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Fascinating Festivals in the Philippines
October 9, 2011 by Anita
Filed under Travel And Leisure
Allan Merin asked:
The Philippines, one of the premier travel destinations in the Asia-Pacific region, is at the forefront of countries banking on colorful festivals to promote its rich culture and heritage. Almost everyday there is an event celebrating a momentous occasion in the country such as a town fiesta or a feast of a local patron saint or a patroness. These fascinating festivals, according to experts, prove that Filipinos are fun-loving people.
Festivals, both cultural and religious in nature, are celebrated all year round across the three main island groups – Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. Every region, province, city, municipality, and barangay has its own way of merrymaking. That’s why most Philippine travel guides declare that there are countless ways to enjoy and explore the beauty of this archipelago of 7,107 islands.
Festivals are considered a primary engine for driving the tourism industry aside from the country’s unspoiled beaches and other man-made and natural attractions. These colorful events are magnets to local and foreign travelers who are often awed by the way people celebrate festivals with high energy and much enthusiasm.
Here is a list of some of the grandest and exquisite festivals in the country.
Sinulog Festival
Sinulog Festival is the pride of Cebu City. Celebrated on the third Sunday of January, this colorful event is a way of the province’s thanksgiving to the child Jesus. The Sinulog Festival, which usually lasts for nine days, features a street parade wherein participants dressed in bright costumes dance to the rhythm of drums, trumpets, and native gongs.
Panagbenga Festival
Every February Baguio City, the “Summer Capital of the Philippines,” stages a month-long flower festival called Panagbenga. One of the highly anticipated events during the festival is a parade of floats decorated with colorful flowers. It is patterned after the world-renowned Rose Parade in Pasadena, California.
Moriones Festival
Moriones Festival is one of the most colorful religious events in the Philippines. Held during the Holy Week in Marinduque, the festival is highlighted by a parade participated in by people wearing colorful masks and garbs replicating that of the biblical Roman soldiers. A similar celebrated is held in Valencia, Spain, in April.
Pahiyas Festival
The spotlight shifts to Lucban, Quezon, every 15th day of May, when this second-class municipality hosts the Pahiyas Festival. On this day, a street of houses is adorned with various agricultural produce and colorful rice ornaments called kiping. Pahiyas Festival is held in honor of St. Isodore, the patron saint of farmers.
Kadayawan Festival
Kadayawan Festival in Davao City is a celebration of good harvest. Held every third week of August, local folks go out on the streets and celebrate a bountiful yield in various ways, such street dancing competitions, parades of decorated floats, and power boat races. Trade fairs, flower shows, exhibits, and horse fight competitions are lined up during the weeklong festival.
There are other notable festivals that tourists must not miss out. Usually the golden months of Philippine festivals are January, April, May, and December. That’s why it is advised to place your reservations to hotels and resorts for your preferred accommodations and vacation packages in advance.
Local Philippines is your travel buddy. We have information about the destinations, how to get there, what to do while in the area and more! Destinations in the beaches or in the mountains, destinations under water, destinations right at the middle of the urban hub, name it and Local Philippines will most likely feature it.
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The Philippines, one of the premier travel destinations in the Asia-Pacific region, is at the forefront of countries banking on colorful festivals to promote its rich culture and heritage. Almost everyday there is an event celebrating a momentous occasion in the country such as a town fiesta or a feast of a local patron saint or a patroness. These fascinating festivals, according to experts, prove that Filipinos are fun-loving people.
Festivals, both cultural and religious in nature, are celebrated all year round across the three main island groups – Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. Every region, province, city, municipality, and barangay has its own way of merrymaking. That’s why most Philippine travel guides declare that there are countless ways to enjoy and explore the beauty of this archipelago of 7,107 islands.
Festivals are considered a primary engine for driving the tourism industry aside from the country’s unspoiled beaches and other man-made and natural attractions. These colorful events are magnets to local and foreign travelers who are often awed by the way people celebrate festivals with high energy and much enthusiasm.
Here is a list of some of the grandest and exquisite festivals in the country.
Sinulog Festival
Sinulog Festival is the pride of Cebu City. Celebrated on the third Sunday of January, this colorful event is a way of the province’s thanksgiving to the child Jesus. The Sinulog Festival, which usually lasts for nine days, features a street parade wherein participants dressed in bright costumes dance to the rhythm of drums, trumpets, and native gongs.
Panagbenga Festival
Every February Baguio City, the “Summer Capital of the Philippines,” stages a month-long flower festival called Panagbenga. One of the highly anticipated events during the festival is a parade of floats decorated with colorful flowers. It is patterned after the world-renowned Rose Parade in Pasadena, California.
