Friday, February 27, 2009

Celebrating Holy Week in Philippines

Being the only Christian nation in the Far East, the belief of such religious observance was inherently Christian in origin brought to the Philippines by the Spanish Conquistadors when they first planted the Cross, symbol of Christianity, on the islands thus signaling the advent of the conversion of the natives to the faith of the Conquerors.

Holy Week culminates with all the solemn observance of Christian and pagan rituals. The practice is nationwide and has varying undertones of religious significance that is both moving and touching in its entirety. There are countless "Cenaculos" and "Pabasas" reciting and reenacting the passion and death of Jesus Christ in traditionally written verse form and dramatized version of the original sacrifice two thousand years ago.

The Holy Week in the Philippines has various appeals for everyone that combine native traditions and modern day touches with numerous innovations according to temperament and locale.

The week from Monday to Good Friday is an emotion packed series of religious ceremonies reminiscent of Christendom's most cherished traditions. Easter Sunday pall builds up into a glorious pealing of church bells for the pre-dawn "pasalubong", a reenactment of the Risen Christ's meeting with His Mother at the church patio under a specially prepared arch. An angel then descends from the platform and lifts the mourning veil of the grieving Mother amidst the pealing of bells. The procession of the two images then ends up inside the church and masses are said.

Lenten celebration in the Philippines is a conglomeration of quaint Christian and paganistic practices that are found nowhere else in the world. Some are breathtaking and exciting as they are charming and so distinctively Filipino that they are a source of wonderment for any tourist.

FLAGELLANTS

They scourge themselves in a somewhat paganistic manner considered medieval by many. This is done by stripping themselves naked from the waist up, walking barefooted under a midday sun and flagging themselves bloody with ropes and broken pieces of glass attached with strings to bamboo sticks. They do this as a means of atonement of their sins. It is a sort of retribution of their offenses and human weaknesses for past favor such as after going through some crisis or danger in their lives. This is commonly practiced in the provinces of Pampanga, Tarlac, Rizal and practically all over the Tagalog region.

PABASA

It's a family affair with the cooperation of relatives and neighbors. Others do these twenty four hours daily within the seven days of singing and reading of the Passion and Death taken from the verses of the Bible. Foods and drinks are being served to the singers.

BLACK NAZARENE

A century-old black statue in Quiapo, sculptured in Mexico during the Galleon Trade era, considered miraculous by devotees is brought out for procession every Good Friday. The statue is borne on the shoulders of male devotees in a slow, difficult procession around the narrow streets of the district, a score of men struggle to keep the image moving on. Thousands more try to muscle their way to touch the Nazarene as if carried by a powerful tide in an ocean of humanity.

SALUBONG

In Palawan it is reenacted in Iwahig Penal Colony participated by thousands of torch-bearing convicts in uniform line up in a pre-dawn ceremony.

MORIONES FESTIVALS

Marinduque Island is famous and known throughout the world. No one could recall its beginning but old folks claimed it started since time immemorial. Usually it is held in the plazas of Boac and Gasan. The towns present a spectacular pageant wherein people are dressed like Roman soldiers to commemorate the beheading of Longinos. The festivities have a Mardigras atmosphere.

BAGUIO CITY

Thousands of lowlanders, Manilans and foreign tourists flock to this summer capital to escape heat. Hotels and lodging houses are all booked a month before the Holy Week. Others trek to the mountain to view the city of pines and people enjoying the merry making not minding the religious people are in church for this Holy occasion.

SIETE PALABRAS

All radio stations throughout the nation are being sponsored by religious groups to air the reading of the "Siete Palabras" (Seven Last Words). There are series of speakers depicting the life of Jesus Christ and of course in different versions but the same meaning. Aglipayans, Episcopalians and Roman Catholics do this simultaneously.

VISITA IGLESIAS

In Manila it is a practice of Catholic believers to visit, if possible, 14 churches within Metro Manila representing the fourteen stations of the cross.

BALA-AN BUKID

Guimaras landmark, a huge white cross overlooking the City of Iloilo, a favorite pilgrimage venue of Visayan people.

