Philippine Cultural Presentations and Folk Festivals
1.Ati-AtihanA thanks giving festival held year on January 20-21 to commemorate the peace treaty among the warring Aeta Chieftains of Panay Isalnd in year 1214. Ati-Atihan/Ati-Ati (derived from the word Aeta which means Aeta-imitation or Aeta-mimicking). The celebrated this festivity in honor of the Patron Saint Sto. Nio (dancing the street music shouting Viva Sto. Nino). The dirty Face signifies the smudge of the sin in their soul is purportedly a way of atonement and an act of contrition.
2. Antipolo PilgrimageThe lady of Peace and Good Voyage (Nuestra Seora dela Paz Y Buen Viaje) is the patron Saint of travelers and seafarers. The festivities starts at the beginning of May until the last.The arrival of galleon was the most welcomed event. Then followed by a procession and Te Deum in Church.
3. Buling- BulingBuling-buling means Well Polished. It is a song and dance festival practiced in Pandacan, a district in Manila. It is Performed in the month of January by young men and women clad in colorful a costume who is accompanied with a band or orchestra as they dance through the street and their way to Patio of church.
4. Bal-yuanOne of the most colorful festivities in Leyte. Celebrated in honor of infant Jesus, the patron Saint of Tacloban. It reflects the religiosity and unity.
5. CaaoFeast of Igorots based on the belief of that a mans social status is determined by his contribution. They bring the best crops and lay in altar to bless.
6. DinagyangCelebrated on January 26-27 in Iloilo honoring the Sto. Nio in a grand mardi-gras native style.
7. District Fiesta of QuiapoIt is celebrated every 9th of January. Religious festivity of the extreme fanatic and religious people venerating the Mahal na Seor.
8. Fiesta of Pakil, LagunaVenerating the Virgin Dolores, the lady of sorrows. Right after the Holy week during the month of April And May. People hold 7 turumba processions while they dance and chant sa Birhen.
9. Flores de Mayo.Is often called street pageant rather than a religious festivity. Lined up women called sagalas.1. The banderada- main attraction carries the flag of the Philippines.2. Methuselah- rugged man with black face riding a decorated cart.3. Reyna delos Flores- queen of flowers4. Infanta Judith- wicked- looking scimitar and a bloody head of olofernes.5. Reyna sentenciada- Gorgeosly dresses with her wrist bound with silken cord.6. Divina Gracia- carries the cross decorated with ribbons7. Abogada- carrying huge book representing law and rolled paper represent diploma.8. Fe( faith)- carrying cross9. Esperanza- hope and achor.10. Caridad(charity)- heart11. Damas delas Pasyon- suffering of Jesus carries torn crown, three nails and ladder.
10. MorionesMeans mask. A unique way and colorful lenten rituals celebrated during Holy week in the province of Marinduque. This is a re-enactment of the captaion who guard Jesus Tomb. Longinos was blinds in his left eye and the sight was restored when the blood of Jesus drop in his eye as he drove a spear into the side of Jesus. When Jesus resurrected Longinos proclaim his divinity as he believes in the miraculous recovery. The roman authorities could not allow such apostasy so they captured him and beheaded. Longinos was entitled with last word as he makes a impassion prayer and faith and devotion to Christ.
11. HalaranHalad means gift or offer. Depicts the colorful history of the Capizeos.
12. Obando fertility ritesHeld in Obando, Bulacan for childless couples as they dance to the music, sing and pray to Santa Clara that they may be blessed with a child. She is honored during 17-19 of May.
13. HanduganRe-enactment of the historic barter of Panay. The highlight was the coming of borneans. Colorful costumes like the Ati-atihan but without the mardi-gras trimmings.
14. Hari-RayaFirst day of 9th lunar month in Muslim Calendar(February). It is the feats of commemorates the Ramadan.
