A trusted Philippine travel blog with detailed guides, hidden gems, and cultural stories from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao’s 82 provinces.
The Balitok Ti Alicia Festival is a grand annual celebration held in the municipality of Alicia, Isabela. The term “balitok” is an Ilocano word meaning “gold”, symbolizing the richness of Alicia — not only in natural resources and agricultural production but also in culture, talent, and community spirit.
The Niyogyugan Festival is the grandest annual celebration in Quezon Province, held every August to honor the province’s agricultural pride — the coconut tree or “tree of life.” The festival’s name combines three words: “niyog” (coconut), “yugyog” (to dance), and “nayon” (community), symbolizing the people’s unity and joyful spirit.
The Meguyaya Festival is the grandest celebration in the municipality of Upi, Maguindanao. The term “Meguyaya” comes from the Teduray language, meaning “thanksgiving.” Held every December, the festival honors the bountiful harvest and promotes the spirit of unity among the tri-people of Upi — the Indigenous Teduray, the Muslim Maguindanaon, and the Christian settlers.
Catbalogan City in Samar comes alive every August with the vibrant Manaragat Festival, a celebration that pays tribute to St. Bartholomew, the city’s patron saint. “Manaragat,” which means fisherfolk, highlights the city’s deep connection to the sea and its people’s livelihood. With colorful street dances, grand parades, and cultural showcases, the festival reflects the rich traditions and devotion of the Catbaloganons.
The Manggahan Festival of Guimaras is a vibrant celebration that pays tribute to the province’s sweetest pride—its world-renowned mangoes. Held every summer, this festival bursts with colorful parades, cultural performances, street dancing, trade fairs, and of course, the much-anticipated “Mango-Eat-All-You-Can” event. More than just a festivity, it showcases the province’s rich culture, warm hospitality, and abundant harvest, making it a must-experience event in the Philippines.
Celebrated every November in Angono, Rizal, the Higantes Festival is a vibrant display of art, culture, and devotion. Known as the “Art Capital of the Philippines,” Angono comes alive with towering papier-mâché giants, colorful street parades, and lively performances that honor San Clemente, the town’s patron saint.
Every December, the city of San Fernando, Pampanga, comes alive with dazzling lights during the Giant Lantern Festival. Known as the “Christmas Capital of the Philippines,” the festival showcases massive, intricately designed lanterns that symbolize hope, unity, and the vibrant creativity of Pampagueños.
Aliwan Fiesta, or Aliwan Festival, is an annual event where colorful festivals from different regions in the Philippines gather in one area to compete for the coveted title. Having said that, Aliwan Fiesta is known as the "festival of all the festivals in the Philippines." Aside from the given title, the winners will also bring home cash prizes and many more. This event has a huge contribution to Philippine tourism because it is the best way to let the world know, or the universe rather, that those festivals are More Fun in the Philippines. Anyways, Aliwan has a series of events, such as the street dance competition, the float parade, and the Reyna ng Aliwan.
The Cinco de Noviembre Festival in Negros Occidental is a historic celebration that commemorates the Negrenses’ victorious uprising against Spanish colonizers on November 5, 1898. Centered in Bago City, this festival blends history and heritage through reenactments, exhibits, parades, and cultural performances that honor the bravery of local revolutionaries. More than just a commemoration, it is a proud reminder of the Negrense spirit of freedom and unity.
Tayo na sa Antipolo's Maytime Festival promotes the city of Antipolo as one of the pilgrimage sites in the Philippines, celebrated every first Tuesday of May and ends on the first Tuesday of July. These colorful festivities include Unang Prusisyon, Santacruzan, and Katapusang Prusisyon, together with the beautiful street dancing competitions. Antipolo's native delicacies like suman, manga, and kasoy are always part of the event to showcase the wealth of their city. The art and colors signify their colorful culture. Info from Aliwan Fiesta Website
The Inaul Festival in Maguindanao is a colorful celebration that highlights the artistry and cultural pride of the Maguindanaon people through the intricate weaving of Inaul fabric. This handwoven textile, known for its vibrant patterns and deep symbolism, takes center stage during the festival with street dances, parades, cultural shows, and exhibits that showcase the province’s heritage. It’s not just a festival—it’s a living expression of tradition, unity, and identity.
Tugtog ng Aliwan is a vibrant celebration of Filipino culture and artistry, bringing together the nation’s finest performers, musicians, and dancers on one grand stage. Known for its colorful costumes, lively street parades, and captivating music, this event showcases the diversity and creativity of the Philippines, making it a must-see cultural extravaganza for locals and tourists alike.
Kanidugan Festival is one of the most-awaited festivals in the Philippines. The festivity is celebrated in the first week of April in Odiongan, Tablas Island, Romblon. The street dance parade and ground demonstration is composed of participants from the barangay level. Each of the participants is wearing their best and colorful costumes made from the coconut products. It is showcasing the importance of coconut or "niyog" in Filipino or "nidog," a local term where its name came from. Photos below will describe why you shouldn't miss Kanidugan Festival 2016:
Kanidugan Festival (Coconut Festival derived from a word “Nidog” or Niyog in Filipino or Coconut in English) it’s an annual festival celebrated in April, the foundation day of Odiongan, and to honour Saint Vincent Ferrer (the patron saint of Odiongan, Romblon). Photos below were taken during the parade and ground demonstration in the OSCES open ground.
