What's the best festival here in the Philippines?

[filz_33]

for me... Sinulog!!! love thy own!:Dhehe

[tadz1158]

for me... Sinulog!!! love thy own!:Dhehe


Yes, you're right. It is Sinulog Festival because we should patronize our own. But to be fair with all the Filipinos; let us enumerate the ten (10) best festivals in the country.

Here they are:

1. Dinagyang Festival in Iloilo City
2. Higantes Festival in Angono, Rizal
3. Kadayawan Festival in Davao City
4. Ati-atihan in Kalibo, Aklan
5. Maskara Festival in Bacolod City
6. Moriones Festival in Marinduque
7. Pahiyas Festival in Lukban, Quezon
8. Panagbenga Festival in Baguio City
9. Pintados Festival in Tacloban, Leyte
10. Sinulog Festival in Cebu City

[Cess]

Sinulog :D:D agreed :D

[tadz1158]

One beat.....one rhythm!:p:p

[Manix16]

yes, you're right. It is sinulog festival because we should patronize our own. But to be fair with all the filipinos; let us enumerate the ten (10) best festivals in the country.

Here they are:

1. Dinagyang festival in iloilo city
2. Higantes festival in angono, rizal
3. Kadayawan festival in davao city
4. Ati-atihan in kalibo, aklan
5. Maskara festival in bacolod city
6. Moriones festival in marinduque
7. Pahiyas festival in lukban, quezon
8. Panagbenga festival in baguio city
9. Pintados festival in tacloban, leyte
10. Sinulog festival in cebu city

Here's mine:

1. Sangyaw Festival (Tacloban City)
2. Sandugo Festival (Tagbilaran, Bohol)
3. Ati-atihan (Kalibo, Aklan)
4. Pasigarbo Sa Sugbo (Cebu City)
5. Pintados Festival (Tacloban City)

But seriously, THERE ARE TONS that tourists can choose from. Bakit kamo?
THE PHILIPPINES IT IS!!! WOOOOHOOOOOOO!!!

[megan21]

there are lots of festivals to witness in the Philippines, but so far, Sinulog mardi gras in Cebu is considered to be the best and most awaited of all. Tourists from all over the world flock to Cebu just to participate in the street festival. :) it unites all people!

http://rengarcia.files.wordpress.com/2008/02/sinulog-4.jpg

[Kelly]

Sinulog Festival! :D

[filz_33]

wow! there are a lot of cebuanos here..

[tadz1158]

yes, and I'm proud to be a Cebuano!

[tadz1158]

Sinulog is country’s biggest, grandest and most anticipated festival and it is the country’s biggest pageantry of sights, sounds and colors as it honors and pays homage to the patron saint of Cebu , the child Jesus — Sr. Sto. Niño.

[filz_33]

maayong buntag tadz1158..:Dhehe

[stella]

My favorite would have to be the Maskara festival! It's awesome!

http://www.lakbaypilipinas.com/images/bacolod_masskara_festival2.jpg

http://media.photobucket.com/image/maskara%20festival/bhoyet09/124602922VzaQet_fs.jpg

[megan21]

there is also the ati-atihan festival

Kalibo, Aklan
Third Week

The Ati-Atihan Festival honors the 13th century land deal between 10 migrating Bornean chieftains and the indigenous Ati King Marikudo. It also honors the town patron, the infant Sto. Niño. The constant, rhythmic pounding of drums get to you, and before you know it you are on the street, shuffling your feet, shaking your head, waving your hands - and joining thousands of soot-blacked, gaily-costumed revelers in an ancient ritual of mindless happiness. A familiar battle cry reaches your ears, and amidst all this bewilderment you remember where you are: Kalibo, Aklan. "Viva, Sto. Niño!" The Ati-Atihan celebration is boomed in many parts of the country.

http://www.etravelpilipinas.com/tourism_news/images/Ati-atihan-Festival-2009.jpg

[seansean]

For me? Festival Mall in Alabang:D

[tadz1158]

maayong buntag tadz1158..:Dhehe


"Maayong Gabi-i pud nimo filz 33". :D (for the sake of those who can't understand...Good Evening to you filz 33". Nice to know that I'm not alone here. :)

[tadz1158]

My favorite would have to be the Maskara festival! It's awesome!

http://www.lakbaypilipinas.com/images/bacolod_masskara_festival2.jpg

http://media.photobucket.com/image/maskara%20festival/bhoyet09/124602922VzaQet_fs.jpg


I love it. Very colorful!

[wanderlust]

Masskara! I can't wait! I'll be flying to Bacolod in October in time for the festival. :)

[stella]

There will also be a lot of actors and actresses visiting during the festival. Last year, Bamboo went there to have a free concert!:p

[megan21]

why is the maskara festival called "maskara"? i understand they use masks, but what is the history behind it? :)

[Manix16]

Actually, it's MassKara. Just like you, I thought there's a religious or war story behind the festival, but there isn't. But not to trivialize Bacolod's dedication in making this festival one of the best in the country, the MassKara festival was born in the mid-70s out of a mayor's refusal to celebrate his city's anniversary the "normal" way.
Ayt, so because it was already known back then as 'The City of Smiles', townsfolk were encouraged to put on masks with large smiles painted on them. MassKara is a fusion of English and Spanish -- "Mass" meaning many, and "Kara" meaning face. MassKara then becomes a "Mass of Faces".

