Saturday, July 31, 2021

Sa Lugar: How Jeepneys can Boost Tourism in Iloilo

Sa Lugar: How Jeepneys can Boost Tourism in Iloilo

 

One of the issues that dominated the news recently was the modernization of jeepneys. The new jeepneys will be equipped with CCTV cameras, GPS, and automated fare collection or beep cards; and only two types of jeepneys will be allowed–the electric and the Euro-4 compliant jeepneys–to comply with the Clean Air Act. However, upon seeing the modern prototypes on TV, my initial reaction was, “Those vehicles are not jeepneys. They are coasters disguised as jeepneys!”

 

Coasters are fine. They are beautiful vehicles and can transport passengers safely. However, a jeepney has a distinctive design that makes it…. well, a jeepney. When a foreigner sees a jeepney, or even just a miniature version of it, he or she immediately recognizes it as THE Philippine mode of transportation. It is like a signifier of our Filipino identity, similar to how we use the barong or the baro-at-saya, if you will.

 

I am not against this modernization. However, I am concerned that we are throwing this part of our identity away for its sake. In this vein, I am proposing that, at the least a city would retain jeepneys as a mode of public transportation, even for just a single route.

 

Why so? Well, it is because the jeepney–which is pretty much ubiquitous in any city in the country–is Filipino. And there is a reason why we need to preserve them: tourism.

 

Why Tourism?

The Iloilo Provincial Government created a new Provincial Capitol building, but they did not demolish the old one; instead, they rehabilitated it into a multi-functioning Casa Real. A new Provincial Jail was also built, but the old one was not demolished; instead, it was repaired and will now host the National Museum for the first time in the city’s history. On that note, the old Jaro Municipal Hall was also repaired and will be made into its satellite office.

 

There is a point to be made here: old buildings—specifically, old things and relics—can tell stories behind specific periods in our history. And I argue the same can also be said of the jeepney.

 

If our goal is to make Iloilo City into a heritage town, then let us make the jeepney into a living historical exhibit. In three years, the government aims to replace the old designs, so it is safe to assume that the traditional Philippine jeepney’s survival is critically endangered. As a sanctuary for those old jeepney designs, Iloilo will have another feature to attract tourists. It might be even better than a festival because it is an attraction that could be available all-year round.

 

What should we retain?

A couple of factors that contribute to the jeepney’s advantage are its unique look and comfortable design. Retaining the jeepneys’ Sarao and FMC designs or their variations that dominated the Molo district route during the 1990s will be good since we can tell tourists specific stories of our heritage. But we should also show how the jeepneys evolved through the years, so keeping the latter-era designs like the boxed-type and cimarron should also be valuable.

 

On the other hand, our jeepneys’ designs have always emphasized the passenger’s comfort. With that in mind, the wide windows should be kept so that the said passenger would not need to stretch his or her neck out to look outside, while its lowered body height will make it easier for even the shortest passenger to ride the vehicle. In addition, the sleek appearance and functional upholstery still holds up until today.

 

The usual mode of payment should also be retained. Where else in the world can you see passengers helping the driver collects the fare? At this point, we are not even sure if beep cards are practical enough for everyday usage.

 

What is unique is good. What is culturally unique is good for tourism. And what is good for tourism is, obviously, good for the economy.

 

That does not mean we don’t have to comply with the new regulations.

It would only be a matter of time before every jeepney will adopt the Euro-4 engine or the electric model, so complying with the new regulation is not a moot point. However, while I do not see the practicality with installing wi-fi and GPS on the jeepneys, the CCTV cameras should be complemented with dash cameras so they could act as prevention devices – for instance, like recording pickpocketing and kotong activities.

 

How are we going to do it?

The solution should be ideally simple: affected parties like the jeepney operators, drivers, and manufacturers would have to meet with various agencies like Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board, Department of Tourism, and local government units to discuss its viability.

 

Everyone can perhaps agree that modernization is good to societies. However, it should not come at the cost of displacing our identity. In the face of an interconnected world, we should treasure and celebrate what makes us “us”.

 

……………………………………….

[This was published in Project Iloilo website but it is already closed]

Monday, June 24, 2019

One Night at Marriott


There are some benefits of being a Transcom employee, one of which is a one night stay at Courtyard by Marriott Hotel, one of the best hotels here in Iloilo; mine was booked last June 23, 2019. It also happened that there was an elimination round for the Mutya ng Pilipinas candidates, and I was able to see it. However, because of cloudy weather the event was transferred to an indoor facility instead of the poolside one. The indoor facility has poor lighting and my pictures are not good, considering that I don’t have an external flash and I only use a kit lens.

Anyway, here are some of the pictures:




The Mutya ng Pilipinas Candidates









Follow Vernz at www.facebook.com/vernanjagunap


Monday, May 7, 2018

Festivals of Iloilo




 [your guide from January to December]
 This list is provided by:
The Provincial Culture, Arts, Historyand Tourism Office
throughBombetteGolez Marin
telefax: (033) 338 4910


The province is one that thoroughly understands the importance of preserving its rich history and unique cultural flavors. Ilonggos love to celebrate their cultural heritage through the arts: dance, music, and theater. All year round, Iloilo is in permanent celebration as the diversity of festivals make audiences enjoy with its variety of presentations, entertaining even the youngest spectators.

Testimony to the rich, multi-faceted tapestry of cultures in Iloilo is a bustling calendar of colorful festivals and cultural celebrations. Many of these festivals have become tourist attractions on their own.

The unending beat of the drums and Ilonggos’ predisposition for a good party resulted to a flamboyant display of folk dances, colors, and fun. Iloilo, so easy to enjoy, so hard to forget! 



JANUARY

1
2nd week of January
Municipality of Lambunao

Living in small disconnected settlements, the Panay Bukidnons or Sulodnons of Lambunao have retained their own culture, and unique forms of dance and music which they have preserved through the ages. Their most highly developed art – the binanog dance – celebrates the soul of the Panay Bukidnons to the limelight, celebrating the love and spirit of its people.

The annual Binanog Festival highlights thebinanog dance, a courtship danceof twos, or group dancing in pairs, a male and a femaleis said to have been inspired by the mating of two banog(brahminykite) birds. The presentation is enhanced by occasional chanting, authentic costumes, and a complex gong-bamboo-drum musical accompaniment.

For more informationcontact:
Jennifer Osorio, Municipal Tourism Officer
tel: (033) 5337243

2
PASUNGAY-PAHIBAG
Municipality of San Joaquin
Every 2nd week of January

The best breeds of bulls and horses in San Joaquin are brought to the San Joaquin Sports Stadium at the town centerto take part in one of Iloilo’s most unique cultural event, the Pasungay-Pahibag. The annual bullfight (pasungay) and horse fight (pahibag) have developed over the years, from an amusing and re-creational event to an exciting competition. Pasungay-Pahibag features bulls and horses pitted against other bulls and horses and awarded prizes for their skills in overcoming their opponent. Not like in most European countries, the animals are not killed or seriously injured.

