July: Philippine Festivities and Events [Updated]

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Bohol is the venue of the Sandugo Festival

'What about festivals for July?' In response to this question made by one of our readers, I'm sharing with you Philippine festivities and events this July. So if you're planning to explore the Philippine Islands  or you simply want to go out and have fun, here are some events you should watch out for this jolly month (and don't forget to click on the links for more information):

[New!] July 1 to Aug. 20 Philippine-Japan Friendship Month: Eiga Sai 2011

•  In celebration of the friendship between Philippines and Japan, the Japan Foundation in Manila launched the annual Eiga Sai or the Japanese Film Festival. The festival features cinematic masterpieces from Japan, including the Academy Award Winning Film, "Departures." All films will be shown with English subtitles. First set of movies will be screened at Shang Cineplex Cinema from July 1 to 10 while the rest will be shown at Gaisano Mall in Davao, Ayala Mall in Cebu, and UP Film Institute. Click here for the screening schedule.

July 1 to July 2  Religious Festivals in Isabela and Cagayan

• Festival of Our Lady of Guibang in Gamu, Isabela
• Festival of Our Lady of Piat in Piat, Cagayan 

July 1 to 31   Bohol Sandugo Festival

• The city of Tagbilaran in the province of Bohol will have a month-long celebration of the Sandugo Festival. The festival schedule coincides with the Tagbilaran City Charter Day (July 1) and the Bohol Day (July 22). Sandugo commemorates the historic blood compact between Datu Sikatuna and General Miguel Lopez de Legaspi. Among the scheduled activities are the Miss Bohol Sandugo Pageant Night, the Agricultural Fair at the Capitol Annex Ground,  and the Street Dancing Competition (July 31). The Street Dancing competition usually commences with a lively street parade and a re-enactment of the blood compact. 

  Pasig City  (Photo from pasigcity.gov.ph)

July 2   Araw ng Pasig (Pasig City Day)

• The celebration of Pasig's Foundation Day actually started last June 11. However, the major events will be held this July 2, Saturday. There will be a thanksgiving mass at 6:30 a.m.  (Pasig Sports Center) then a colorful parade at 8:00 a.m. (C. Raymundo Avenue. in front of Motorpool). At 1:00 p.m., the annual Street Dancing Competition will be held at the M. Eusebio Quadrangle. Then on July 15 (Friday), the city will conclude its month-long celebration with a Live Concert and Fireworks Display  at the M. Eusebio Quadrangle (5:00 p.m.).

July 2, 3 & 4  Sagayan Festival and Araw ng Lanao del Norte

• Lanao del Norte, dubbed as "The Land of Beauty and Bounty" in Mindanao, will celebrate its 52nd  Charter Day  as well as its official festival, the Sagayan, which highlights the culture and art of the Maranaw people. On July 2 (Saturday),  there will be a Parade of Festivals and a Showdown of Festivals as early as 7:00 a.m. at the MCC Grandstand. In the afternoon, the Sagayan ritual for battle will be reenacted while a Search for Miss Lanao Del Norte 2011 will be held in the evening. The following day, July 3, there will be an evening concert led by Filipino celebrities at the MCC Gym and a fireworks display at the MCC Grandstand. The celebration will culminate on July 4 with a morning parade and program then a big bike road show. 

July 3 (?)  Bocaue River Festival or Pagoda Festival in Bulacan

• The Bocaue River Festival is held every First Sunday of  July and is marked by a fluvial parade in honor of the miraculous Holy Cross of Wawa. (Note: I couldn't find a list of activities for this year's Pagoda Festival in Bulacan's tourism website. If anyone of you knows the schedule, please share.)

[New!] July 7 to 31   The Grand Makati Sale 

• Designed as an annual shopping event, the Grand Makati Sale extends the celebration of the founding  of the City of Makati by offering huge discounts and interesting promos from participating establishments in the City. Locals and tourists can enjoy up to 70% discount when they shop at Glorietta, Greenbelt, SM Department Store, Power Plant Mall, Cash and Carry, Waltermat, and Store Specialists, Inc. 

Juy 8 to 23  Sublian Festival of Batangas City

• This two-week festival aims to commemorate the Batangas City Foundation Day and promote the  tradition of Subli, a ceremonial dance that originated in Batangas.  Various activities are scheduled such as a religious procession, food fair,  beauty pageant, and dance competition, among others. Highlights are the Parada at Sublian sa Kalye (parade and street dancing) and the Lupakan (creating a local snack called 'Nilupak'), Awitan (Singing) at Sayawan (Dancing), which will all be held on the morning of July 23. 

July 12 to 18  T'nalak Festival in Cotobato

• The 12th T'nalak Festival will be held at Koronadal City, South Cotobato and will highlight the culture, creativity,  and produce of  the people of Cotobato. Lots of dancing and merry making are scheduled from July 12 to 18 although the most anticipated event, of course, is the T'nalak Festival Parade on the morning of July 17.  

[New!] July 15 to 24   Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival

• Watch the cinematic works of the country's independent filmmakers at the Cinemalaya 2011 Philippine Independent Film Festival. The annual film competition and festival showcases the works of independent Filipino filmmakers. In addition, there are various activities that promote artistry and excellence in Philippine cinema such as  Special Screenings, Ronwaldo Reyes Retro, Cinemalaya Kids Treats, among others. See schedule and venue of activities here.

July 15 & 16 Subayan Keg Subanon Festival in Ozamiz

• A festival that showcases the culture and lifestyle of the Subanon, the city's first settlers. It also celebrates the charter anniversary of Ozamiz City in Misamis Oriental. 

July 16  Pahinungod Festival in Surigao del Sur

• The sleepy municipality of Carrascal becomes alive whenever it celebrates the Pahinungod. A mardi-gras like celebration will be held that will also showcase the diversity and history of Carrascal. 

July 24 & 25 Feast of Santiago Apostol and Banig Festival in Badian

• Badian, located southwest of Cebu City, will have religious celebrations, street dancing, cultural   performances and other activities in honor of its patron saint, Santiago Apostol, as well as showcase the creativity and industry of the Badianon who are popular for making Banig (woven mats made from pandan plant). 

Do you know other Philippine festivals and events scheduled this July? Feel free to share or add more information at the comments section below.

Have a Jolly July!