Moriones Festival
Moriones Festival is one of the most colorful religious events in the Philippines. Held during the Holy Week in Marinduque, the festival is highlighted by a parade participated in by people wearing colorful masks and garbs replicating that of the biblical Roman soldiers. A similar celebrated is held in Valencia, Spain, in April.
Pahiyas Festival
The spotlight shifts to Lucban, Quezon, every 15th day of May, when this second-class municipality hosts the Pahiyas Festival. On this day, a street of houses is adorned with various agricultural produce and colorful rice ornaments called kiping. Pahiyas Festival is held in honor of St. Isodore, the patron saint of farmers.
Kadayawan Festival
Kadayawan Festival in Davao City is a celebration of good harvest. Held every third week of August, local folks go out on the streets and celebrate a bountiful yield in various ways, such street dancing competitions, parades of decorated floats, and power boat races. Trade fairs, flower shows, exhibits, and horse fight competitions are lined up during the weeklong festival.
There are other notable festivals that tourists must not miss out. Usually the golden months of Philippine festivals are January, April, May, and December. That’s why it is advised to place your reservations to hotels and resorts for your preferred accommodations and vacation packages in advance.
Local Philippines is your travel buddy. We have information about the destinations, how to get there, what to do while in the area and more! Destinations in the beaches or in the mountains, destinations under water, destinations right at the middle of the urban hub, name it and Local Philippines will most likely feature it.
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Travel the Philippines – Go Gaga in Guimaras
March 28, 2011 by Anita
Filed under Travel And Leisure
Allan Merin asked:
Looking for an idyllic setting for your next vacation in the Philippines? Pack your bags and head to the beautiful island province of Guimaras. Located in the Western Visayas region, Guimaras is highly touted for its unspoiled beaches that are considered one of the world’s finest. It has a wide array of resorts and accommodations that cater to the needs of both local and foreign tourists.
Like other provinces in the country, Guimaras also has its fine share of tourist attractions. Since the province is blessed with vast agricultural lands, the local government has been stepping up efforts to promote Guimaras as a premier agritourism site in the Philippines. Orchards, bee farms, and aqua culture ponds have been added to list of must-see attractions in the island.
Guimaras made headlines in 2006 when an oil tanker carrying more than two liters of bunker fuel sank off the coast of the province and spilled over 500,000 liters of oil. It was considered the worst oil spill in Philippine history. However, with the efforts of the national and local government, as well as the private sector and international donors, Guimaras is on its feet again. Tourist arrivals have picked up in the aftermath of the oil spill.
The following are some of the reasons why you need to visit Guimaras.
Guisi Beach and Lighthouse
Atop the list of tourist attractions in Guimaras is the Guisi Beach. Its azure waters are a perfect escape from the hassles of the city life. Guisi Beach is famous for its short coastline and awesome rock formations. To get a breathtaking view of the beach, you must visit an 18th-century lighthouse that once guided sailors passing through the island.
Guimaras Adventure Park
Guimaras also offers something enticing for the adventure-seekers. Located in the capital city, Jordan, the Guimaras Adventure Park has a wide range of amenities for paintball, war games, rappelling, target shooting, and horseback riding. The compound is also ideal for team building, camping, and other corporate functions, and family gatherings.
Trappist Monastery
A tour of the Trappist Monastery in Jordon is also a must while in Guimaras. It offers a quiet place to rekindle your spiritual life. Processed food, including jellies, jams, and candies, made by Trappist monks are available at a souvenir shop in the monastery. There are also guest houses that are available for rent at affordable rates.
Turtle Feeding Station
Get up close and personal with the pawikans with a visit to the Turtle Feeding Station in Barangay Lawi, Jordan. A floating cage, wherein visitors can take pictures and touch sea turtles, is the main attraction at the center. The station was established to raise awareness on wildlife protection and turtle preservation in Guimaras.
Guimaras Mangoes
You cannot miss out on Guimaras’ famous fruit crop, mango, while taking a vacation in this island paradise. Its mangoes are said to be sweetest in the world. They are already being exported to foreign markets such as the United States and Australia. Mangoes are also the center of the annual Manggahan Festival, which seeks to promote the fruit industry.
Local Philippines is your travel buddy. We have information about the destinations, how to get there, what to do while in the area and more! Destinations in the beaches or in the mountains, destinations under water, destinations right at the middle of the urban hub, name it and Local Philippines will most likely feature it.
Website content
Looking for an idyllic setting for your next vacation in the Philippines? Pack your bags and head to the beautiful island province of Guimaras. Located in the Western Visayas region, Guimaras is highly touted for its unspoiled beaches that are considered one of the world’s finest. It has a wide array of resorts and accommodations that cater to the needs of both local and foreign tourists.
