Panagbenga Festival 2016 Schedule of Activities

Panagbenga Festival 2016 is happening this month of February until March 2, 2016. It is the biggest festival in the northern region that features street dance and flower float competitions.

Schedule of activities are as follows.

February 1, 2016
Grand Opening Parade: Drum and Lyre Competition- Elementary Division
Location: Panagbenga Park, Session Road-Magsaysay Avenue-Harrison Road-Melvin jones Football Grounds
Time: Program starts at 8:00AM
Opening Concert
Location: Atrium, SM City Baguio
Baguio Blooms Exhibition and Exposition
Location: Lake Drive, Burnham Park

February 2 – 7, 2016
Baguio Blooms Exhibition and Exposition
Location: Lake Drive, Burnham Park

February 8, 2016
Chinese Spring Festival
Location: City-wide
Baguio Blooms Exhibition and Exposition
Location: Lake Drive, Burnham Park

February 9 – 13, 2016
Baguio Blooms Exhibition and Exposition
Location: Lake Drive, Burnham Park

February 14, 2016
Handog ng Panagbenga Sa Pamilya Baguio
Let a thousand Flowers Bloom
Panagbenga 2016 Kite-Flying Challenge
Panagbenga Variety Show
Fireworks Display
Location: Melvin Jones Grandstand and Football Grounds
Baguio Blooms Exhibition and Exposition
Location: Lake Drive, Burnham Park

February 15 – 17, 2016
PMA Grand Alumni Homecoming
Location: PMA, Loakan Road
Baguio Blooms Exhibition and Exposition
Location: Lake Drive, Burnham Park

February 18, 2016
Baguio Blooms Exhibition and Exposition
Location: Lake Drive, Burnham Park

February 19, 2016
Floral Arrangement Competition (Judging)
Location: Baguio City National High School
Barangay Clean and Green Landscaping Competition (Judging)
Location: All Baguio City Barangays
Baguio Blooms Exhibition and Exposition
Location: Lake Drive, Burnham Park

February 19 – 21, 2016
School Based Landscaping Competition (Judging)
Location: Baguio City Schools
Baguio Blooms Exhibition and Exposition
Location: Lake Drive, Burnham Park

February 22 – 26, 2016
Baguio Blooms Exhibition and Exposition
Location: Lake Drive, Burnham Park

February 27, 2016
Grand Street Dancing Parade
Location: Panagbenga Park-Session Road-Magsaysay Avenue-Harrison Road – Athletic Bowl
Time: 8:00AM
Baguio Blooms Exhibition and Exposition
Location: Lake Drive, Burnham Park

February 28, 2016
Grand Float Parade
Location: DILG – Session Road – Harrison Road – Athletic Bowl
Baguio Blooms Exhibition and Exposition
Location: Lake Drive, Burnham Park

February 29 – March 4, 2016
Session Road in Bloom
Location: Session Road
Baguio Blooms Exhibition and Exposition
Location: Lake Drive, Burnham Park

March 5, 2016
Pony Boys Day
Location: Wright Park
Baguio Blooms Exhibition and Exposition
Location: Lake Drive, Burnham Park

March 6, 2016
Panagbenga Closing Ceremonies and Grand Fireworks Display
Location: Athletic Bowl and Various Areas in Baguio CBD
Baguio Blooms Exhibition and Exposition
Location: Lake Drive, Burnham Park

If you are searching for a hotel / Inn to stay, I suggest make a reservation now to avoid inconvenience. Also, check LeFern Hotel.

source info: http://baguiocity.co/

2015 Panagbenga Festival Schedule of Activities

The festival gets the name from a Kankanaey term, it means “a season for blossoming,” that’s why; it is also called the Flower Festival. It is also the biggest festival in the northern region that features street dance and flower float competitions.

Here’s the schedule of Activities:

February 1, 2015: 

Opening Ceremonies and Street Dancing Parade Competition

(Drum and Lyre Dance Competition – Elementary Division)