In Iloilo, there are no other bullfighting events. It is only during the week-long celebration of the town’s festival that the general interest for bull and horse fighting is aroused amongst the fanatics.

For more informationcontact:
ErlynAlunan, Municipal Tourism Officer
tel: (033) 3147240

3
3rd week of January
Municipality of San Joaquin

Bayluhay, coined from the Hiligaynon word baylomeaning to barter or to exchange is a tribal dance competition showcasing the historic barter based on the Maragtas Legend. It was said that sometime between the 13th and 15th century, ten Shri-Vijayandatus led by the sultanate minister DatuPuti, together with DatusBangkaya, Dumalugdog,  Sumakwel, Lubay, Paiburong, Dumangsil, Balensusa, Paduhinog and Dumangsol; and along with their families and followers boarded their balangaysor boats and sailed across the Sulu Sea on their quest for the Promise Land.


The group skirted to the southern tip of the Island of Panayand landed in Siruanga (Siwaragan River in San Joaquin) where they met the ati(aeta) chieftain Marikudoand his wife Maniwantiwang. The datus negotiated barter – their golden salakot and a manangyad (golden necklace said to have touched the ground) for the atis’lowlands, plains, and valleys. After the transaction was sealed, the atis were believed to have retired to the mountains and the Malay took complete control of the lowlands.

For more informationcontact:
ErlynAlunan, Municipal Tourism Officer
tel: (033) 3147240

4
Municipality of New Lucena
Every 3rd week of January

The event feature products and information displays from New Lucena’s21 barangays. The festivity is one way of celebrating the gains and significant strides made in the agriculture sector and re-invigorating the sector through program advocacies. It is also a way of thanking their Patron Saint – NuestraSeñora de la Paz Y Buenviaje – for all the blessings and miracles she provided the town.

Jimanban was the original name of New Lucena, a small community organized sometime in 1800.It used to be anarrabal of the municipality of Cabatuan. Jimanban was derived from the word “nagapanghimanban” or to clear the place of banban grass in preparation for planting rice. In the year 1866, the boundary line separating the jurisdiction of Sta. Barbara and Cabatuan was defined, andJimanban was made part of Sta. Barbara.

For more information contact:
Henry Barcimo, Municipal Tourism Officer
tel: (033) 3962373

5
SAAD Festival
Last week of January
Municipality of Leganes

Saad, a Hiligaynon word for vow is an annual festivalthat highlights the cultural dance-drama presentation that celebrates the birth of Leganes’s most beloved religious icon, their Patron Saint – St. Vincent Ferrer –popularly known as the “Angel of Healing” because of his gift to cure the sick.


The palapakor the act of pressing the image of a saint on the head of a devotee is re-enacted into the dance choreography. It is a popular practice amongst many faithful who suffer from various sickness hoping that a miracle might happen through their patron’s intercession.

Much of the music has a definite local flavor, using a medley of old Hiligaynon favorites,where dancers in traditional Filipino costumes and wearing scapulars dance with joy to praise their patron and ends with shouts of "San Vicente Ferrer, ig-ampomokami!"

For more information contact:
Jerry Anas, Municipal Tourism Officer
tel: (033) 3296622 local 114

6
SAUG Festival
Municipality of Lemery
Last week of January

The agricultural town of Lemerycelebrate its vast agricultural heritage with Saug Festival.Saug, a Hiligaynon term meaning to haul an object using akarosa (bamboo sledge) hitched on a carabao or cow. It is a definitive symbol of the mode of transportation for agricultural products and people in the old days. Up to this day, it remained a cultural heritage of its folks in spite of newer mode of transportation.

For more information contact:
Hon. AngelieGolingay, SB Member Committee on Tourism
tel: (033) 3961412/ (033) 5440011

7
DOT Region VI
Every 4th Saturday of January


The Department of Tourism Region VI brings threads of regional culture together in one place with the annual Kasadyahan Festival. It is a spectacular festival packed with a variety of dance presentations ranging through musical, religious, cultural, and harvest to name just a few.

Throughout the whole Western Visayasregion, colorful and vibrant festivals have been successful in attracting domestic and foreign visitors in great numbers. The annual celebration has improved the overall image of the region. The winner of this annual festival competition gets to represent their municipality or city to perform and compete in the national arena through the annual Aliwan Festival in Manila.

This festival is held within the Dinagyang Festival, and is one of Dinagyang Festival’s highlight.

For more information contact:
City Tourism Office
tel: (033) 5096213/ (033) 3207581

8
DOT Region VI
4thweek  January

Dinagyang Festival is one of the grandest festivals in the Philippines. It celebrates the devotion of the Ilonggosto the Sto. Nino.It also commemorates the arrival of the Malay settlers and the legendary barter of Panay Island from the natives called Ati.

Dinagyang season is launch by mid-October of the previous year. The launching signals the start of preparations for many events in a week-long celebration, which will be highlighted by the Ati Tribe Competition – a theatrical dance presentation which depicts the life of the Atis before the Spanish colonization and the beginnings of Catholicism in the island. The participating tribes show energetic performances and colorful costumes.


Other events in the week long celebration includes the floats parade of lights, fluvial procession, grand religious sadsad, Kasadyahan Festival, liturgical celebrations, sponsors mardigras, tambortrompamartsamusika, and highlighted by Dinagyang Festival tribe competition.

There is also a food festival, beauty pageant, fireworks display, and a contest for photographs taken during the event is also held.

If you want to witness this event start booking your trip by June; hotel accommodations during the Dinagyang Festival week areprobably fully-booked by the month of October.

For more information contact:
City Tourism Office
tel: (033) 5096213/ (033) 3207581

9
HIRINUGYAW-SUGUIDANONAY Festival
Last week of January
Municipality of Calinog

The annual festival with strong cultural ties is highlighted by a dance-drama competition of two parts.It opens withsuguidanon(telling stories through the art of chanting)– a tradition still being practiced by the sulodnons or the Panay Bukidnon tribe from the interior areas of Calinog and Lambunao. Every year, an assigned chapter from the epic poemHinilawod is interpreted through a dance-drama.

The Hirinugyawsegment follows. Hirinugyaw is from a Hiligaynon word hugyaw(cheer, joy, or triumph). The presentation is inspired by IloiloDinagyang Festival and highlighted by the people’s devotion to the Child Jesus.Dancers perform in rhythmic steps, vociferous shouts, and wild cries of joy; with the occasional clapping of hands in His honor.