HUGE 14th STATION

In Iguig, Tuguegarao oversized station of the cross at the hillside outside the centuries old church with a beautiful facade.

DAVAO CITY

Old folks still practice the traditional belief of not to create unnecessary sounds especially on Holy Thursday and Good Friday.

BICOL REGION

Bicolanos are too religious from Catanduanes, Sorsogon, Legaspi, Naga down to Camarines Norte and Sur, they have all the Holy Week rituals.

SAN PABLO CITY

Celebrities and movie stars from Manila and neighboring provinces join the most attended procession organized by Don Ado Escudero of Villa Escudero.

14 STATIONS OF THE CROSS

At the grotto of Lourdes in Novaliches, Quezon City the devotees, thousands of them, come during the Holy Week as a pilgrimage at the Calvary built with the fourteen stations of the Cross, life size, zigzagging at the hillside.

AMULETS HUNTERS

In Sipalay, Negros Occidental, it is a day for Herbolarios searching for anting-anting in unexplored caves on Good Friday.

FORTY FIVE STATUES

In Paete, Laguna procession of 45 statues beautifully decorated "carrozas" depicting the life of our Lord. Also in Siquijor, an island on the southern tip of Cebu, is well known for its Good Friday procession. Huge centuries-old statue fully decorated with fresh flowers.

CAPILYA

A town in Zamboanga still practices the old tradition of Lenten Season, one of which is the Capilya. Town people put up an improvised 14 altars around the poblacion representing the way of the cross. A group of singers sing ballad songs of Christ's passion.

CENACULOS

It is held in the Philippine Cultural Center sponsored by the Department of Tourism. Cast of characters include popular movie stars. In Taguig, Rizal they popularize the modern version of "Jesus Christ Superstar" reshown at the Fort Santiago Amphitheater for the benefit of Manilans. In Mexico, Pampanga and also Dinalupihan in Bataan there is one who actually had himself nailed to a cross for his "crucifixion" simulating Christ's passion as best as he painfully can.

PAGTALTAL SA JORDAN

In the Visayan region, we have now the famous "Ang PAGTALTAL SA JORDAN" in the island province of Guimaras. A reenactment of our Lord's sufferings on the way to the Calvary held every Good Friday at the Municipal grounds. For the last years, it was attended by dignitaries from America, Mexico, Costa Rica, Argentina, Netherlands, Spain, Germany, Canada, and thousands of tourists from European and Asian countries. Jordan town is widely known as the "GOLGOTHA" of the Philippines.
Ash Wednesday: February 25, 2009
Holy Week: April 6 - 12, 2009
Official Holiday: April 9-10, 2009
Source: The News Today

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Thursday, February 26, 2009

Philippine Calendar of Events - March 2009

KAAMULAN FESTIVAL
March 1 8 Malaybalay City, Bukidnon
A spectacular yearly gathering of the seven (7) hilltribes featuring their traditional songs, dances, sports, crafts and rituals, clad in their traditional vibrant costumes and heirloom jewelry


RODEO MASBATEÑO (LOCAL COWBOYS)
March 1 31 Masbate City
Hold on to your horses, caballeros, its rodeo time in Masbate once again! Feel the excitement as our local cowboys pit their brains against bovine brawn in western style rodeo events like bull riding and sterr wrestling, apart from our local games like the good old carabao race. So put on them boots and saddle up – its gonna be a rope-slingin’, dust-kickin’, cowpunchibn’ affair.


ARAW NG ISLAND GARDEN CITY OF SAMAL (IGACOS)
March 1- March 7 Island Garden City of Samal
Festival to showcase the natural bounty of the Island Garden City of Samal, includes water sports competition, horse fight, sand castle contest, cultural shows, etc.



PASIG SUMMER MUSIC FESTIVAL
March 1- March 31 Pasig City
Participants vary from singers, pianists & violinists, bandleaders and music teachers whose common goal is to keep classical music and "kundimans” alive. On this event, artists, and music lovers gather at the Pasig City Museum to listen and appreciate the music of classical artists as performed by their fellow Pasigueños. In all, the Summer Music Festival aims to revive the great musical tradition of Pasig.