Locations: Panagbenga Park, Session Road, Harrison Road, Baguio Athletic Bowl

Opening Concert

Location: To Be Announced

Baguio Blooms Exhibition and Exposition

Location: Lake Drive, Burnham Park

February 2 – 14, 2015

Baguio Blooms Exhibition and Exposition

Location: Lake Drive, Burnham Park

February 15, 2015

Baguio Blooms Exhibition and Exposition

Location: Lake Drive, Burnham Park

Handong ng Panagbenga sa Pamilya Baguio

Location: Melvin Jones

Let a Thousand Flowers Bloom

Location: Melvin Jones

Panagbenga 2015 Kite-Flying Challenge

Location: Melvin Jones

Panagbenga Variety Show

Location: Melvin Jones

Fireworks Display

Location: Melvin Jones

February 16 – 18, 2015

Baguio Blooms Exhibition and Exposition

Location: Lake Drive, Burnham Park

February 19, 2015

Baguio Blooms Exhibition and Exposition

Location: Lake Drive, Burnham Park

Chinese Spring Festival

Location: City-wide

February 19 – 22, 2015

Baguio Blooms Exhibition and Exposition

Location: Lake Drive, Burnham Park

PMA Grand Alumni Home Coming

Location: Philippine Military Academy, Loakan Road

February 23 – 27, 2015

Baguio Blooms Exhibition and Exposition

Location: Lake Drive, Burnham Park

Floral Arrangement Competition and School-based Landscaping Competitiong (Judging)

Location: Elementary and Highschools in Baguio City

February 28, 2015

Baguio Blooms Exhibition and Exposition

Location: Lake Drive, Burnham Park

Grand Street Dancing Parade

Locations: Panagbenga Park, Session Road, Harrison Road, Athletic Bowl

Sponsors’and Exhibitors’ Day

Location: Athletic Bowl

March 1 , 2015

Baguio Blooms Exhibition and Exposition

Location: Lake Drive, Burnham Park

Grand Float Parade

Locations: DILG, Session Road, Harrison Road, Athletic Bowl

Sponsors’and Exhibitors’ Day

Location: Athletic Bowl

Session Road in Bloom

Location: Session Road

March 2 – 6, 2015

Baguio Blooms Exhibition and Exposition

Location: Lake Drive, Burnham Park

Session Road in Bloom

Location: Session Road

March 7, 2015

Baguio Blooms Exhibition and Exposition

Location: Lake Drive, Burnham Park

Session Road in Bloom

Location: Session Road

Pony Boys’ Day

Location: Athletic Bowl

March 8, 2015

Baguio Blooms Exhibition and Exposition

Location: Lake Drive, Burnham Park

Session Road in Bloom

Location: Session Road

Panagbenga Closing Ceremonies and Grand Fireworks Display

Locations: Athletic Bowl and various areas in Baguio’s (Central Business District) CBD

See you there!!! Enjoy!!!

SINULOG 2015 Schedule of Activities

Cebu’s Sinulog Festival is held on the third Sunday of January. It is a yearly cultural and religious celebration and is the heart of the Santo Nino Celebration in the Philippines. Sinulog is originates from the Cebuano word “Sulog” which signifies, “like water current movement”. It refers to the forward-backward movement of the Sinulog dance - it comprises of two steps forward and one step backward.

Photo credit: Teddy Uy (2nd Grand Prize Winner - Sinulog 2014)

Here’s the 2015 Sinulog Schedule of Activities.

January 8, 2015 (Thursday)
Opening Salvo: Walk with Jesus
4:00 AM : Assembly Time (Area) Fuente Osmeña
4:30 AM : Start of Walk-Fuente Osmeña Blvd. – Basilica del Sto. Niño
5:30 AM : Installation of Hermano & Hermana Mayores 2015

January 9, 2015 (Friday)
2015 Kick Off
10:00 AM : Sinulog Trade Fair at SM City Cebu by Department of Trade and Industry
2:00 PM : Solemn Mass (Basilica del Santo Niño)
3:00 PM : Launching Parade (Basilica del Santo Niño to CCSC)
7:00 PM : Opening and Launching Program, Fuente Osmeña
8:00 PM : Sinulog Idol (Fuente Osmeña Circle)
9:00 PM : Street Party Bands

January 10, 2015 (Saturday)
Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Lalawigan
1:00 PM : Parade of Participants, Capitol Site to Cebu City Sports Center
2:00 PM : Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Lalawigan at Cebu City Sports Center
6:30 PM : Cultural Show (Fuente Osmeña)
7:00 PM. : Ms. Cebu 2015 Pre Pageant Night @ Ayala Activity Center

January 11, 2015 (Sunday)
Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Dakbayan
3:00 AM. : Cebu City 2015 Marathon
1:00 PM : Parade of Participants, Plaza Independencia to Cebu City  Sports Center
2:00 PM : Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Dakbayan at Cebu City Sports Center
6:30 PM : Cultural Show (Fuente Osmeña)
8:00 PM : Sinulog Idol (Fuente Osmeña)
9:00 PM : Concert at the Fuente Osmeña, Street Party Bands