[wanderlust]

Oh that's the history. I'm from Bacolod and I don't even know! hahaha shame on me.

[tadz1158]

Oh that's the history. I'm from Bacolod and I don't even know! hahaha shame on me.

Hahahaha! I can't help but laugh out loud...:D But seriously, it's really nice to know that are people who go out of their way to know the story behind each festival in the country. :)

[megan21]

Actually, it's MassKara. Just like you, I thought there's a religious or war story behind the festival, but there isn't. But not to trivialize Bacolod's dedication in making this festival one of the best in the country, the MassKara festival was born in the mid-70s out of a mayor's refusal to celebrate his city's anniversary the "normal" way.
Ayt, so because it was already known back then as 'The City of Smiles', townsfolk were encouraged to put on masks with large smiles painted on them. MassKara is a fusion of English and Spanish -- "Mass" meaning many, and "Kara" meaning face. MassKara then becomes a "Mass of Faces".

thanks for the enlightenment manix! i have always thought that festivals have some religious or tribal history behind it. hehe :)

[tadz1158]

For me? Festival Mall in Alabang:D


Can you tell us what is best in the Festival Mall in Alabang?:confused:

[Kelly]

Dinagyang Festival is the biggest and most colorful religious and cultural festival in Iloilo City, Philippines, and is held on the fourth Sunday of January, or right after the Sinulog In Cebu and the Ati-Atihan in Aklan. It is held both to honor the Santo Niño and to celebrate the arrival on Panay of Malay settlers and the subsequent selling of the island to them by the Atis.

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Z2t1WumbMZo/R5lzudgWd-I/AAAAAAAABoY/Ue7EW8LSkhg/s1600/Dinagyang_05_0063.JPG

[moohlan]

When it comes to festivals. Kadayawan Festival comes to minds. I have a friend from Davao that has lots of good memories with her experiences during Kadayawan. So I guess it stuck in my mind...

[Lee Rhyne]

For me Sinulog Festival is still the best of all time.


@tadz1158: Festival mall is actually just a mall.

[tadz1158]

For me Sinulog Festival is still the best of all time.


@tadz1158: Festival mall is actually just a mall.


I know! It was posted with sarcasm and so that I replied with sarcasm too! Hhhhmmmm!!! You're full of arrogance. :rolleyes:

[jbrayos]

I think the Baguio Flower Festival is the best, Its really colorful, and people there are really nice.

[stella]

The Lanzones Festival in Camiguin is good too.

[Kelly]

The Lanzones Festival in Camiguin is good too.

Hmmm lanzones!! :D

[purpleaf]

We have sooo much festivals in the Philippines! Nice to know! Haven't seen much though. The one i regularly encountered was the "basaan" when we still lived in San Juan. What is that festival called? Is it a festival at all?

[OceanBreezeInn]

By the way ... Marinduque (http://www.tourism.marinduque.gov.ph/index.html) has an interesting official website. This link is dedicated to the Moriones Festival (http://www.tourism.marinduque.gov.ph/moriones.htm). And here (http://www.tourism.marinduque.gov.ph/festivals.htm) you find details about other festivals like Kangga Festival, Tuba Festival, Bila Bila Festival and others.

http://www.tourism.marinduque.gov.ph/festivals005.jpg

[moohlan]

We have sooo much festivals in the Philippines! Nice to know! Haven't seen much though. The one i regularly encountered was the "basaan" when we still lived in San Juan. What is that festival called? Is it a festival at all?

^That's the Festival of St. John the Baptist in San Juan that is being celebrated every June. The people commemorate the birth of St. John, the one who prepared the way for Christ by baptizing the people with water.

[Manix16]

Alright, guys and gals quiet down. As Pinoys I feel it's our duty (;)) to tell those who will be traveling here in the Philippines that we have as many festivals as there are islands here. The reason being, Pinoys are jovial, outgoing, fun-loving people. Now since May is halfway over, let us give 'em June's most popular festivals:

1) Celebration of The Philippine Independence Month
The Declaration of Independence in Kawit, Cavite-more than a hundred years ago will be commemorated on June 12. One can witness a grand celebration in Luneta Park (if you're in Manila) simultaneous with a grand parade in Kawit, Cavite (if you're in that part of town). There will also be a flag raising ceremony on the balcony of the Emilio Aguinaldo Shrine, where the first Philippine flag was unfurled.

2) PARADA NG LECHON
June 24 - Balayan, Batangas
This is the Feast of St. John the Baptist where "dressed" and decorated roasted pigs are paraded around town. Revelers partake of the lechons after the parade. (Be forewarned: Don't eat too much lechon if you doubt your blood pressure)

3) PINTADOS FESTIVAL
June 29 - Tacloban City
Street pageantry and contest focusing on the Leyteños' old custom of tattooing that signifies courage and status in the community. For more info and colorful representations of this festival, just view the previous posts.