For more information contact:
Chester Larroder, Municipal Tourism Officer
tel: (033) 3471866

10
CHINESE NEW YEAR
Last week of January or 1st week of February
Iloilo City

This annual festival celebrates the friendship of the Ilonggos and the Filipino-Chinese community in the city. It showcasesthe Chinese culture through dance-drama presentations, food festival, and ends with a fireworks display.


For more information contact:
City Tourism Office
tel: (033) 5096213/ (033) 3207581


FEBRUARY

11
CANDELARIA Fiesta
Every February 2
Jaro District, Iloilo City

This annual event celebrates the fiesta of Our Lady of Candles – the patron saint of the Jaro Cathedral. It features events that are traditional to the Roman Catholic faith: procession, mass, and coronation of the fiesta queen. It is a tradition for many faithful to line-up to briefly see and offer a prayer to the image of Our Lady of Candles of which is believed to miraculous.

It is one of the biggest fiestas in the province. Classes in the Jaro are suspended and vehicles are re-routed to avoid the crowded plaza.


For more information contact:
City Tourism Office
tel: (033) 5096213/ (033) 3207581


12
1st week of February
Municipality of Miagao

Salakayan Festival is highlighted by the annual tribal dance-drama presentations honoring and commemorating the bravery showed bytheMiagawanons’ ancestors against the Muslim pirates. Performers showcase a mock combat dance involving the Miagaowanons andthe fierce Muslim pirates.Salakayan is derived from the Hiligaynon wordsalakaywhich meansto attack.


Salakayan Festival also features the tradition ofGigantes parade where huge papier-mâché figures of notable people in Miagao’s history are scaled to 10-15 feet in height, and with bodies framed out from large bamboo or wired cages to entertain spectators. The parade is accompanied by small groups that beat out a rhythm on drums or to the tune of a small marching band to the delightof the festival’s crowd.

For more informationcontact:
Anthony Selorio, Municipal Tourism Officer
tel: (033) 3159970/ (033) 3152185

13
BURIHAN Festival
2nd week of February
Barangay Bitas
Municipality of Tigbauan

To show off local creativity and to rouse awareness on the uses of the buri tree, the BitasBurihan Festival Association has given it importance by way of Burihan Festival. Not only celebrated to conserve and publicize the local tradition of buri handicraft-making in the area but it also celebrate andhonor the feast of their patron – theOur Lady of Lourdes.

The tribe competition highlights the creatively-woven buri products and features the processes on how they are made.  The names of the competing groups carry the processes of how the fiber is obtained such as Likyad,Luknit, Sasa, Karatel,and Hilo.Barangay Bitas is a small agriculture-based community where the buripalm plays an important part in their local economy.

For more information contact:
Linda Fe Camina, Municipal Tourism Officer
tel: (033) 5117936/ (033) 5118530

14
TAMASAK Festival
Municipality of Barotac Nuevo
3rd week of February

Widely accepted as the country’s football capital, Barotac Nuevo celebrates and showcases the abilities and diversity of their sports-loving community through Tamasak Festival. It is a diverse, action packed celebration with sports, music, and foods. For many Barotacnons, this festival opens up the opportunity to get involved and have a go at the sports the town is known to love.

Tamasak is an opportunity for families to enjoy and experience together in a friendly environment.  It takes place at the FIFA Football Grounds in Barangay Tabucan and features competitions for individuals and teams likeKabayo Race,Borado, and the Mayor HernanBironSr. Football Cup; variety shows and live band in the evening are added special activities. The festival is also an avenue to promote the town and its unique natural and cultural attractions.

For more informationcontact:
Novem Faith Sazon, Municipal Tourism Officer
tel: (033) 3612789/ (033) 3612504

15
DOT Region VI
3rd week of February


Paraw Regatta Festival is the oldest sailing event in Asia. The highlight of the celebration is a sailing event for the paraw – a two-rigged traditional boat. The event is co-hosted by the Province of Iloilo, Province of Guimaras, and the City of Iloilo.

Activities during the festival includes miniature paraw exhibit, paraw inspired furniture making, Paraw Regatta Beauty Pageant, Sinamba dance parade, mass, job fair, mini paraw race, jetski competition, Bangcarera, PintaBaroto, skim boarding, pamunit (fishing competition), paraw slalom race, PintaLayag (painting the sail of the paraw contest), battle of the bands, coastal clean-up, and there will be a photo contest for the photos taken during the highlight of the festival.


For more information contact:
City Tourism Office
tel: (033) 5096213/ (033) 3207581


MARCH

16
KANAWAY Festival
Every 1st week of March
Municipality of Barotac Viejo

For more informationcontact:
Lory Ann Dumdum, Municipal Tourism Officer
tel: (033) 3620234/ (033) 3620160/ (033) 3967150

17
HIMUD-OS Festival
1st week of March
Municipality of Alimodian

Himud-os Festival is held during the week-long Semana sang Alimodian. It is a tribe-dance competition which showcases the history, tradition, and culture of the people of the town.

For more informationcontact:
Mary Sol Amarillo
cellphone: 0920 5674 507

18
2nd week of March
Passi City

The Pintados de Pasi Festival is highlighted by the annual dance-drama competition displayingits rich cultural heritage. Guests get a glimpse of the history of the people that once lived on the Island of Panay so long ago.

Spaniards came to central Panay and found heavily tattooed men and women whom they called Pintados. Pintadosare native warriors whose bodies were adorned with tattoos.Tattoos are still applied today just as they were centuries back. The Pintados de Pasi Festival serves as the last bastion of an unbroken tradition of tattooing in Panay. The celebration keeps the focus on creativity – without leaving behind the character at the root of its tattoo tradition.


For more information contact:
Gina Palmares, City Tourism Officer
tel:(033) 3115087/ (033) 3116072

19
2nd week of March
Municipality of Tigbauan

Highlighting thecelebrationis a dance-drama competition in memory of all Tigbauanons in war,and those who sacrificed their lives in defence of their beloved town.It was on March 18, 1945 when the 40th Infantry Division, spearheaded by the 185th Infantry Regiment landed unopposed at the shores of barangay Parara in Tigbauan. Around 23,000 strong guerrilla forces had secured most of areas in Iloilo under Col. Macario Peralta; some 1,500 Japanese troops surrendered.

The Saludan segment showcasesTigbauans’s unique culture presented in fishing or agricultural scenes of panalud,  a Hiligaynon word coined from salud or the traditional way of gathering or accumulating a thing for its interest or value such as threshing rice using a basket or catching fingerlings through nets.


