City, Bohol
The Sandugo Festival commemorates the Treaty of Friendship between Datu Sikatuna, a native chieftain and Miguel López de Legazpi, a Spanish conquistador and representative to the King of Spain. The treaty happened in the shores of Bohol on March 16, 1565 through a blood compact or “sandugo.” The fiesta includes street dancing parade, traditional Filipino carnival, martial arts festival, beauty pageant, among other exciting activities.
July 26 Sta. Anang Banak River Festival
Taguig City
The people of Taguig commemorate their faith in a fluvial parade held every 26th of July in honor of their patroness St. Anne. During the parade, the participants aboard colorful boats and spectators by the riverbanks toss fruits, juice and native delicacies to each other, an act of sharing blessings believed to be sent by their patroness.
*Published in the June-July 2012 Issue of Philippine Tourist Destination