PARADE OF FESTIVALS
March 1 Muntinlupa City
One of the highlights of Muntinlupa City’s Cityhood Anniversary.


PAYVANUVANUAN FESTIVAL_
March 1 31 Sitio Jura, Racujaide, Mahatao
The festival marks the start of the fishing season in Batanes where the fisherfolks perform a ritual to pray for good fishing season and safety.


4TH ZP SUMMER
March 1- March 31 Zamboanga City
This event, which cover the Zamboanga City, and the provinces of Zamboanga Sibugay, del Norte and del Sur, promotes domestic tourism in the Peninsula.


SUGBAHAN
March 2- March 14 Davao City
A culinary festival that features Davao''s grilled specialties such as tuna.


PACTO DE SANGRE OR BLOOD COMPACT OF NEW WASHINGTON, AKLAN
March 3 New Washington, Aklan
Katipuneros respectively wounded their wrists and used their blood to sign a document that formally expressed their grievances symbolizing their revolt against the Spanish authorities, which happened at Sitio Kuntang, Ochando, New Washington. From then on it is remembered as one of the historical places in the country.


COUNCIL OF BALABAGO REENACTMENT
March 4- March 5 Culasi, Antique
It is a reenactment of the gathering of the Malayan Datus headed by Sumakwel after their settlement in Malandog for thanksgiving and renewal. The site of the reenactment overlooks the island of Mararison and the Majestic Mt. Madia-as home of Bulalakaw, their acclaimed God.


PUERTO PRINCESA FOUNDATION DAY
March 4 Puerto Princesa City
A celebration of the founding anniversary of the City highlighted by the crowning of Ms. Puerto Princesa.


CEBU X INTERNATIONAL FURNITURE AND FURNISHING EXHIBITION_
March 6 9 Cebu City
With Cebu X promoting Cebu as the Design Destination in Asia, an exhibition is scheduled by the end of February showcasing Asia’s best furniture designs expertly executed by master craftsmen.


BANGKERO FESTIVAL
March 6- March 10 Pagsanjan, Laguna
Pagsanjan, the tourist capital of Laguna will hold its “Bangkero Festival” on March 10 until March 14 with the theme: “Mamamayan Makilahok! Bayan Ko, Tutulungan Ko!”


ARYA! ABRA FESTIVAL (Bamboo rafting)
March 07 - 11 Bangued, Abra
Abra's biggest festival highlights of which are "Karerakit" bamboo rafting along Calaba River and Tinguan Festival of the tribal natives of Abra.


PANAGTAGBO FESTIVAL
March 7 Tagum City
Coincides with the city of Tagum’s founding anniversary. It aptly describes a celebration in the city where Tagumeños met Tagumeños from all walks of life in one occasion and setting since the city of Tagum is a crossroad business center in the northern part of Southern Mindanao.


VIS-MIN TRAVEL & LIFESTYLE SHOW_
March 7 9 SM Cebu Trade Hall
This 4th International Visayas Mindanao Travel, Tours, Leisure and Lifestyle Exposition and Conference, is a festive capsulized presentation of the different tourism attractions, destination and facilities, tour activities, mode of transportation and information in the Visayas and Mindanao clusters, showcasing its respective unique historical and cultural assets as well as in helping create awareness and promoting various tourist destinations found the VIS-MIN region.


THE 14THE WEDDING EXPO PHILIPPINES (2009)
March 7 8 PICC Forum, CCP Complex
The biggest, most comprehensive, and longest running gathering of wedding suppliers from all over the Philippines as they showcase the latest trends and newest styles in saying "I Do." This is the event that the entire Philippine wedding industry gears up for!


NATIONAL WOMEN'S MONTH CELEBRATION EXHIBIT
March 8- March 12 Clamshell I, Intramuros, Manila
A weeklong exhibit organized by the National Commission on the Role of Filipino Women (NCRFW) showcasing numerous products and services in celebration of the National Women''s Month.


102ND BIRTH ANNIVERSARY OF LATE PRESIDENT JOSE P. LAUREL
March 9 Tanauan, Batangas
A yearly celebration commemorating the birth of President Jose P. Laurel.