For more information contact:
Linda Fe Camina, Municipal Tourism Officer
tel: (033) 5117936/ (033) 5118530
                lindafecamina@gmail.com

20
TIKAB-TIKAB Festival
3rd week of March
Barangay Asluman, GiganteNorte
Municipality of Carles

Barangay Asluman, GiganteNorte, Carles showcases its sea bounties through the annual Tikab-Tikab Festival. The area is a fitting place to host an island festival showcasing some of its island favorite – their signature scallops and wasay-wasayshellfoods.

The celebration was established to recognize the importance of scallop to the people of Carles. Though formerly celebrated with a different name, Tikab-Tikab Festival hopes to promote the positive social and economic impacts of its scallop industry to the community. Barangay Asluman in GiganteNorte is registered to having one of the highest cases of poverty incidence in Iloilo and almost 80% depend on fishing as their source of livelihood.

For more information contact:
Hon. AbelardoMontibon, Barangay Captain
Barangay Asluman, GiganteNorte,
Carles, Iloilo
cell: (0950)9359556

21
3rd week of March
Barangay Oyungan
Municipality of Miagao

The eggplant fields in Barangay Oyungan have provided the whole town of Miagao with the product all year round. Honoring their most abundant product – the talong – a festival that honorsits agricultural traditions and the farmers is conducted. It is one of the fastest growing areas of the town producing rice, corn, and truckloads of eggplants where harvest season normally produce 100 sacks of eggplants daily.

Activities in their original, old-fashioned festival celebration includesagro-trade Fair, battle of the mini sound, barangay night, cavalcade of dances from Oyungan Elementary School, lectures, eggplant picking for guests, symposium on planting and marketing eggplant, Lin-ay Kang Tarong Festival, mass, SugbahansaBinitDalan and Boodle Fight, raffle, and pinakacontest.

For more informationcontact:
Anthony Selorio, Municipal Tourism Officer
tel: (033) 3159970/ (033) 3152185

22
BANTAYAN Festival
Last week of March
Municipality of Guimbal

Bantayan Festival annually celebrate its rich history through a dance-drama presentation-competitionusing impressive prop, traditional dress, music, and dancing with a blanket of dramatic expressions. Performances are always a spectacle. It is a happy celebration but most performers get to be very emotional when finally entering the arena.

Bantayanalso celebrates their faith to their patron saint and protector –Sto. Nicholas de Tolentino.Local legend described several apparitions that took place in the town and how these apparitions saved them from fierce attacks by the Muslim pirates.The bantayan or watchtower along with the guimba, a drum wrapped in animal skin was used to warn the people of an incoming Moro raid are the cultural icons of the presentation and are prominent in every dance-drama presentation.

For more informationcontact:
Karen Gayanilo–Felicio, Municipal Tourism Officer
tel: (033) 3155277/ (033) 3155288

23
SEMANA SANTA
Last week of March (maybe 1st week of April depending on the year)
Province wide

Iloilo has its own beautiful Lenten traditions celebrated in many towns. For visitorsin time for the Lenten spectacle, towns offer plenty of other things to do.


Church-hoppingthrough Via Crucisfrom the 1st till the 4th districts of the province is a Lenten base for exploring Iloilo. Witness dramatic processions around the main streets in the afternoon of Good Friday, theatrical dramatization of the Passion of Christ brings to life the death of our Lord annually celebrated in the towns of Barotac Viejo and Banate and the uninterrupted chanting-singing of the verses of the life, death, and the Pasyon (resurrection of Jesus Christ) and Kapiya(Stations of the Cross) in Cabatuan and Sta. Barbara.

For more information contact:
Provincial Culture, Arts, History and Tourism Office
telefax: (033) 338 4910

24
TALTAL
Every Good Friday
Municipality of Barotac Viejo

This event, which happens every Good Friday, showcases a theatrical dramatization of the Passion of the Christ.

For more informationcontact:
Lory Ann Dumdum, Municipal Tourism Officer
tel: (033) 3620234/ (033) 3620160/ (033) 3967150

25
PASYON 
Every Good Friday
Municipality of Cabatuan 3rd District, Province of Iloilo

For more informationcontact:
tel: (033) 5228939/ (033) 5227861
email: cabatuanlgu@yahoo.com


APRIL

26
SEMANA SANG ILOILO
2nd week of April
Iloilo Province


For more information contact:
Provincial Culture, Arts, History and Tourism Office
telefax: (033) 338 4910

27
PANULO FESTIVAL
3rd Week of April
Municipality of Batad

For more information contact:
tel: (033) 3962879/ (033) 5496013
email: lgubatad@yahoo.com

28
SURONG FESTIVAL
3rd week of April
Municipality of Janiuay

For more informationcontact:
RonnyPoblacion, Municipal Tourism Officer
tel: (033) 3304292


29
TAMPISAW Festival
Last week of April
Municipality of Concepcion

Tampisaw, a Hiligaynon term for “to frolic” or “playfully wade in the water” is also known as the name given to Concepcion’s Festival. The festivity coincides with the annual Earth Day Celebration, an event that is celebrated in almost 192 countries across the globeto increase awareness and appreciation of our natural environment.

Our water resource continually teaches us about the interconnections found in our environment, and of the need for an ecology-based perspective. Water quantity and quality concerns are basic to society's well-being, and water-related issues continue to be vitally important to every community.

The people of Concepcion appreciate the uniqueness and rich biodiversity of their town by annually celebrating Tampisaw, an event which aim at understanding their natural environment and how they should protect everything around it. Tampisaw is also known to be the first home-grown and community based eco-tourism festival in the region.

For more informationcontact:
Engr. John Rey Asturias, Municipal Tourism Officer
tel: (033) 3920005/ (033)3967731

30
PANAGAT Festival
Municipality of Estancia
Last week of April

Panagat is a festival tribute to the fishermen of Estancia. It is a call for unity among the people who thrives near the water. It is a celebration that calls for full cooperation and bayanihan among itsneighboring towns. The centerpiece of the festivity is the tribal dance competition that showcases the creativity of its people. Costumes are inspired from the living creatures found under the sea.

The festival is the perfect time for grilling, and residents can do it right at the main streets with grilling stations where mostly seafoods are grilled over an open flame. This seafood extravaganza and music oriented event is an all-in-one outdoor family festival, and of course, the best seafood BBQ in town.

For more informationcontact:
Rey June Hermano, Municipal Tourism Officer
tel: (033) 3070231


MAY

31
Municipality ofTubungan
Every 1st of May

Tubong-TubongFestival is highlighted by the annual tribal dance competition reflecting and focusingon the theme of communityreflecting a shared common ethnicity, heritage, and identity for Tubungan. Although Tubong-Tubong has evolved over the years and with new events coming in; its historic highlight, its preserved customs and traditions is showcased during their festival performances.


