Thursday, September 1, 2011

Philippine Festivals & Events this September and October [UPDATED]

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September's almost done! Here now are the merry festivals of October:


Bacolod's MassKara Festival

October 1 to 12 Zamboanga Hermosa Festival in Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Sur 
Zamboanga Hermosa  means "Beautiful Zamboanga" and this festival celebrates everything that's beautiful about Asia's Latin City. Highlights are the Regatta de Zamboanga on Oct. 9, the Float Parade and Street Dance on Oct. 11, and the Fiesta in honor of the city's patron on Oct. 12 Go to this link for the  complete schedule of activities. 


October 1 to 19 MassKara Festival in Bacolod City, Negros Occidental
It is one of the most anticipated festivals in the Philippines as its characterized by lots of merry-making. The streets are filled with people wearing colorful and intricate masks, similar to a Mardi Gras.  A parade of colorful floats,  street dancing, concerts, and other activities are in store for everyone who will visit the City of Smiles. Click here for the schedule of activities.


October 5 to 7 Lubi-Lubi Dance Festival and Skimboarding Cup 
This is an annual festival in Bacuag, Surigao del Norte. See the schedule of activities here,  

October 9 Feast of La Naval de Manila in Quezon City, Metro Manila 
This is a religious festival in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary of La Naval. Masses and a grand procession are held as a way of commemorating the Virgin of La Naval's miraculous intercession. This year, the procession will be held on Oct. 9 at 4 p.m. Go to this  Facebook page for the schedule of activities.

October 14 to 23 Buglasan Festival
The Buglasan Festival is usually held on October 22.  This year, the celebration started as early as October 14 with a grand civic parade and other activities. The festival's main activities, however, will happen from  October 21 and 23. These activities include a "Festival of the Festivals" Showdown, street dancing, fireworks display, and kayaking and canoe adventure race, among others. The daily activities can be found on this link.


October 16 to 23 Lanzones Festival in Camiguin
This is a festival in honor of a local fruit, the sweet lanzones. During the festival, houses are decorated with lanzones fruits and leaves as an expression of thanksgiving for a bountiful harvest. There's also a grand parade and street dancing. Check this page for updates on the festival's activities.

October 24 to 26 Catandungan Festival
Catandungan is officially set for  October 24 to 26 although pre-festival activities have started. Catandungan  is a celebration of the founding anniversary of the Catanduanes province. See the schedule of activities here.

October 29 to 31  Surf and Music Festival in Baler
Whether or not you know how to surf, you should head to Baler, Aurora, one of the coolest places to surf in the Philippines. And you'll not just enjoy surfing, you'll get to listen to some great music from local bands, too. Find out the schedule of activities and other information here.

Do you know other Philippine festivals in your town or province? Feel free to share them here! 

For last month's events (which can guide you when planning your trips next year, just read on:






General Santos City's Tuna Festival Logo 
September 1 to 5:  Tuna Festival in General Santos City, South Cotobato
This is a festival of thanksgiving for the bounty of the sea. It is also the city's celebration of its founding anniversary. The festival is a great opportunity to enjoy the city's well-known produce and see the big and colorful Tuna Floats during the annual parade. Go to this site for the schedule of activities. 

September 1 to 8:  Sarakiki Hadang or Hadang Festival in Calbayog City, Samar 
This week-long festival in honor of Our Lady of Nativity traces its roots to a ritual dance called Hadang Sarakiki. The dance is characterized by movements similar to a rooster. Expect a lot of colorful costumes and wild movements in this festival in Calbayog. The schedule of activities can be found here.

September 1 to 18 Penafrancia Festival in Naga City, Camarines Sur
Traditionally held on September 17, this year's celebration of the Feast of Our Lady of Penafrancia starts early as September 1 because the city is also celebrating the 436th Foundation Anniversary of Cuidad de Caceres. Expect beauty pageants (such as the Miss Bicolandia), sports competitions, dance contests, concerts, parades, and other fun events in this festival. Highlights of the Penafrancia Festival  are the Grand Fluvial Procession on September 17 and the Penafrancia Fiesta on September 18. Click here  for the complete schedule of activities.

Miss Bicolandia 2010  from naga.gov.ph
September 8 to 15 Singkaban Fiesta in Malolos City, Bulacan
The Singkaban, also known as Linggo ng Bulacan, is a week-long celebration of the culture and history of Malolos, Bulacan. This year's celebration will focus on the heroes produced by Bulacan as well as  the skills and talents of the Bulakenyos.  An exhibit, trade fair, concert, and a grand parade are just some of the events lined up for this year's fiesta.

September 14-18 32nd Manila Book Fair in Pasay City 
Although this is not a Philippine Festival, it's one of the most anticipated annual events in the country. It runs from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the SMX Convention Center, SM Mall of Asia complex in Pasay City.

September 17 to October 3 Siargao Surfing Festival 2011, Siargao, Surigao del Norte
Surf's up at Siargao as the island hosts local and international surf events this month. From September 17 to 20, the best local surfers will compete with each other in the Siargao National Surfing Cup. Then from September 21 to 28, the Billabong Pro Junior Asia will be held, which will feature the top junior surfers of the world. The culminating event is the Siargao International Surfing Cup which will be held from September 29 to October 3.  Aside from surfing competitions, there will be street dancing, beach parties, and other exciting activities.

September 24 to 29  Anihan Festival in Lobo, Batangas
This festival showcases the different products of Lobo.  A street parade and dance competition inspired by the town's harvest are the highlights of this festival.

September 27 to 29 Banigan-Kawayan Festival in Basey, Samar [UPDATED]
The Banigan-Kawayan Festival in Basey, Samar will commence with the celebration of the Pahinungod or tribute to the beautiful maiden Bungansakit. Aside from this, there will be a street party highlighting products made from bamboo (kawayan) and mats (banig), a banquet featuring Basey's local products, a beauty pageant, and a battle of the bands (music festival).






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