January 12, 2015 (Monday)
6:30 PM : Cultural Show (Fuente Osmeña)
8:00 PM : Sinulog Idol (Fuente Osmeña)
9:00 PM : Concert at the Fuente Osmeña, Street Party Bands

January 13, 2015 (Tuesday)
6:30 PM : Cultural Show (Fuente Osmeña)
8:00 PM : Sinulog Idol (Fuente Osmeña)
9:00 PM : Concert at the Fuente Osmeña, Street Party Bands

January 14, 2015 (Wednesday)
9:00 AM : Airport Welcome (Balikbayan Flights)
6:30 PM : Cultural Show (Fuente Osmeña)
7:00 PM : Ms. Cebu 2015 Coronation Night
8:00 PM. : Sinulog Idol (Fuente Osmeña)
9:00 PM. : Concert @ the Fuente Osmeña, Street Party Bands

January 15, 2015 (Thursday)
9:00 AM. : Airport Welcome (Balikbayan Flights)
6:00 PM. : Balik Cebu Welcome Party @ Ayala Activity Center
6:30 PM. : Sinulog Festival Queen Runway Competition and Photoshoot
8:00 PM. : Handumanan @ Ayala Terraces
8:00 PM. : Sinulog 2015 Idol Grand Finals @ the Fuente Osmeña
9:00 PM. : Concert @ the Fuente Osmeña, Street Party Bands

January 16, 2015 (Friday)
Visual Merchandising Contest (Dept. Stores and Malls)
4:00 AM. : Walk with Mary (Area) Fuente Osmeña - Sto. Niño
9:00 AM. : Solidairty Meeting (All Competing Contingent/Floats/Higante/Puppeteers)
                  @ Cebu City Sports Center Gym
6:00 PM. : Sinulog 2015 Dance Crew Finals @ Cebu City Sports Center
7:30 PM. : Sinulog Festival Queen 2015 Coronation Night @ Cebu City Sports Center
8:00 PM. : Cebu Popular Music Festival @ Cebu Coliseum

January 17, 2015 (Saturday)
6:00 AM. : Fluvial Procession of the Miraculous Image of the Sto. Niño
9:00 AM. : Re-enactment of the Baptism of Queen Juana and Rajah Humabon Basilica del Santo Niño
12:00 PM. : 10th "The Street Vibration & Big Bike Rally 2015"
                    by V-max Owner's Group, Inc. Cebu Chapter
2:00 PM. : Solemn Procession of the Miraculous Image of Sto. Niño
7:00 PM. : Sinulog Fireworks Competition @ SM City Cebu
7:00 PM. : Street Party @ Fuente Osmeña and Plaza Independencia

January 18, 2015 (Sunday)
Sinulog Grand Parade
4:00 AM. : Mañanita Mass @ Basilica del Sto. Niño
6:00 AM. : Pontifical Mass with His Eminence Jose S. Palma
8:00 AM. : Holy Mass @ Cebu City Sports Center
9:00 AM. : Sinulog Grand Parade Carousel Kick Off
7:00 PM. : Grand Finale and Grand Fireworks @ Cebu City Sports Center
7:30 PM. : Street Party Bands, Fuente Osmeña
9:00 PM. : Pyrospectacular Show (Pyromusical Show @ SM City Cebu)
5:00 PM. – 2:00 A.M. : Concert Series sa Sugbo @ SRP Grounds
12:00MN : Sinulog Fireworks @SRP

January 19, 2015 (Monday) Awarding Ceremonies at Cebu City Sports Center
January 23, 2015 (Friday) “HUBO”
January 24, 2015 : Judging of Finalists Short Film/Video Documentary Contest                        
January 25, 2015 : First Cebu City Triathlon
January 26, 2015 : Judging Sinulog 2015 Photo Contest
January 27, 2015 : Judging of Finalist in Short Film / Video Documentary and
                               Music Video Contest
January 31, 2015
1:00 PM : Judging of Finalists Sinulog Short Film Festival at SM City Cebu
6:00 PM : Awarding Ceremonies Photo Contest, Short Film and
Video Documentary Contest at SM City Cebu

January 31, 2015 – February 8, 2015
Photo Exhibit “Winning Photos Sinulog 2014” at SM City Cebu

Mark on your calendar on these following dates, reserve your hotels now, book early, and most of all enjoy and have fun!