For more information contact:
MarlynTagudar, Municipal Tourism Officer
tel: (033) 3960754

32
Municipality of Pavia
Every 3rd of May

The Carabao-Carroza Festival, considered as the provinces’s oldest, is one of the favorite cultural celebrations that have evolved into a ritualistic occasion. Combining the colorful and enjoyable atmosphere of deeply-rooted events of Carabao-Carroza parade and race, it is annually observed as part of the town’s municipal fiesta celebration.

The celebration opens with a parade of 18 well-embellished carrozas with its 18 lovely muses and supported by their respective barangays officials and supporters wearing color-coded shirts. The parade starts in Barangay Ungka-I passing the Poblacion area and finishes at the grandstand of Pavia National High School.The second part of the celebration begins as Carabaos compete in friendly 100-meter racesin categories with and without their carrozasat the football ground of Pavia National High School.

For more information contact:
ShielaHismania, Municipal Tourism Officer
tel: (033) 3297197

33
Municipality of Oton
1st week of May

The entire history of the town comes alive with the inter-tribe dance-theater competition.The Chinese gold burial mask of Oton is its cultural icon. The role it plays is a “mediatory” object through which it is connected to Oton’s history and culture.The town is believed to be one popular site of remarkable Chinese artefacts and many of these artefacts are displayed in local and national museums. The most popular and iconic is the Chinese gold death mask believed to be in the late 14th and 15th century A.D. and found in a grave site somewhere in the Barangay of San Antonio.

Oton’s history remains as the cornerstone upon which Katagman festival's reputation is established. But there is plenty more to this town than meets the eye. Katagman is a magnificent gem of a festival that has built a significant reputation, earning it a place as one of Iloilo's best cultural celebrations everyMay.

For more informationcontact:
ChecheSalcepuedes, Municipal Tourism Officer
tel: (033) 3378944/ (033) 3378190
email:

34                                                       
PANA-AD Festival
Municipality of San Dionisio
Every 5th of May

Pana-ad Festival is a celebration of thanksgiving for the blessings received from God through the intercession of St. Vincent Ferrer, the town's patron. The community became witness to the many miracles brought about through the intercession of the town’s Patron Saint, St. Vincent Ferrer, especially during the colonial period.  The theme of the presentation mirrors the rich culture of San Dionisio.

For more informationcontact:
Eduardo Samonte, Municipal Tourism Officer
tel: (033) 3920399/ (033) 3920522

35
TANGYAN Festival
Municipality of Igbaras
Every last week of May

The scenic town of Igbaras unites in recognizing the economic importance of its Tangyan River to its people. The river has functioned as the economic heartland where Igbarasnons are engaged in agriculture. As they say, the most fertile areas for farming are in the plains near the Tangyan tributaries where it provided irrigation water for their agricultural produce. 

TangyanFestival is dedicated to the preservation and protection of their natural and cultural heritage and to be able to share them with the younger generation.

For more informationcontact:
Engr. Wilfredo Delgado, Municipal Tourism Officer
tel:
email:

36
CAMOTE FESTIVAL
Last week of May
Municipality of Dueñas

For more informationcontact:
Susan Pacheo–Laboriante, Municipal Tourism Officer
tel: (033) 5379233/ (033) 3510253/ (033) 5379234

37
FIESTAS IN THE CITY
DOT-VI
Every last week of May


In celebration of Heritage Month, The Department of Tourism Region VI Office together with the different provinces and cities in the region and SM City Iloilo annually celebrate Fiestas in the City. The event has become an institutional event promoting the beauty and grandeur of the Western Visayas region. Every year’s version promises more exciting events during the week-long festivity.

And as a part of this yearly event, the lovely festival and fiesta queens of the region join the much-anticipated Sagala of Festival Queens. Aside from these colorful events, destinations and trade fair is also a must-see with daily craft demos and cultural shows featured.

For more informationcontact:
Provincial Culture, Arts, History and Tourism Office
telefax: (033) 3384910


JUNE

38
PANDAYAN Festival
Municipality of Badiangan
Every 3rd week of June

The annual celebration of Pandayan Festival is to honor the town’s backyard traditions that had been the main sources of livelihood of its people. It is highlighted with the tribal performance of contesting clustered barangays showing informative presentations that normally focus on the town's local industries such as bolo-making, taho, and loom-weaving.

Badiangan produces several kinds of bolo along with its specific uses: (1) binakuko for chopping wood; (2) sinuwak for carpentry and cutting shrubs or smaller trees; (3) ginunting having the same function as the sinuwak; (4) pinuti for slicing meat; (5) tangkap for kitchen use; (6) linamay, surot, and balintawak are used in gardening; (7) kayog is used to harvest rice; and (8) wasay used to chop lumber and bigger trees.

For more informationcontact:
Fe Martinez, Municipal Tourism Officer
Tel: (033) 3962920

39
MASSKARA SA SULAY-BASYA Festival
Municipality of Sara
Every 3rd week of June

Both coined from Hiligaynon words, “sulay” is a term for “to get wet” and “basya” is “to douse with water,” the festival, celebrated as MasskarasaSulayBasya features performing groups in masks.Masks are the order of the day at the tribal dance competition as brightly-costumed performers dance to the samba beat, considered as the dance of celebration and joy with lively and rhythmical movements. The dancers’ painted masks and elaborate costumes, all vying for prizes in judging that will be held in the morning.


The local custom of getting wet is the most appropriate way to celebrate the feast day of St. John the Baptist, the precursor who prepared people for the coming of Jesus Christ. St. John baptized the people with water. To remind one of one's baptism, people in the community use a kabo or water dipper, others have water guns to douse everyone with water. By allowing oneself to get wet, devotees hope to receive blessings and the community have bountiful harvest in their farming.


For more informationcontact:
Shane Marie Propetiado, Municipal Tourism Officer
tel: (033) 3920111/ (033) 3920592/ (033) 3920063

40
BIRAY PARAW Festival
Municipality of Leganes
Every 3rd week of June

The coastal town of Leganes takes pride of its paraws as it take centerstage with the annual celebration of BirayParaw Festival. The celebration calls attention to Leganes’s active involvement in the tourism promotional programs of Iloilo. The activity is seen as an important vehicle in strengthening friendly ties between the people of Leganes and its neighboring municipalities. This tourism event made its debut in 2006.Aside from the paraw race, the event also offers everyone with the biray or sailing experience.

Biray-biray is a popular pastime of Leganesnons on its clean banks where the gentle water and gutsy sea breezes create ideal conditions. It has become a tremendously exciting recreation activity for Ilonggos to enjoy their good holidays: explore the coastal area and eating fresh local produce.