HOLISTIC FESTIVAL
March 9- March 11 Villa Jireh, Labrador, Pangasinan
Projects Pangasinan as a health tourism destination with focus on wellness & lifestyle change from the holistic approach. Converging multi-sectoral groups: Eco-Defense Movement, Fishermen/Farmers Association, Tourism.


BANTAYAN FESTIVAL
March 9 15 Guimbal, Iloilo
A celebration of the birth of a new history and culture of the people of Guimbal as a tribute and reverence to the triumphant struggle of its ancestors for meaningful existence.The magic of the Gimba (drum) and the Bantayan (watchtower) are the major features of the festival. The festival also features dance drama, drum, float & street dancing competition, cultural shows, beauty pageant, paraw & boat racing, fluvial parade, musical concerts and many other presentations.


ARAW NG DABAW CELEBRATION
March 10- March 16 Davao City
Davao celebrates its birthday in a grand gala fashion befitting the largest city in Mindanao. The Araw ng Dabaw festivities come complete with a jam-packed, seven-day schedule of trade fairs and cultural presentations. There''s also a colorful civic-military parade and a citywide beauty pageant, featuring the smartest, most charming ladies this side of the islands.


STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL
March 14- March 20 La Trinidad, Benguet
The municipality of La Trinindad in Benguet, known as the Strawberry Capital of the Philippines, will feature the baking of the largest strawberry cake including a trade fair on strawberry products and cutflowers.


PINTADOS DE PASI FESTIVAL_
March 16 22 Passi City, Iloilo
A festival depicting the history of Passi through “pintados” as a colorful celebration of how Passi got its name, as influenced by the Spanish regime. It also coincides with their Foundation Day commemorating the conversion of Passi as a component city. The festival’s main features include the parade and competition of Tribes, Carosa Parada, Pinta Carabao, Search for Bb. Pintados de Pasi, Laro ng Lahi, Binayle sa Kalye, Drum & Lyre Competition, Food Festival


HOMONHON LANDING_
March 16 Homonhon, Eastern Samar
Commemoration of the discovery of the Philippines by Ferdinand Magellan.


SEMANA SANTA AT IGUIG CALVARY HILLS_
March 16 23 Iguig, Cagayan
Traditional presentation of the passion and death of Christ on an 11 hectare rolling terrain of the larger than life size 14 Stations of the Cross.


LUGAHAIT FESTIVAL
March 16 Lugait, Misamis Oriental
A local festival celebrating the rich history and the founding of the municipality of Lugait through native street dancing, showcase of agricultural products, and other colorful cultural performances


BUTUAN-CHINA TRADE MISSION
March 17 Butuan City
Commemoration of the first Butuan-China Trade Mission


SOLI-SOLI FESTIVAL_
March 18 San Francisco, Camotes Island, Cebu
Named after the Soli-Soli plant which abounds around Lake Danao, its freestyle street dancing competition uses soli-soli plant as its dominants material.


BANANA FESTIVAL
March 18- March 19 Baco, Mindoro Oriental
A celebration of its abundance of banana. It features banana cook fest and a banana (saba) inspired street dancing competition and beauty pageant. this coincides with the town fiestain honor of St. Joseph.


MAYON CONQUEST
March 18- March 20 Albay
A mountain expedition to the country’s most popular volcano, MT. MAYON to be participated in by mountain-climbing enthusiast aimed to develop mountain climbing as a safe, enjoyable and environment-friendly activity.


SULYOG FESTIVAL
March 19 Bongabong, Mindoro Oriental
A religious festival in honor of St. Joseph celebrated by way of a Sulyog (Suli and Niyog) Festival done through dances, flats and cultural shows.


TABAK FESTIVAL
March 19- March 22 Tabaco City, Albay
Held in conjunction with the celebration of the City’s 1st Foundation Anniversary. The festival derived its name from a local word “tabak”, meaning bolo, where the name of the City (Tabaco) was taken from. It’s highlight is a street presentation where participants showcase the legend of the City. Numerous other activities are lined up to drum beat the affair.


