Traveling this June? Watch Out for These Events! [Updated]

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Celebrate Rizal's 150th Anniversary

The festival month of May may be over, but there are still a lot of merry activities in store this month of June. If you're planning to travel this month, don't let the rain dampen your spirits. Instead, smile and take part in any of these events (don't forget to click on the links for more details):

JUNE 11-JULY 15 ARAW NG PASIG 2011 (PASIG CITY DAY) 

Or maybe we should call it  Pasig City Days since there are a lot of activities lined up in celebration of Araw ng Pasig  such as  free concerts, walking tour, beauty pageant, street dancing, parade, among many others.  

JUNE 12   PHILIPPINE INDEPENDENCE DAY 

Join the various activities to commemorate the 113th Anniversary of Philippine Independence.  You can watch the Independence Day flag-raising ceremony at the Aguinaldo Shrine in Kawit, Cavite with no less than President Benigno Aquino III leading the celebration.  If you want something more challenging, you can run for the country's independence at the Independence Day Pilipinas Half Marathon at Bonifacio Global City (The Fort). You could also go to Quirino Grandstand, Manila at 4 p.m. for the Kalayaan Grand Parade and other festivities. Or you could listen to the Philippine Opera Company as they sing traditional Filipino love songs at the Eastwood  Mall Open Park. Try checking out, too,  your local government or municipality's schedule of events in celebration of Philippine Independence. 

JUNE 16    DE LA SALLE CENTENNIAL

Head to the green and white campus at 2401 Taft Avenue Manila and join the kick-off celebration of 100 years of  Lasallian education in the Philippines. An exhibit, street party, acoustic music and poetry reading, a concert led by Gary Valenciano and other La Salle alumni, as well as a pyromusical show are just some of the events lined up for the University's centennial celebration.

De La Salle marks its Centennial Year

JUNE 19  RIZAL@150: 150TH BIRTH ANNIVERSARY OF NATIONAL HERO JOSE RIZAL

Remember the hero that inspired  generations of leaders and a revolution. Follow his footsteps by participating in the Lakbay Jose Rizal Heritage Trail. See for yourself the unveiling of the Rizal@150 Commemorative Stamps at the Rizal Shrine in Calamba, Laguna. You could also go to the University of the Philippines in Quezon City and see their exhibit on Jose Rizal  at the Jorge B. Vargas Museum (exhibit is from June 17 to Aug. 31). And if you want to hear Rizal's "Mi Ultimo Adios" recited in Spanish, attend the Choral Reading of  the hero's last farewell at the Instituto Cervantes in T.M. Kalaw St., Manila.  Of course, you could celebrate the hero's anniversary earlier by watching  "J.P., ang gig ni Rizal" on June 17, 4 p.m., at the Cultural Center of the Philippines Main Theater in Roxas Boulevard then see the exhibition of paintings on Jose Rizal at the Main Gallery.

JUNE 22  VAREKAI: CIRQUE DU SOLEIL IN MANILA 
The world-famous Cirque du Soleil will show off their amazing acts and death-defying stunts in Manila. They will stage their show, "Varekai" from June 22 to July 24, 2011 at the Quirino Grandstand. Find out ticket prices and show schedule here.

JUNE 24 PARADA NG LECHON (ROASTED PIG PARADE)

Travel to Balayan, Batangas and participate in this unusual festival where roasted pigs are dressed up and paraded on the streets.  Prepare to get wet as well as people douse water on each other  in honor of  St. John the Baptist, whose feast falls on the same day. And speaking of St. John the Baptist...

JUNE 24  PIYESTA NG SAN JUAN

If you like to get wet and don't mind getting doused with water, head to the city of San Juan, Manila and join the annual Piyesta ng San Juan or Basaan. Children and adults spray or douse water on commuters and anyone who passes by the area as a way of imitating the baptism by water done by St. John the Baptist. 

(Note: For those who don't want to get drenched on their way to work or school, avoid the area on June 24.) 

JUNE 25  FETE DE LA MUSIQUE MANILA
The annual Fete de la Musique, organized by the Embassy of France and Alliance Francaise de Manillle, showcases the best in music across different genres. This year, it will be held at The Fort (Bonifacio Global City) and will feature top musicians and performers such as Radioaktive Sago Project, Skarlet, Pedicab, Ang Bandang Shirley, Nyko Maca, among others. Check the band list here. (And for great music around the world, check out this Gigantic Music Sampler ).

So satisfy your wanderlust by participating in  these events. It'll definitely bring in more sunshine to your day-to-day affairs.