Happy travelling,

Marco

Info Source: http://www.sinulog.ph/

Panagbenga Flower Festival 2014: Who Don't Want To Miss Out?

Baguio City is situated at the northern part of Luzon in fact it is a very much urbanized city. This was developed by Americans in 1900 at the place of an Ibaloi village, also known as Kafagway . It is also referred to as the Summer Capital of the Philippines.

The festival gets the name from a Kankanaey term, it means “a season for blossoming,” that’s why, it is also called the Flower Festival. It is also the biggest festival in the northern region that features street dance and flower float competitions.

Panagbenga Flower Festival is a long month celebration and the theme for 2014 is “Inspiring the Community for a Greener Tomorrow”.

 Schedule of Activities

February 1
Opening Ceremonies
7:00 AM - Panagbenga Park
Grand Opening Parade: Drum & Lyre Dance Competition (Elementary Division)
8:00 AM - Panagbenga Park to Athletic Bowl
Baguio Blooms: Landscaping Exhibition and Exposition
Lake Drive, Burnham Park
Ifugao Bamboo Art Exhibit by the Philippine Bamboo Foundation
White House, Leonard Wood Road

February 2
Baguio Blooms: Landscaping Exhibition and Exposition
Lake Drive, Burnham Park
Ifugao Bamboo Art Exhibit by the Philippine Bamboo Foundation
White House, Leonard Wood Road

February 3
Baguio Blooms: Landscaping Exhibition and Exposition
Lake Drive, Burnham Park
Chinese Spring Festival Parade
Session Road
Ifugao Bamboo Art Exhibit by the Philippine Bamboo Foundation
White House, Leonard Wood Road
IPMS Baguio 10th Invitationals Open Cosplay Competition
SM City Baguio Atrium

February 4
Baguio Blooms: Landscaping Exhibition and Exposition
Lake Drive, Burnham Park
Ifugao Bamboo Art Exhibit by the Philippine Bamboo Foundation
White House, Leonard Wood Road
IPMS Baguio 10th Invitationals Open Cosplay Competition
SM City Baguio Atrium

February 5
Baguio Blooms: Landscaping Exhibition and Exposition
Lake Drive, Burnham Park
Ifugao Bamboo Art Exhibit by the Philippine Bamboo Foundation
White House, Leonard Wood Road
IPMS Baguio 10th Invitationals Open Cosplay Competition
SM City Baguio Atrium
Inauguration of DOT (Department of Tourism) Adopted Garden
10:00 AM - BGHMC Garden’s Park

February 6
Baguio Blooms: Landscaping Exhibition and Exposition
Lake Drive, Burnham Park
Ifugao Bamboo Art Exhibit by the Philippine Bamboo Foundation
White House, Leonard Wood Road
IPMS Baguio 10th Invitationals Open Cosplay Competition
SM City Baguio Atrium

February 7
Baguio Blooms: Landscaping Exhibition and Exposition
Lake Drive, Burnham Park
Ifugao Bamboo Art Exhibit by the Philippine Bamboo Foundation
White House, Leonard Wood Road
IPMS Baguio 10th Invitationals Open Cosplay Competition
SM City Baguio Atrium
Baguio’s Ultimate Model Search by Viva La Events Production
6:00 PM - Baguio Convention Center

February 8
Baguio Blooms: Landscaping Exhibition and Exposition
Lake Drive, Burnham Park
Ifugao Bamboo Art Exhibit by the Philippine Bamboo Foundation
White House, Leonard Wood Road
IPMS Baguio 10th Invitationals Open Cosplay Competition
SM City Baguio Atrium
Ginuman Fest 2014 Concert and Game Show
5:00 PM - Melvin Jones Grandstand

February 9
Baguio Blooms: Landscaping Exhibition and Exposition
Lake Drive, Burnham Park
Ifugao Bamboo Art Exhibit by the Philippine Bamboo Foundation
White House, Leonard Wood Road
IPMS Baguio 10th Invitationals Open Cosplay Competition
SM City Baguio Atrium

February 10
Baguio Blooms: Landscaping Exhibition and Exposition
Lake Drive, Burnham Park
Ifugao Bamboo Art Exhibit by the Philippine Bamboo Foundation
White House, Leonard Wood Road
Ronda Pilipinas 2014
Burnham Park; Kennon Road; Marcos Highway