For more informationcontact:
Jerry Anas, Municipal Tourism Officer
tel: (033) 3296622 local 114
                anas.jerry@yahoo.com.ph

41
PAGNAHI-AN Festival
Municipality of Bingawan
Every 21st of June

The early residents of Bingawan constructed a long building made of light materials. It accommodated forty families. They called it “pagnahi-an” because the partition was made from materials sewed together. The building was located at the roadside east of where the Bingawan Baptist Church stands.

A cultural presentation highlights the celebration that anchored on the 1906 great fire that swept over the progressive community which resulted to the great loss of properties and stored grains. Several months after the said fire, a great famine occurred. Despite of that, the people joined hands to reconstruct their houses and building the church.

For more informationcontact:
Marvin Saladar, Municipal Tourism Officer
tel: (033) 3963175/ (033) 5355020

42
BAROTO SA LUTAC RACE
Last week of June
Municipality of Barotac Viejo

For more informationcontact:
Lory Ann Dumdum, Municipal Tourism Officer
tel: (033) 3620234/ (033) 3620160/ (033) 3967150


JULY

43
KALAMAY Festival
Municipality of San Enrique
Every 12th of July

The festival is held alongside its foundation anniversary. The municipality, known as “The Sugarlandia of Iloilo,” is largely agricultural and majority of the population is engaged in sugarcane farming, thus making kalamay or sugar as the town’s premiere product. Social and economic undertaking of the town is centered on agriculture.

As a sign of thanksgiving for abundant sugar produced and harvested all year round, a festival was created. Its centerpiece is the tribal dance competition which revolves around the culture, tradition, lifestyle, and livelihood of its people. 

For more informationcontact:
Dr. Jose Patubo, PhD., Municipal Tourism Officer
tel: (o33) 3510314/ (033) 3510315

44
LECHON Festival
Municipality of Balasan
Every 3rd week of July

The municipality of Balasan annually celebrates its Lechon Festival as an opening salvo for their religious and municipal fiesta. The festival is considered to be one of the provinces’s ultimate fiesta experiences that one should not miss.Balasanons want a really special treat for their festival and they go for the fun and exciting boodle fight during lunch.

The entire community together with their guests look forward for the boodle fight. A military style of eating where long tables are prepared and arranged on the streets of the Poblacion, the centerpiece is the lechonplaced on top of banana leaves bordered with rice and ready to be eaten using bare hands. Jugs of water are prepared on the side to wash hands before the "eating combat". The municipal mayor signals the boodle fight to start as everyone aims for the best part of the lechon.

For more informationcontact:
Cecil Crisme, Municipal Tourism Officer
tel: (033) 3970296


AUGUST

45
INDIGENOUS FIBER FASHION FAIR
Provincial Culture, Arts, History and Tourism Office
Every 3rd week of August

The annual event established in 2008 is a week-long trade event celebrates the humanity of the handmade fabrics and empowers local communities by giving them the opportunity to showcase their art and earn from their art. The event aims at supporting and preserving artisan cooperatives while spreading the beauty of handmade eco-fashion. The project hopes to open investment opportunities especially in the production of these fabrics. It also aims to challenge and encourage Ilonggos and local designers to use these local fibers in their wardrobes.

It featuresIlonggo exhibitors engaged in the production and design of local fabrics and hand-woven handicrafts with daily weaving demonstration and fashion shows featuring local designers and fashion design and merchandising students from ISAT-University.The annual Indigenous Fiber Fashion Fair is organized by the Provincial Tourism Office of the Iloilo Provincial Government, DOT-VI, and SM City Iloilo in partnership with LGU-Miagao, LGU-Oton, LGU-Dueñas, and LGU-Badiangan.

For more informationcontact:
Provincial Culture, Arts, History and Tourism Office
Telefax: (033) 3384910.


SEPTEMBER
46
TINUOM Festival
1st Week of September
Municipality of Cabatuan

TinuomFestival celebrates the town’s famous soup – the tinuom, a chicken soup wrapped by banana leaves.

For more informationcontact:
tel: (033) 5228939/ (033) 5227861
email: cabatuanlgu@yahoo.com

47
ANIHAN Festival
Municipality of Dueñas
2nd week of September

September is the start of harvest of many agricultural crops and the last day of the month is the feast of St. Jerome – the town’s patron saint. The celebration ofAnihan Festival is an expression of thanksgiving for bountiful production of agricultural crops.

Started in 2003, Anihan Festival’s main feature is the Tribe Competition which is characterized by street dancing and an interpretative dance depicting the practice, customs, and traditions of the Dueñasanons before or during the harvest season. Other activities include agro-industrial fair (thatshowcase the different varieties of ornamental plants),food festival, and laronglahi. This annual activity is spearheaded by the Local Government Unit with the full support of the Anihan Festival Committee.

For more informationcontact:
Susan Pacheo–Laboriante, Municipal Tourism Officer
tel: (033) 5379233/ (033) 3510253/ (033) 5379234

48
TAMBOBO Festival
Municipality of Ajuy
Every 2nd week of September

Tambobo is a Hiligaynon term for “a storehouse, warehouse, or a storage structure for agricultural products or other goods that are stored and kept until a demand or need arises”. The festival, as the term denotes, is the presentation of the municipality’s incomparable and unequalled bliss of human, material, and natural wealth. Witness and enjoy its cultural performances marked by a lavish feast thanking God for the crops that would sustain their community.

Ajuynons showcase their human and natural resources through exhibits, cultural performances, and through a lavish feast as a thanksgiving to God for the year’s abundance of crops.

For more informationcontact:
Jocelyn Maalat–Torda, Municipal Tourism Officer
tel: (033) 3920408/ (033) 3920444

49
TUMANDOK
Provincial Culture, Arts, History and Tourism Office
Every 3rd week of September

A Hiligaynon term which means “a native of,” Tumandok is an annual celebration that includes many imaginative and colorful displays of municipal showcases from tourism students of partner-tourism academic institutions in the province and city of Iloilo. This festive week-long event which is in celebration of the Tourism Month showcases destination, product, and cultural performances. Annually organized by the Provincial Culture, Arts, History and Tourism Office since 2004, the event is partnered by the Iloilo Tourism Officers Association, Inc. (ITOA); DOT-VI;and Robinsons Place Iloilo. It is aimed at establishing a broad network of cooperative partners in the province.

For more informationcontact:
Provincial Culture, Arts, History and Tourism Office
telefax: (033) 338 4910


OCTOBER

50
CRY OF JELICUON Festival
Municipality of New Lucena
Every 25th of October

The celebration of the Cry of Jelicuon showcases the rich history of their town through the re-enactment of the Cry of Revolution that happened more than a century ago. It was in 1898, a painful and momentous year for Ilonggos as they endured pain in the hands of Spaniards, until the heroism reigned in their hearts and decide to revolt against the Spanish Government.