Like other provinces in the country, Guimaras also has its fine share of tourist attractions. Since the province is blessed with vast agricultural lands, the local government has been stepping up efforts to promote Guimaras as a premier agritourism site in the Philippines. Orchards, bee farms, and aqua culture ponds have been added to list of must-see attractions in the island.
Guimaras made headlines in 2006 when an oil tanker carrying more than two liters of bunker fuel sank off the coast of the province and spilled over 500,000 liters of oil. It was considered the worst oil spill in Philippine history. However, with the efforts of the national and local government, as well as the private sector and international donors, Guimaras is on its feet again. Tourist arrivals have picked up in the aftermath of the oil spill.
The following are some of the reasons why you need to visit Guimaras.
Guisi Beach and Lighthouse
Atop the list of tourist attractions in Guimaras is the Guisi Beach. Its azure waters are a perfect escape from the hassles of the city life. Guisi Beach is famous for its short coastline and awesome rock formations. To get a breathtaking view of the beach, you must visit an 18th-century lighthouse that once guided sailors passing through the island.
Guimaras Adventure Park
Guimaras also offers something enticing for the adventure-seekers. Located in the capital city, Jordan, the Guimaras Adventure Park has a wide range of amenities for paintball, war games, rappelling, target shooting, and horseback riding. The compound is also ideal for team building, camping, and other corporate functions, and family gatherings.
Trappist Monastery
A tour of the Trappist Monastery in Jordon is also a must while in Guimaras. It offers a quiet place to rekindle your spiritual life. Processed food, including jellies, jams, and candies, made by Trappist monks are available at a souvenir shop in the monastery. There are also guest houses that are available for rent at affordable rates.
Turtle Feeding Station
Get up close and personal with the pawikans with a visit to the Turtle Feeding Station in Barangay Lawi, Jordan. A floating cage, wherein visitors can take pictures and touch sea turtles, is the main attraction at the center. The station was established to raise awareness on wildlife protection and turtle preservation in Guimaras.
Guimaras Mangoes
You cannot miss out on Guimaras’ famous fruit crop, mango, while taking a vacation in this island paradise. Its mangoes are said to be sweetest in the world. They are already being exported to foreign markets such as the United States and Australia. Mangoes are also the center of the annual Manggahan Festival, which seeks to promote the fruit industry.
Local Philippines is your travel buddy. We have information about the destinations, how to get there, what to do while in the area and more! Destinations in the beaches or in the mountains, destinations under water, destinations right at the middle of the urban hub, name it and Local Philippines will most likely feature it.
Website content
Top Philippine Destination and Paradise Spots
Ruel Hinaloc asked:
Explore Paradise Philippines. Take a peek at Filipino’s culture and history as mirrored in century-old churches, ancient forts and modern museums. Paradise Philippines have the top of nature’s paradise pictured thru white-sand beaches and three-layered virgin forests.
Paradise Philippines is blessed with an extensive coastline, ringed with unspoiled beaches and first-class resort facilities. Paradise Philippines’ deep-blue, crystal-clear waters offers about 40,000 square kilometers of coastal reefs teeming with a variety of marine life.
Top Philippine Destination and Paradise Spots
Paradise Philippines is endowed amid a tropical climate offering perfect paradise treat to enjoy the sunlight. Lying in Southeast Asia and surrounded by the Pacific Ocean, the Paradise Philippines boasts of unsullied beaches, spectacular sunsets, luxuriant pastoral lands, cool mountain weather, brilliant man-made paradise resorts, and dazzling 7,000+ islands.
Paradise Philippines boasts of one or two of the best beaches and scuba diving waters in the world. Witness the vast expanse of nature’s paradise Philippines’ splendor underneath the spell of cool paradise Philippines mountain breeze.
Here are some featured destinations and paradise regions that is living proof of Paradise Philippines reputation of being referred to as Paradise Philippines.
Alona Beach, Paradise Philippines
Panglao Island, Bohol (May 6, 2007) – The Tourism Secretary Joseph Ace Durano has inaugurated the first age of a P600-million upscale resort complex that is riding on the tourism boom in this province. Durano said, referring to the 16-hectare Eskaya Beach Resort & Spa, which is making 70 luxurious villas catering to the rich Filipino tourists and visitors from Europe, the United States, Australia, Japan and Korea.
Donsol, Whale Shark Capital, Paradise Philippines
Once a sleepy coastal village located at the northwestern tip of Sorsogon province, this town now eyes to be a first-class municipality, thanks to giant sea creatures that are now attracting hordes of foreign and local tourists who infuse millions of pesos to the local economy.