February 11
Baguio Blooms: Landscaping Exhibition and Exposition
Lake Drive, Burnham Park
Ifugao Bamboo Art Exhibit by the Philippine Bamboo Foundation
White House, Leonard Wood Road
Ronda Pilipinas 2014
Burnham Park; Kennon Road; Marcos Highway

February 12
Baguio Blooms: Landscaping Exhibition and Exposition
Lake Drive, Burnham Park
Ifugao Bamboo Art Exhibit by the Philippine Bamboo Foundation
White House, Leonard Wood Road
Ronda Pilipinas 2014
Burnham Park; Kennon Road; Marcos Highway

February 13
Baguio Blooms: Landscaping Exhibition and Exposition
Lake Drive, Burnham Park
Ifugao Bamboo Art Exhibit by the Philippine Bamboo Foundation
White House, Leonard Wood Road
Ronda Pilipinas 2014
Burnham Park; Kennon Road; Marcos Highway

February 14
Baguio Blooms: Landscaping Exhibition and Exposition
Lake Drive, Burnham Park
PMA Alumni Homecoming
PMA Grounds
Ifugao Bamboo Art Exhibit by the Philippine Bamboo Foundation
White House, Leonard Wood Road
Ronda Pilipinas 2014
Burnham Park; Kennon Road; Marcos Highway

February 15
Baguio Blooms: Landscaping Exhibition and Exposition
Lake Drive, Burnham Park
Flower Tee Golf Tournament
6:00 AM - Baguio Country Club
PMA Alumni Homecoming
PMA Grounds
Ifugao Bamboo Art Exhibit by the Philippine Bamboo Foundation
White House, Leonard Wood Road

February 16
Baguio Blooms: Landscaping Exhibition and Exposition
Lake Drive, Burnham Park
Handog ng Panagbenga sa Pamilya Baguio
Burnham Park
Let A Thousand Flowers Bloom
8:00 AM - Melvin Jones Grandstand
Ifugao Bamboo Art Exhibit by the Philippine Bamboo Foundation
White House, Leonard Wood Road
Team Lakay 15th High Altitude Grapplers’ Cup
Igorot Garden, Burnham Park
Panagbenga Run 2014
4:30 AM - In front of Children’s Park, Burnham

February 17
Baguio Blooms: Landscaping Exhibition and Exposition
Lake Drive, Burnham Park
Ifugao Bamboo Art Exhibit by the Philippine Bamboo Foundation
White House, Leonard Wood Road

February 18
Baguio Blooms: Landscaping Exhibition and Exposition
Lake Drive, Burnham Park
Ifugao Bamboo Art Exhibit by the Philippine Bamboo Foundation
White House, Leonard Wood Road

February 19
Baguio Blooms: Landscaping Exhibition and Exposition
Lake Drive, Burnham Park
Ifugao Bamboo Art Exhibit by the Philippine Bamboo Foundation
White House, Leonard Wood Road

February 20
Baguio Blooms: Landscaping Exhibition and Exposition
Lake Drive, Burnham Park
Ifugao Bamboo Art Exhibit by the Philippine Bamboo Foundation
White House, Leonard Wood Road

February 21
Baguio Blooms: Landscaping Exhibition and Exposition
Lake Drive, Burnham Park
Ifugao Bamboo Art Exhibit by the Philippine Bamboo Foundation
White House, Leonard Wood Road
Panagbenga Festival 2014 Invitational Darts Fest
Cong. Aliping Headquarters, Bokawkan Road
San Miguel Beer Variety Show at the Park
6:00 PM - Melvin Jones Grandstand

February 22
Baguio Blooms: Landscaping Exhibition and Exposition
Lake Drive, Burnham Park
Exhibitors’ and Sponsors’ Day
Athletic Bowl
Grand Street Dancing Parade
8:00 AM - Panagbenga Park to Athletic Bowl
Ifugao Bamboo Art Exhibit by the Philippine Bamboo Foundation
White House, Leonard Wood Road
Panagbenga Festival 2014 Invitational Darts Fest
Cong. Aliping Headquarters, Bokawkan Road
San Miguel Beer Variety Show at the Park
6:00 PM - Melvin Jones Grandstand
Mr. Panagbenga 2014 Muscle Showdown
6:00 PM - Baguio Convention Center

