The Ibálong, also known as Handiong or Handyong, is a 60-stanza fragment of a Bicolano full-length folk epic of the Bicol region of the Philippines, based on the Indian Hindu epics Ramayana and Mahabharata. The epic is said to have been narrated in verse form by a native bard called Kadunung. It was passed on orally until it was presumably jotted down in its complete Bicol narrative by Fray Bernardino de Melendreras de la Trinidad. The Ibalong portrays deeds in […]

“Pasaka,” the native word for Assumption, is a street spectacle in honor of Our Lady of Assumption. The festivity is annually held on August 14. “Pasaka” is a Waraynon word and local term which means “to invite progress, good health and good fortune” for the years to come. The festival showcases Tanauan’s pottery, banig weaving, farming […]

This week-long festival in Agusan del Norte features socio-cultural shows and fairs involving indigenous groups.

This is a gathering of Mindanao ethnolinguistic groups like the Bagobos and Manobos. This is highlighted by a horse fight and a Manobo wedding. The Kalibongan Festival is held annually every second week of August in Kidapawan City to showcase the rich culture of highland tribes in North Cotabato.

Buyogan focuses on the bee locally known as “buyog” from which the town’s name originated.

In the town of Lucban, Quezon, townsfolk trot out their beloved Gigantes or giants. Measuring about 14 feet tall, the giants come in pairs, the mag-asawa or couple, a giant man dressed in the peasant’s camisa chino or undershirt, and his wife clad in the native patadyong and kimona, a loose skirt topped with a flimsy blouse.

This is an annual boat racing contest celebrating the feast of Nuestra de Salvacion, the town’s Patroness.

Kadayawan is a native expression in Dabawnon tongue, which means “anything excellent that brings great fortune” from “dayaw” (good), describing a thing that is valuable and superior.

The event honors Dapitan, Zamboanga del Norte’s patron saint St. James.

This festival is highlighted by street dancing participated in by contingents from schools and civic organizations.

Marang Yagangyang Festival is a fruit festival in the village of Colonia Divina, Sagay City, Negros Occidental, Philippines every first of September. It is a fest in thanksgiving for plentiful harvest of marang (Artocarpus odoratissimus), a tropical fruit that the village produces. Marang is a fruit that is indigenous to the Philippines. It is has considerably less strong scent and […]

The festival features street dancers dressed as cocks swaying to the beat of ancient Samar instruments.