General Martin Delgado along with his voluntaries headed to Barrio Hilicuon situated at the boundary of the towns of Santa Barbara, Cabatuan and Lucena, where they gathered in an open field and with intense emotion, thundered, “Long live independence!” (Sonza, Philippine Free Press, 1953).

They gave up their lives for our independence. New Lucena commemorates the heroic acts of General Martin Delgado who led the battle for independence against the Spanish forces.

For more informationcontact:
Henry Barcimo, Municipal Tourism Officer
tel: (033) 3962373

51
Municipality of Dingle
Last week of October

PagdihonFestival offer visitors a glimpse into the heart and soul of its people highlighted by the much-anticipated annual tribal dance-drama competition. Here, all the competing tribes show off their dancing and theatrical skills in order to grab the championship crown.

The performances features local legends incorporated with its local history that highlights the sacrifices and bravery of their local hero led by Gen. Adriano Dayot Hernandez who staged the first armed uprising in the Province of Iloilo in October 28, 1898. The festival commemorates the blessings of having a great hero. The week-long celebration of Pagdihon Festival aims to remind the young generation of Dingleanons about their local history and for them to imitate the good deeds that their local hero possessed and the tenets that he lived by, not to mention his bravery and love for his town and people.


For more informationcontact:
Dane Dizon, Municipal Tourism Officer
tel: (033) 3510480/ (033) 3230083

52
INDIGENOUS PEOPLE’S DAY
Municipality of Calinog
Every last week of October

The municipality of Calinog highlights its indigenous culture through the annual celebration of Indigenous People’s Day.The Panay Bukidnon remains the largest indigenous people’s group with an estimated population of 94,000 comprising of the groups coming from the municipalities of Calinog and Lambunao in Iloilo, and Jamindan and Tapaz in Capiz.

Calinognons celebrate Indigenous Peoples Day through learning from educational resources that focus on the traditions, culture, and background of Panay Bukidnons and Atis. It is a day to celebrate their heritage of Calinognons and for both native and non-native cultures to unite so the many aspects of native culture can be shared.The celebration draws visitors from neighboring municipalities and provinces with special events carefully managed to showcase their local cultural traditions through an enriching and interesting array of activities.

For more informationcontact:
Chester Larroder, Municipal Tourism Officer
tel: (033) 3471866

53
Municipality of Dumangas
Last week of October


The agri-fisheries town of Dumangas celebrates the bounty of its harvest through the annual Haw-as Festival. Fishpond harvest is one of the most important economic activities in the lives of Dumangasanons. Its people take pride of their bangus or milkfish with its harvest activities and as a proof of that is this annual festival.

The celebration is known for its fun-filled daily events that are family-friendly and open to all ages. Just being in the vicinity can fill you with a sense of euphoria so strong that you are bound to keep coming back for more every day.

For more informationcontact:
Leonardo Quiachon, Municipal Tourism Officer
tel: (033) 3612884/ (033)3612400/ (033) 3612478

54
TIGKARALAG Festival
Municipality of Pavia
Every 30th of October


For the town of Pavia, the celebration of Halloween comes with lots of mystery and ghostly attractions, plus an excellent choice of festivity, the Tigkaralag Festival. Tigkaralag or pangangaluwa or soul-ingshowcases the creativity and talents of the different participating groups coming from the town’s 18 barangays. The Halloween dance competition is the centerpiece of the celebration.

The festival opens with a parade with a lot screams that starts at 5:30 p.m. If you like a good scare there is the spectacularly spooky Halloween costume and make-up competition. The highlight of the festival is certainly the annual dance-drama competition, pretty awesome for such a small town. Costumed characters, like the Headless Priest, zombies, werewolves, and ghosts bring this historically themed spot to life.

For more informationcontact:
Sheila Hismania, Municipal Tourism Officer
tel: (033) 3297197

55
BANAAG Festival
Municipality of Anilao
Last week of October

Banaag Festival is a celebration of the town’s local culture featuring inspiring performances, and incredible lights showdown. A tradition that started with fire years ago, Banaag is Anilao’s most important celebration. There is no religious significance attached to the celebration. The festival is a purely secular for all Anilaonons. It is a cultural celebration showcasing art, dance, theater, and music. It features the collective talents of artists and performers of the town.

A must see for the whole family, Bana-ag showcase its culture through a display of thousands of beautiful lights. The much-anticipated dance performance competition will transform the town into a magical playground with its vibrant light displays. It is a fantastic display to behold. To complement this visual experience, visitors can enjoy its tribal music which is played along the street dancing and performance competition.

For more informationcontact:
Emerson Franco, Municipal Tourism Officer
tel: (033) 5143839/ (033) 3620401/ (033) 3620459


NOVEMBER

56
KAHILWAYAN Festival
Every 7th of November
Municipality of Santa Barbara


Kahilwayan means freedom, and Kahilwayan Festival celebrates the Ilonggos fight for freedom from the Spanish colonization. In Iloilo, the revolution against the Spaniards started in the town of Santa Barbara with the lead of Gen. Martin Delgado.

For more informationcontact:
tel: (033) 5239955
email: danelynsumaylo@gmail.com

57
KAING Festival
Municipality of Leon
3rd week of November

The kaing is a basket made from woven bamboo strips and weaving kainghas been a mainstay in the life of the people of Leon. It was said thatwhen the oldpoblacionin SitioCamandowas burned in 1865, the whole community transferred to the present poblacion. The kaing was used as storage for their belongings during the exodus.

The kaingsymbolizes a basket of prosperity, a harvest of abundance being endowed with rich natural resource. The festival showcases the local talents and unique culture, the town’s achievements, and its quest for progress. The celebration speaks as an embodiment of Leon, its people, and culture.


For more informationcontact:
Rose Lea Kilayko, Municipal Tourism Officer
tel:(033) 3310033


DECEMBER

58
SANDIYA FESTIVAL
Every 1st week of December
Municipality of Oton

The town of Oton is known for its delicioussandiya or watermelon. The town supplies watermelon to many parts of the region, including the world famous Boracay.

To celebrate the bountiful harvest of watermelon, the town held Sandiya Festival.

For more informationcontact:
ChecheSalcepuedes, Municipal Tourism Officer
tel: (033) 3378944/ (033) 3378190

59
KASAG Festival
Municipality of Banate
Every 2nd week of December

The town of Banate will celebrate the bounty of its seas and tourism through Kasag Festival highlighted by the tribal dance competition. Crabbing is part of Banate's heritage, and crab feasts are a favorite local tradition. This annual event of food and fun, starring of course the blue crab, is also every visitor’s chance to explore the town, its waterfront with activities on land and by water in and around the area.

Kasag Festival began in 2007 to market its popular industry: blue crab – a well-known and popular food among Ilonggos. It is organized and produced annually by the municipal government for the benefit of the residents of Banate.