February 23
Baguio Blooms: Landscaping Exhibition and Exposition
Lake Drive, Burnham Park
Exhibitors’ and Sponsors’ Day
Athletic Bowl
Grand Float Parade
8:00 AM - Panagbenga Park to Athletic Bowl
Ifugao Bamboo Art Exhibit by the Philippine Bamboo Foundation
White House, Leonard Wood Road
Panagbenga Festival 2014 Invitational Darts Fest
Cong. Aliping Headquarters, Bokawkan Road
San Miguel Beer Variety Show at the Park
6:00 PM - Melvin Jones Grandstand

February 24
Baguio Blooms: Landscaping Exhibition and Exposition
Lake Drive, Burnham Park
Session Road in Bloom
Session Road
Ifugao Bamboo Art Exhibit by the Philippine Bamboo Foundation
White House, Leonard Wood Road

February 25
Baguio Blooms: Landscaping Exhibition and Exposition
Lake Drive, Burnham Park
Session Road in Bloom
Session Road
Ifugao Bamboo Art Exhibit by the Philippine Bamboo Foundation
White House, Leonard Wood Road
Handog Pasasalamat ng Bombo Radyo at Star FM sa Panagbenga 2014: Free Concert
4:00 PM - Melvin Jones Grandstand

February 26
Baguio Blooms: Landscaping Exhibition and Exposition
Lake Drive, Burnham Park
Session Road in Bloom
Session Road
Ifugao Bamboo Art Exhibit by the Philippine Bamboo Foundation
White House, Leonard Wood Road

February 27
Baguio Blooms: Landscaping Exhibition and Exposition
Lake Drive, Burnham Park
Session Road in Bloom
Session Road
Ifugao Bamboo Art Exhibit by the Philippine Bamboo Foundation
White House, Leonard Wood Road

February 28
Baguio Blooms: Landscaping Exhibition and Exposition
Lake Drive, Burnham Park
Session Road in Bloom
Session Road
Ifugao Bamboo Art Exhibit by the Philippine Bamboo Foundation
White House, Leonard Wood Road

March 1
Baguio Blooms: Landscaping Exhibition and Exposition
Lake Drive, Burnham Park
Session Road in Bloom
Session Road
Pony Boys’ Day
Wright Park
Ifugao Bamboo Art Exhibit by the Philippine Bamboo Foundation
White House, Leonard Wood Road
Panagbenga Marathon 2014 by Team Malaya Dunamis
4:00 AM - Panagbenga Park

March 2
Baguio Blooms: Landscaping Exhibition and Exposition
Lake Drive, Burnham Park
Session Road in Bloom
Session Road
Closing Ceremonies and Grand Fireworks Display
2:00 PM - 8:00 PM - Athletic Bowl, Main thoroughfares of Baguio
Ifugao Bamboo Art Exhibit by the Philippine Bamboo Foundation
White House, Leonard Wood Road
Tambalang Saya sa Panagbenga Part 3 by ECarta Media Productions and Promotions / Z-Radio
5:00 PM - Melvin Jones Grandstand

There are at least 2 million people who joined the festival last year, 2013. For those who don't want to miss this out, plan your trips ahead. Enjoy travelling! :)

source: http://panagbengaflowerfestival.com/

Kalibo: Ati-Atihan Festival

Ati-Atihan in Kalibo, Aklan is annual celebration in honour of Santo Nino. It is a two-week festival, which the highlight is on the third Sunday of January. During this day, participants of the street dance parade wear colourful and exceptional costumes, paint their faces in different styles and it consists tribal dance and music. 

It is also known as the mother of all festival in the Philippines. Other neighbouring provinces encouraged to have their own version of festivity like Sinulog in Cebu and Dinagyang Festival in Iloilo.

The major street in Aklan fills with locals bringing drums and dancing very lively with their colourful costumes, shouted “Hala! Bira!” The Aetas are the earliest and the primary settler in the Panay Island, the festival named Ati-atihan means “to be like Aetas” or “make believe Ati’s”, that’s why, all participants of this event get darkened with bright color of dress, which attracts tourists.

The best part of the festival happens on the last day, when the groups representing the different tribes to compete and it ends with a procession with thousands of people joined carrying torches and various images of the Santo Nino.

It was my first time to witness the Ati-Atihan Festival in Kalibo, Aklan and I wanted to visit there again, maybe next year. And, I will recommend this also to my co-travellers and friends. I was there on the last day of the festival after my Boracay adventure –will blog it next time. 

How to get to Kalibo, Aklan?