Boracay Paradise, Paradise Philippines
Widely known as one of the best swimming destinations in the world, Boracay is blessed with unsullied fine talcum powder-sand beaches. Its tranquil crystal simple waters are best for swimming, sailing, fishing and sunbathing. Boracay in addition boasts of sapphire seas and spectacular sunsets. Countless hidden coves dot the island and tall coconut trees line up along the beaches. Boracay lies at the northwest tip of Panay, in the west Visayas region, off the Sibuyan Sea.
Captivating Guimaras, Paradise Philippines
Nueva Valencia, Guimaras – An Italian couple on a two-month holiday in the Philippines chose to include the present paradise in this itinerary and stayed at the Raymen Beach Resort in December 2006, unperturbed by to know about the oil spill that brought the island province to world attention in August of the same year. “We are just here to see good beaches,” said the Boldo couple, who are just among the hundreds of intercontinental guests who kept coming to Guimaras even in the aftermath of the infamous oil spill.
Wonderful Palawan, Paradise Philippines
The exotic beauty of Palawan remains undefiled. Branded as the country’s survive frontier, Palawan is a sanctuary to an amazing variety of exotic flora and fauna which are found nowhere else. With more as opposed to a thousand islands and islets, Palawan boasts of white-sand beaches, scenic rock formations, underwater rivers and magnificent caves. Palawan is additionally structure to Tubbataha Reef, the only nationwide marine park that made it to the World Heritage List and whose grandeur is comparable to the Great Barrier Reef of Australia.
Banaue Rice Terraces, Paradise Philippines
Traversing the rugged terrains of Cordillera highlands in a duration of one week is an adventure in itself and could be an immense learning experience for someone who has the guts to be on the look down to the depths of mountain cliffs to get a good view of the rice terraces. With tall rice terraces at the backdrop and cool breeze shuttling between mountain peaks, a journey across the Cordillera heap ranges exposes one to an atmosphere strangely different from the daily offering of Manila and its suburbs.
Amazing Coron, Paradise Philippines
Coron, a town in the Busuanga Island in Northern Palawan, can charm much the most insensitive amongst men. Its natural beauty can only be described as seductive, giving first-time visitors and repeaters alike a sense of wonder so is hard to shake off.
Cebu City, Paradise Philippines
Cebu City drew 403,326 worldwide visitors in 2005, making the “queen city of the south” the top provincial destination of worldwide travelers. Data from the Department of Tourism (DOT) also showed such a Cebu City attracted 1,813 distant Filipinos and 712,938 domestic travelers.
Pagudpud, Paradise Philippines
If Aklan has Boracay, Ilocos has Pagudpud, its northernmost town bordering the South China Sea. The coastal town of Pagudpud is the perfect setting for panoramic movies and photoshoot for travel magazines cover. The town’s main attractions are Saud Beach, famous for its fine white sand stretching for hundreds of meters and Maira-Ira Point, which hides a secluded beach called Blue Lagoon. Other breathtaking landscapes in Pagudpud include Bantay Abot-abot, a natural sculpture carved by the wind and sea, the Mabogabog Falls and the Patapat viaduct that treats motorists to a scenic view of red lushes and green waters of South China Sea.
Bohol, Paradise Philippines
Bohol is one of the loveliest islands in southern Philippines. It is situated at the heart of Visayas and with coastline skimmed by gentle coves and white-sand beaches. Many highways snake along sparkling beaches or leafy rivers where one can stop at any point and jump in. With its rolling hills and plateaus, crystal springs and beaches, the province of Bohol is a picturesque province replete amidst ancestral structures and centuries-old churches.
Explore Paradise Philippines. Take a peek at Filipino’s culture and history as mirrored in century-old churches, ancient forts and modern museums. Paradise Philippines have the top of nature’s paradise pictured thru white-sand beaches and three-layered virgin forests.
Paradise Philippines is blessed with an extensive coastline, ringed with unspoiled beaches and first-class resort facilities. Paradise Philippines’ deep-blue, crystal-clear waters offers about 40,000 square kilometers of coastal reefs teeming with a variety of marine life.
Top Philippine Destination and Paradise Spots
Paradise Philippines is endowed amid a tropical climate offering perfect paradise treat to enjoy the sunlight. Lying in Southeast Asia and surrounded by the Pacific Ocean, the Paradise Philippines boasts of unsullied beaches, spectacular sunsets, luxuriant pastoral lands, cool mountain weather, brilliant man-made paradise resorts, and dazzling 7,000+ islands.