For more informationcontact:
Mervin Escriba, Municipal Tourism Officer
tel: (033) 3620006/ (033) 3620002

60
IWAG CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS
Municipality of Pototan
Every 16th of December

If you are wondering where you can find the best Christmas lights in Iloilo, then look no further. The IWAG Christmas Festival of Lights in Pototanannually celebrates this must-see holiday attraction for the entire family.It was in 1997 when a group of Pototanons (IWAG) organized themselves and had since become a strong and dedicated partner of its Municipal Government in the preparation and the celebration of lights every December.

Since then, the celebration of the Christmas Festival of Lights has become a tradition not only of the people of Pototan but the entire Ilonggo community that they look forward to each year. It was declared by the Department of Tourism, Regional Office as the "Christmas Capital of Western Visayas.” An added attraction is the tribal dance competition.

For more informationcontact:
Lally Eva Mendoza, Municipal Tourism Officer
tel: (033) 5297333/ (033) 5298202

61
GUGMA SANG PASKUA
Municipality of Janiuay
Every 3rd week till last week of December

Park trees are decorated with hundreds of thousands of spectacular animated and stationary holiday lights that twinkle along to Christmas music and illuminating the roadway. This festive yuletide celebration started in 2010.

The spirit to serve the community is a core value of the local government of this town which gives all the opportunity to give back to the community through this event. The town had been celebrating Christmas with series of activities that include ceremonial lighting, fireworks display, nightly entertainment, and food fair.

For more informationcontact:
RonnyPoblacion, Municipal Tourism Officer
tel: (033) 3304292

62
PASKWA HALAD SA BANWA
Municipality of Mina
Every 3rd week of December

Over a period of time, strings of Christmas lights found their way into use in the Municipality of Mina annually welcoming Christmas with the ceremonial lighting of its Christmas Park. The community decorate their plaza complex with the traditional Christmas symbols to commemorate and give a holiday spirit around the community. Christmas lights are strung and shaped like stars, Christmas trees, or in a large variety of other ways.  Homes within the complex are adorned with multi-colored star lanterns locally known as parol made from simple materials like bamboo sticks with rice papers, cellophanes, or plastic.

For more informationcontact:
RomieEnano, Municipal Tourism Officer
tel: (033) 5309017/ (033) 5309042

63
PASIDUNGOG KAY SENOR SAN MIGUEL Festival
Municipality of San Miguel
3rd week of December

The annual tradition of celebrating Pasidungog Kay Senor San Miguel Festivalis for theirtown’s patron saint that was said to have come through and save the locals from the area from absolute death when they fell under siege from the rival bandits. The tribal dance competition presents the story about the separation of the parishes of Alimodian, Leon, and San Miguel with three assigned patron saints. It was said that the saints’ images were carried on carabao-drawn carrozas. The image of Saint Catherine de Aragon headed to Leon and the image of Saint Thomas de Villanueva to Alimodian. However, with much beating and prodding to the animal for the carroza to move, the carabao which carries the image of Saint Michael the Archangel insisted to stay in the area, thus having Saint Michael the Archangel as the town’s patron saint.

The celebration offers its people the opportunity to enhance camaraderie and fellowship where they give thanks and share their blessings. They celebrate the festival with arts and crafts, food, drinks, and special programs.

For more informationcontact:
NicanorEscalera, Municipal Tourism Officer
tel: (033) 3310670/ (033) 3310797

64
DESYEMBRE SA GUIMBAL
Municipality of Guimbal
Every 3rd till the last week of December

Each year the town’s plaza is transformed into a holiday fantasy with many musical and animated exhibits, and glittering lights. Visitors can enter a winter wonderland of lights with songs and local entertainment. This annual holiday tradition is considered to be one of the longest Christmas events in the province.

It is an amazing local tradition that helps bring a much needed sense of community to many Guimbalanons.  The residents are happy that their town was able to sustain a Christmas in the Park concept for many years. Ilonggos have been visiting this holiday attraction almost every year, and for them it is more than just a park decorated with lights, it is all about the holiday experience and cherished memories.

For more informationcontact:
Karen Gayanilo–Felicio, Municipal Tourism Officer
tel: (033) 3155277/ (033) 3155288

65
Municipality of Zarraga
Every 3rd week of December

Considered as one of the largest festivals in the Second Congressional District of the province, Zarraganhons annually honors its best produce – pantat or catfish – on a grand scale with “don’t-miss” special events daily.The focus of the festival is in honoring those who contribute to the catfish farming industry of this town. The highlight is the much-anticipated tribal dance competition which features the growth of catfish farming in this town.

There is always a special atmosphere at the festival, a unique mix of Zarraga’s vibrant holiday scene and the traditional community thriving with catfish farms. The festival is a unique attraction that offers fun and entertainment for both locals and visitors alike. It also showcases the popular local catfish dishes available in our local eateries. Locals show how to make the most of this bounty with a chance to watch, learn, and try other delicious dishes.

For more informationcontact:
Hon. Erwin Guadalupe, SB Committee on Tourism / Municipal Tourism Officer
tel: (033) 5254254 / (033) 3330474

66
PATUBAS Festival
Municipality of Barotac Viejo
Every 3rd week of December

Patubas is a municipal wide festival celebrating food heritage and culture in Barotac Viejo. It is a festival of feasting and merriment celebrating the abundance of blessings the people in the community enjoy. It is also a celebration to continue the local government’s goal of reconnecting their people back to where their blessings come from.

The festival encourages residents from this town, the rest of Iloilo, and beyond to gather together and experience an exciting range of culinary delights. It involves and educates people in the appreciation of good, clean, fair food while showcasing the town's ever expanding network of dedicated, enthusiastic producers, and all the gastronomic delights this town has to offer.

For more informationcontact:
Lory Ann Dumdum, Municipal Tourism Officer
tel: (033) 3620234/ (033) 3620160/ (033) 3967150

67
TULTUGAN Festival
Municipality of Maasin
3rd week of December

Tultugan is a native bamboo percussion instrument used by natives of long ago as a tool for communication and as a musical instrument. With Maasin’s reputation as the primary bamboo producer in the region, Tultugan Festival aims to promoteits local bamboo industryhighlightingits significance and importance in the lives of the people in the community. It showcases a cultural celebration underlining its people’s ingenuity of creating bamboo musical instruments and its music, and costumes. The competition of tribes and street dancing is the centerpiece of this annual festivity.

Tultugan’sroot word is tultug which has been defined as an action verbalizing the act of playing sound on bamboo. Usually this is rendered through a bamboo stick striking it against the body of the bamboo, thus becoming a rhythmic instrument called Tultugan.

For more informationcontact:
Jestine Casio, Municipal Tourism Officer
tel: (033) 3330299