It can be reached by sea, air and by land. You can book flights via Kalibo Internation Airport with the following airline companies:

• Cebu Pacific
• Philippines Airlines
• Airasia Zest

By sea, it consumed 12 hours from Manila North Harbor going to Aklan –it has three ports; Jetty Port in Caticlan, the port in Dumaguit, and the port of New Washington.

• Moreta Shipping lines (Caticlan, Dumaguit, and Kalibo)
• The Caticlan Jetty port caters Roll-on and Roll-off (RORO) shipping lines like Montenegro Shipping Lines
• MBRS Shipping lines (Caticlan & Dumaguit, Aklan)
• WG&A Super Ferry - Our Lady of Medjugorje (Dumaguit, Aklan)

By land (bus), it takes 12-15 hours from Manila bound to Aklan. The following bus companies are:

• PHILTRANCO Bus (Cubao, Quezon City)
• Bachelor Express
• Dimple Star Transit (Araneta Center, Cubao)

Happy travelling!

Marco

SINULOG Festival 2014 (Schedule of Activities)

photo credit: sinulog.ph

The Sinulog is an annual festival held the third Sunday of January in Cebu City, Philippines. The festival commemorates people's pagan origin Cebuano and their acceptance of Roman Catholicism.

The festival features a Street parade with participants in bright costumes, dancing to the rhythm of drums, trumpets, and native songs. Smaller versions of the festival are held in various parts of the province, also to celebrate and honor the Santo Niño.

The festival has been promoted as a tourist attraction, with a competition of contingents from various parts of the country. The Sinulog contest is held usually in Cebu City Sports Complex.

The word Sinulog comes from the Cebuano nouns sulog which means roughly "like water current movement; "it describes the forward backward movement of the Sinulog dance.

The dance consists of two steps forward and one step backward, performed to the sound of drums. Dance is categorized into Sinulog-base, free interpretation. Candle vendors by Basilica continue to perform the traditional version of the dance when lighting a candle for the customer, usually accompanied by songs in their native language.

Mark your calendar and save the dates!

Schedule of Activities

(Fuente Osmeña, January 10-31, 2014)

January 9, 2014 (Thursday)  Opening Salvo: Walk with Jesus

4:00 AM                                  Assembly Time (Area) Fuente Osmeña

4:30 AM                                  Start of Walk-Fuente Osmeña Blvd. – Basilica del Sto. Niño

5:30 AM                                  Installation of Hermano & Hermana Mayores 2014

January 10, 2014 (Friday)     Sinulog 2014 Kick Off

10:00AM                                  Sinulog Trade Fair @SM City Cebu by Department of Trade & Industry

2:00PM                                    Solemn Mass (Basilica del Sto. Niño)

3:00 PM                                   Launching Parade (Basilica del Sto. Niño to CCSC)

7:00 PM                                   Opening and Launching Program, Fuente Osmeña

                                               Grand Finals of Sinulog Choral Competition

8:00 PM                                   Sinulog Idol (Fuente Osmeña Circle)

9:00 PM                                   Street Party Bands

January 11, 2014 (Saturday) Sinulog sa Kabataan – Lalawigan

1:00 PM                                  Parade of Participants, Capitol Site to Cebu City Sports Center

2:00 PM                                  Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Lalawigan, Cebu City Sports Center

6:30 PM                                  Cultural Show (Fuente Osmeña) by Dept. Education Cebu Province

7:00 PM                                  Ms. Cebu 2014 Presentation @ Ayala Activity Center

8:00 PM                                  Sinulog Idol (Fuente Osmeña Circle)

9:00 PM                                  Concert @ the Fuente Osmeña, Street Party Bands

January 12, 2014 (Sunday)   Sinulog sa Kabataan- Dakbayan

4:00 AM                                  Cebu City 2014 Marathon – www.cebumarathon.com

1:00 PM                                  Parade of Participants, Plaza Independencia to CCSC

2:00 PM                                  Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Dakbayan, Cebu City Sports Center

6:00 PM                                  Grand Finals of Sinulog Choral Competition

6:30 PM                                  Cultural Show (Fuente Osmeña) by University of San Carlos

8:00 PM                                  Sinulog Idol (Fuente Osmeña Circle)

9:00 PM                                  Concert @ the Fuente Osmeña, Street Party Bands

January 13, 2014 (Monday)

6:30 PM                                  Cultural Show (Fuente Osmeña) by University of Cebu

8:00 PM                                  Sinulog Idol (Fuente Osmeña Circle)

9:00 PM                                  Concert @ the Fuente Osmeña, Street Party Bands

January 14, 2014 (Tuesday)