Paradise Philippines boasts of one or two of the best beaches and scuba diving waters in the world. Witness the vast expanse of nature’s paradise Philippines’ splendor underneath the spell of cool paradise Philippines mountain breeze.
Here are some featured destinations and paradise regions that is living proof of Paradise Philippines reputation of being referred to as Paradise Philippines.
Alona Beach, Paradise Philippines
Panglao Island, Bohol (May 6, 2007) – The Tourism Secretary Joseph Ace Durano has inaugurated the first age of a P600-million upscale resort complex that is riding on the tourism boom in this province. Durano said, referring to the 16-hectare Eskaya Beach Resort & Spa, which is making 70 luxurious villas catering to the rich Filipino tourists and visitors from Europe, the United States, Australia, Japan and Korea.
Donsol, Whale Shark Capital, Paradise Philippines
Once a sleepy coastal village located at the northwestern tip of Sorsogon province, this town now eyes to be a first-class municipality, thanks to giant sea creatures that are now attracting hordes of foreign and local tourists who infuse millions of pesos to the local economy.
Boracay Paradise, Paradise Philippines
Widely known as one of the best swimming destinations in the world, Boracay is blessed with unsullied fine talcum powder-sand beaches. Its tranquil crystal simple waters are best for swimming, sailing, fishing and sunbathing. Boracay in addition boasts of sapphire seas and spectacular sunsets. Countless hidden coves dot the island and tall coconut trees line up along the beaches. Boracay lies at the northwest tip of Panay, in the west Visayas region, off the Sibuyan Sea.
Captivating Guimaras, Paradise Philippines
Nueva Valencia, Guimaras – An Italian couple on a two-month holiday in the Philippines chose to include the present paradise in this itinerary and stayed at the Raymen Beach Resort in December 2006, unperturbed by to know about the oil spill that brought the island province to world attention in August of the same year. “We are just here to see good beaches,” said the Boldo couple, who are just among the hundreds of intercontinental guests who kept coming to Guimaras even in the aftermath of the infamous oil spill.
Wonderful Palawan, Paradise Philippines
The exotic beauty of Palawan remains undefiled. Branded as the country’s survive frontier, Palawan is a sanctuary to an amazing variety of exotic flora and fauna which are found nowhere else. With more as opposed to a thousand islands and islets, Palawan boasts of white-sand beaches, scenic rock formations, underwater rivers and magnificent caves. Palawan is additionally structure to Tubbataha Reef, the only nationwide marine park that made it to the World Heritage List and whose grandeur is comparable to the Great Barrier Reef of Australia.
Banaue Rice Terraces, Paradise Philippines
Traversing the rugged terrains of Cordillera highlands in a duration of one week is an adventure in itself and could be an immense learning experience for someone who has the guts to be on the look down to the depths of mountain cliffs to get a good view of the rice terraces. With tall rice terraces at the backdrop and cool breeze shuttling between mountain peaks, a journey across the Cordillera heap ranges exposes one to an atmosphere strangely different from the daily offering of Manila and its suburbs.
Amazing Coron, Paradise Philippines
Coron, a town in the Busuanga Island in Northern Palawan, can charm much the most insensitive amongst men. Its natural beauty can only be described as seductive, giving first-time visitors and repeaters alike a sense of wonder so is hard to shake off.
Cebu City, Paradise Philippines
Cebu City drew 403,326 worldwide visitors in 2005, making the “queen city of the south” the top provincial destination of worldwide travelers. Data from the Department of Tourism (DOT) also showed such a Cebu City attracted 1,813 distant Filipinos and 712,938 domestic travelers.
Pagudpud, Paradise Philippines
If Aklan has Boracay, Ilocos has Pagudpud, its northernmost town bordering the South China Sea. The coastal town of Pagudpud is the perfect setting for panoramic movies and photoshoot for travel magazines cover. The town’s main attractions are Saud Beach, famous for its fine white sand stretching for hundreds of meters and Maira-Ira Point, which hides a secluded beach called Blue Lagoon. Other breathtaking landscapes in Pagudpud include Bantay Abot-abot, a natural sculpture carved by the wind and sea, the Mabogabog Falls and the Patapat viaduct that treats motorists to a scenic view of red lushes and green waters of South China Sea.
Bohol, Paradise Philippines
Bohol is one of the loveliest islands in southern Philippines. It is situated at the heart of Visayas and with coastline skimmed by gentle coves and white-sand beaches. Many highways snake along sparkling beaches or leafy rivers where one can stop at any point and jump in. With its rolling hills and plateaus, crystal springs and beaches, the province of Bohol is a picturesque province replete amidst ancestral structures and centuries-old churches.