SINIGAYAN FESTIVAL
March 19 Sagay City
An annual celebration & thanksgiving in honor of their patron, St. Joseph, showcasing the best of Sagay - - the arts, culture, products, and its people. Sinigayan concocted from the spherical shell “sigay” which abounds many islets and shores of the city.


PASKO SA KASAKIT (SEMANA SANTA SA BANTAYAN)_
March 20 21 Bantayan, Cebu
A unique mixture of solemn religious rites and local celebration in Bantayan Island where friends of the residents and tourists experience the scenic rites and cool off the summer heat in beautiful white sandy beaches.


SEMANA SANTA SA BIKOL
March 20- March 27 Calabanga, Camarines Sur
A week-long observance of Bicolanos unique religiosity and a pilgrimage to "Amang Hinulid"


PANAAD_
March 20 21 Camiguin
A yearly trek of devotees coming from the neighboring municipalities, cities and provinces in Visayas and Mindanao to Camiguin’s walkway considered the Region’s famous Holy Week site


SENAKULO / HOLY WEEK RITUALS & PROCESSIONS
March 20- March 27 Nationwide
A nationwide celebration of Lenten Season


SEMANA SANTA AT BALINTOKATOK LA SALETTE SHRINE
March 20- March 27 Santiago City
Traditional presentation of the passion and death of Christ on a hill and ends at the top where a chapel stands.


LENTEN WEEK/ "PAGPAPAKO"
March 21- March 26 Baler and Casiguran, Aurora
Highlighted in every Good Friday at a hilltop of Ermita hill “Pagpapako” celebration. Simultaneous at poblacion procession of different patron saints.


CENAKULO (CAINTA, RIZAL)
March 21- March 26 Cainta, Rizal
Passion plays called cenaculo are held in various places sll over the Philippines during Holy Week. However in Cainta, Rizal, people take to the streets to witness passion plays participated in by the town folks.


LENTEN OBSERVANCE (SAN PABLO CITY)
March 21- March 26 Sn Pablo City, Laguna
An impressive array of centuries old religious images owned by Don Escudero. These images are borne by their silver carrozas as an expression of faith of the citizens of San Pablo.


BUHING KALBARYO
March 21- March 26 Cebu City, Cebu
During the Lenten season, the Buhing Kalbaryo Foundation Inc. will have Lenten presentations


SEMANA SANTA (DIPOLOG CITY)
March 21- March 26 Dapitan City
Experience spiritual cleansing through sacrifices, i.e. religious rites (reenactment Passion of Jesus) at St. James the Greater Church, procession alongside life-size images of saints on carriages on selected city streets.


AGOO SEMANA SANTA_
March 21 Agoo, La Union
The Holy week celebration, particularly Good Friday, is a display of devoutness and traditional pomp.


MORIONES FESTIVAL
March 21- March 27 Marinduque
A festival of the moriones, colorfuly garbed and masked soldiers and centurions; culminates in the reenactment of the beheading of Longinus. The entire towns of Boac, Mogpog and Gasan are virtually converted into huge stages as the story of Longinus unfolds.


TURUMBA
March 21- March 26 Pakil, Laguna
The largest religious activity consisting of 7 fiestas or lupi to commemorate the seven sorrows of Our Lady of Turumba, starting before the Holy Week every nine days thereafter and ends in the month of June and in celebrated with dancing procession.


PAGTALTAL SA GUIMARAS_
March 21 Jordan, Guimaras
Lenten Presentation on the hillside of Jordan with locals as actors. This ala-Oberrammergau Passion Play has been attracting locals and tourists whose visit usually culminates in the trek to “Balaan Bukid”.


CUTUD LENTEN RITES_
March 21 San Pedro Cutud, San Fernando, Pampanga
A re-enactment of Christ''s passion and death.


PAMALANDONG HA PALO_
March 21 Palo, Leyte
Dramatic re-enactment of Christ''s sufferings on the cross.


ALIMANGO FESTIVAL_
March 22 Lala, Lanao del Norte
A festival to celebrate "Araw ng Lala" featuring displays of different sizes of alimango (crab). Also features native costumes, dances and cotests depicting and promoting local culture and tradition and fluvial parade passing through unspoiled mangroves.