6:30 PM                                  Cultural show (Fuente Osmeña)

8:00 PM                                  Sinulog Idol (Fuente Osmeña Circle)

9:00 PM                                  Concert @ the Fuente Osmeña, Street Party Bands

 January 15, 2014 (Wednesday)

9:00 AM                                  Airport Welcome (Balikbayan Flights)

6:30 PM                                  Cultural Shows (Fuente Osmeña)

                                              by Dept. Education Cebu City Division

7:00 PM                                  Ms. Cebu 2014 Coronation Night, Waterfront Lahug Hotel

8:00 PM                                  Sinulog Idol (Fuente Osmeña Circle)

9:00 PM                                  Concert @ the Fuente Osmeña, Street Party Bands

January 16, 2014 (Thursday)

9:00 AM                                  Airport Welcome (Balikbayan Flights)

6:30 PM                                  Cultural Shows (Fuente Osmeña) by Southwestern University,

                                              University of San Jose Recoletos, University of Southern

                                              Philippines-Foundation, and Cebu Institute of Technology University

                                              Sinulog Festival Queen Costume Parade, Runway Competition and

                                              Photoshoot @SM City Cebu

6:00 PM                                  Balik Cebu, Welcome Party @ Ayala Center Cebu

8:00 PM                                  Sinulog Idol Grand Finals(Fuente Osmeña Circle)

8:00 PM                                  Handumanan @ Ayala Terraces

9:00 PM                                  Concert @ the Fuente Osmeña , Street Party Bands

January 17, 2014 (Friday)     Visual Merchandising Contest(Dept. Stores and Malls)

4:00 AM                                  Walk with Mary (Area) Fuente Osmeña-Sto. Niño

9:00 AM                                  Solidarity Meeting (All Competing Contingent /Floats

                                              / Higante / Puppteers) @ Cebu City Sports Center Gym

6:00 PM                                  Sinulog Dance Crew Grand Finals @CCSC

7:30 PM                                  Sinulog Festival Queen 2014 Coronation Night

                                              @Cebu City Sports Center

8:00 PM                                  Cebu Popular Music Festival, Cebu Coliseum

January 18, 2014 (Saturday)

6:00 AM                                  Fluvial Procession of the Miraculous Image of Sto. Niño

9:00 AM                                  Re-enactment of the Baptism of Queen Juana and

                                              Rajah Humabon Basilica del Sto.Niño

2:00 PM                                  Solemn Procession of the Miraculous Image of Sto. Niño

7:00 PM                                  Sinulog Fireworks Competition @ SM City Cebu

7:00 PM                                  Street party @ Fuente Osmeña and Plaza Independencia

January 19, 2014 (Sunday)   SINULOG GRAND PARADE

4:00 AM                                  Mañanita Mass @Basilica del Sto. Niño

6:00 AM                                  Pontifical mass with His Eminence Jose S. Palma

8:00 AM                                  Holy Mass at Cebu City Sports Center

9:00 AM                                  Sinulog Grand Parade Carousel Kick Off

7:00 PM                                  Grand Finale and Grand Fireworks, Cebu City Sports Center

7:30 PM                                  Street Party Bands, Fuente Osmeña

9:00 PM                                  Pyrospectacular Show (Pyromusical Show at SM City Cebu)

5:00 PM - 2:00 AM                   Coca-cola Music Studio, Concert Series sa Sugbo @SRP

12:00 MN                                Sinulog Fireworks @SRP

January 20, 2014 (Monday)

1:00 PM                                  Awarding Ceremonies, Cebu City Sports Center

January 22 - 24, 2014           Suroy-Suroy Sugbo - Southern Gateway

January 24, 2014 (Friday)     “HUBO”

4:00 AM                                  “HUBO Mass” Ritual @ Basilica del Sto. Niño

January 27, 2014 (Monday)    Judging of Sinulog Photo Contest 2014

January 28, 2014 (Tuesday)   Judging of Finalist Short Film/Video Documentary Contest

                                               Sinulog Photo Contest 2014

February 1, 2014 (Saturday)

1:00 PM                                  Screening of Finalists Short Film/Video Documentary Contest

6:00 PM                                  Awarding Ceremonies Photo Contest and Video Documentary

                                              Contest @SM City Cebu

February 4 – Feb. 9, 2014     Photo Exhibits “Winning Photos Sinulog ’14 @SM City Cebu

www.sinulog.ph

Viva Pit Señor!!!