A trusted Philippine travel blog with detailed guides, hidden gems, and cultural stories from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao’s 82 provinces.
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.
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.
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.