TORUGPO_
March 22 Carigara, Leyte
Carabao and horse fights.


BIRTHDAY OF GENERAL EMILIO AGUINALDO
March 22 Cavite
A celebration commemorating the birth of the First President of the Philippine Republic.


19 MARTYRS OF AKLAN
March 23 Kalibo, Aklan
Celebration dedicated to the 19 martyrs of Aklan who consecrated their lives in the cause of freedom against the colonizers.


SUNDUAN HA CARIGARA_
March 23 Carigara, Leyte
Cultural/social activities and float parade held on Easter Sunday.


KABANHAWAN FESTIVAL_
March 23 Minglanilla, Cebu
Showcases the "SUGAT" in which the town is known for many years since. This year, the celebration will be more grand followed by a day long games and entertainment tht highlights the endowment of Minglanilla in history, trade and arts.


LUCKY SUMMER VISITOR/S
March 24 Baguio City
A special feature of Summer in Baguio Project, this annual event spearheaded by the Baguio Correspondents and Broadcasters Club, will choose the lucky visitors to the Summer Capital of the Philippines and will be afforded prizes that include hosted meals, tours, free accommodations, and other souvenir items


SEMANA SANTA AT SILAY CITY
March 24- March 27 Silay City
Highlights of activities fall on Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Black Saturday and Easter Sunday. The Christian Community Theater in coordination with the Silay City Government presents contemporized and stylized version of the sacrifices, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Good Friday procession of the images of Saints made in Italy and crafted by the local artists attract believers and tourists alike.


MALIBAY CENACULO
March 24- March 25 Tanghalang Malibay, Malibay Plaza, Pasay City
A 10-day activity commencing with daily performances of particular scenes from the Bible stories. Different scenes are to be performed by Cenaculistas of Pasay.


KATKAT SAKRIPISYO SA 3003 STEPS
March 24- March 25 Dipolog City
A mountain climbing/trekking activity and via cruces participated in by the Catholic community of Zamboanga del Norte and the neighboring municipalities.


LIVE STATIONS OF THE CROSS AT SAN CARLOS CITY
March 25 San Carlos City, Negros Occidental
A live reenactment of the 14 Stations of the Cross along the main thoroughfares of the city.


PAGTALTAL IN BAROTAC VIEJO
March 25 Barotac Viejo, Iloilo
A yearly depiction of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.


KALBARYO
March 25 San Vicente Ferrer Parish Bgy. La Granja, La Carlota City
Live re-enactment of the 7 last words held on Good Friday at the Hills of Bgy. La Granja. The Kalbaryo, being a community based and multi-sectoral theatrical showcase makes a total distinction in translating the promise of Christ’s most liberating resurrection.


PAGHUKOM
March 25 Calinog, Iloilo
Lenten presentation depicting the judgment, crucifixion, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.


KAPIYA DISPLAY AND PASYON SINGING CONTEST
March 25 Santa Barbara, Iloilo
A Kapiya or tableau of the 14 Stations of the Cross is set-up in strategic places all over the town where the procession would pass through. This tableau would either be composed of human characters or art works. On Good Friday, people would go around the town to witness the judging of the most unique and beautiful Kapiya along with the most authentic Pasyon (Passions of Christ) Singing.


ANG HATOL . . . .(THE WAY OF THE CROSS)
March 25 Cainta, Rizal
A stage presentation that highlighted the judgement of Jesus Christ


GIWANG-GIWANG
March 25 Binangonan, Rizal
It is a play executed every Good Friday by replaying the funeral of Jesus Christ through a procession. Due to the influx of tourists, devotes and other people trying to touch the “Sepulkro”, it sways, hence, Giwang-giwang. People searching for an amulet or anting-anting to join this religious activity.


SALUBONG (ANGONO, RIZAL)
March 26- March 27 Angono, Rizal
Black Saturday is highlighted by 3-hour presentation of “Vigilia na Muling Pagkabuhay” at the patio of the church. On Easter Sunday, a celebration is held of the reunion of the Risen Christ with Virgin Mary is reenacted. It is facilitated by young girl inside an inverted giant paper flower suspended the removal of the mourning veil from Mary’s head by a from bamboo trellis. The petals are mechanically opened by giant toy birds to reveal the girl inside. It is then followed by a religious dancing of young ladies called “Kapitana” and “Tenyenta”, to the tune of “Bati”.


LENTEN FESTIVAL OF HERBAL PREPARATION
March 26 San Antonio, Siquijor
A time when herbalists from all over Visayas and Mindanao participate in a ritual known as "Tang-Alap".


CUARESMA
March 26- March 27 San Jose, Antique
The center celebration is replete with theater practice: from Domingo de Ramos (Palm Sunday) to Paskwa kang Pagkabanhaw (Easter Sunday). It is a one week theatrical events where there is a street pageantry where the dramatic persons are composed of antiquated life-sized images of saints on pasos decorated with flower.


SUGAT
March 27 San Carlos, Negros Occ.
A religious procession that depicts the meeting of the resurrected Jesus Christ and His mother, the Blessed Virgin Mary. It is usually celebrated every dawn of Easter Sunday.


HUDAS-HUDAS
March 27 San Jose, Antique
Initiated by the Aglipayan Church since the seventies. The people gather in the town plaza to hang Judas and burned the effigy done on Black Saturday. In this spectacle, the people are reminded of Judas’ treachery and they all participate in “executing” him.


SALUBONG (EASTER VIGIL) AND PASKO NG PAGKABUHAY (FEAST OF THE RESURRECTION
March 27 Barangay San Dionisio, Parañaque City
The Easter festivity unfolds at dawn around five o’clock with a procession heralding the resurrection of Christ and his reunion with Mary. While the molded images of Mother and Son are placed side by side, a little girl dressed up like an angel replace the Blessed Virgin’s black veil of grief and mourning with a white one as the Osana, a hymn of praise and adoration endemic to Parañaque, is sung.


KISI-KISI FESTIVAL
March 27- March 31 Negros Occidental
Kisi Kisi Dance Parade is a dance parade which stands for the way fishes flip-flops and twitches as they are hauled during the bountiful harvest. It starts at 1:00 in the afternoon where participating groups wear costumes and headdresses adorned with multi-colored shells & fish nets while props include bamboo poles and baskets used for fishing. Before the dance parade a re-enactment of the Sinulod is being shown wherein the town’s patron Sr. Sto. Niño saved the village from the moro raids.


MANOK NI SAN PEDRO FESTIVAL
March 27 San Pedro, Laguna
Grand parade of various and colorful floats participated in by both government and private sectors while the tribal groups aggressively partakes on street dancing with numerous tribal participants lined-up alternately with floats.


HALADAYA FESTIVAL
March 27- April 3 Daan Bantayan, Cebu
Is celebrated every Easter Sunday and ends with a streetdancing on the seventh day after Easter. Haladaya means "Halad kang Datu Daya", the leader of the first Malayan settlers in Daan Bantayan.


SIARGAO INTERNATIONAL MOUNTAIN BIKE CUP
March 27- March 31 General Luna, Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte
An annual international competition which is open for all local and foreign bikers.


TABACCO FESTIVAL
March 28- March 29 Candon City, Ilocos Sur
Annual festival to promote major industry of the city “Tobacco.”


KATKAT SA DIPOLOG
March 28- April 3 Dipolog City
An annual activity at the mountain ranges of Dipolog City’s Linabo Peak and the Sungkilaw Falls area. This is participated in by mountaineers and nature trekkers, which is to be held every summer season in Dipolog City.


GAWAGAWAY-YAN FESTIVAL_
March 30- April 13 Cauayan City
Celebrates the cityhood of the City of Canayan in Isabela Province; activities include cultural shows, trade shows, parades and street dancing and variety shows, etc.


SINUGDAN/COMMEMORATION OF THE FIRST CHRISTIAN MASS_
March 31 Limasawa Island, Southern Leyte
Commemoration of the first mass in the Philippines held by the Spaniards.


FIRST EASTER MASS CELEBRATION
March 31 Butuan City
A re-enactment of Magellan's landing and planting of the cross on March 21, 1521 at Mazaua, Butuan City.
Thanks to www.tourism.gov.ph...

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