[SARAWI]

SINULOG! VIVA PIT SENYOR!
Hands down...:D

[tools4kools]

sinulog coz of its historical and religious aspect plus its civic proponent: parties everywhere!

[megan21]

Sinulog performers have a grand slam at the annual dancing festival of fiestas. I don't know what the contest is called. So sad. But I'm sure it's true. :D

[tools4kools]

Sinulog performers have a grand slam at the annual dancing festival of fiestas. I don't know what the contest is called. So sad. But I'm sure it's true. :D

its the aliwan fiesta in manila. but this year's aliwan, sinulog was not included because grand slammers do not compete anymore, well that's what they say. hehe

[aphryll]

For me one of the best festivals ever here in the Philippines is the Panagbenga festival or the flower festival in Baguio. It is a month long celebration that begins from February to March. In this festival, floats are decorated with flowers and are paraded in the whole town. There are also several events such as street dancing parades and contests. You would really love the festival.

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/54/131663425_0f6fff86b3.jpg?v=0http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3345/3495227666_e6263eedd9_m.jpg

[purpleaf]

For me one of the best festivals ever here in the Philippines is the Panagbenga festival or the flower festival in Baguio. It is a month long celebration that begins from February to March. In this festival, floats are decorated with flowers and are paraded in the whole town. There are also several events such as street dancing parades and contests. You would really love the festival.

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/54/131663425_0f6fff86b3.jpg?v=0http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3345/3495227666_e6263eedd9_m.jpg

Wow! This looks nice! I haven't seen this one in person but I'm planning to by next year.

[agila]

For me it's Ati-atihan at Kalibo Aklan!
I went there last January!

[OceanBreezeInn]

For me it's Ati-atihan at Kalibo Aklan!
I went there last January!

Yes, Ati-atihan is great ! Its always in January ... There is even a website dedicated to this festival: http://www.ati-atihan.net/ ... But its down right now ...

70knyZ87EGE

[Subsistence]

Well... It would be the flower festival, voted by many people already. :) Its beautiful. Simply beautiful. If I would be describing it in 1 word then the word would be "COLORFUL" He he. You have to see it to agree with me.

[stella]

Yes, Ati-atihan is great ! Its always in January ... There is even a website dedicated to this festival: http://www.ati-atihan.net/ ... But its down right now ...

70knyZ87EGE

I've always wanted to go see the Ati-Atihan festival! It looks really fun!

[voyager]

i'm no ilonggo but dinagyang festival in ilo-ilo is tops in my book. they are fond of shouting "viva senor sto. nino!" :D

[cebufestivals]

http://photos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v3905/85/66/73184446379/n73184446379_1697297_7177965.jpg

The best Festival here in the Philippines??

The proud of CEBUANOS. SINULOG FESTIVAL

The Sinulog Festival is the grandest and the most anticipated festival in Central Visayas!!

[reikosimpsons]

I agree with Sinulog! It's the grandest festival. Although I also love the Pintados, Pahiyas and the Penafrancia Festival in Bicol.

[dawn of day]

Yes, you're right. It is Sinulog Festival because we should patronize our own. But to be fair with all the Filipinos; let us enumerate the ten (10) best festivals in the country.

Here they are:

1. Dinagyang Festival in Iloilo City
2. Higantes Festival in Angono, Rizal
3. Kadayawan Festival in Davao City
4. Ati-atihan in Kalibo, Aklan
5. Maskara Festival in Bacolod City
6. Moriones Festival in Marinduque
7. Pahiyas Festival in Lukban, Quezon
8. Panagbenga Festival in Baguio City
9. Pintados Festival in Tacloban, Leyte
10. Sinulog Festival in Cebu City

I agree with this list. We should all be proud of this showcase of culture.

[dawn of day]

i'm no ilonggo but dinagyang festival in ilo-ilo is tops in my book. they are fond of shouting "viva senor sto. nino!" :D
Same also with the Sinulog right, they also shout "viva senor santo nino". I think they have the same purpose, only celebrated uniquely.

[OceanBreezeInn]

A snapshot from Baragatan sa Palawan ~ Saraotan sa Dalan:


http://img17.myimg.de/palawanbaragatansapalawa49eb9.jpg (http://www.myimg.de)

[KimChi]

I don't necessarily feel that we can decide on the best festival--each one has a unique flair and charm that you'd want to experience it at least once.

I do want to experience the Panagbenga Festival of Baguio, Maskara Festival of Bacolod, Sinulog of Cebu, and Kadayawan in Davao.

[wanderer]

Dinagyang Festival in Iloilo every January is a spectacle in itself. There are all these people parading on the streets in their colorful outfits. Many people are out there to witness the event as well. :)

[KimChi]

There's also the annual Aliwan Festival held at the CCP/Star City area every May. It's a great way to see all the festivals all at once.

[mscaracter]

Me too masskara festival is the best!! Especially their colorful masks that they create, i think it really capture the creativity sides of people of Bacolod city.

MassKara Festival: This festival is a Mardi Gras like celebration that masked and costumed street dancers, with fairs and carnivals. Bacolod City celebrates this festival in the third weekend of October that is close to October 19.

[blueberry]

Yes they say the sinulog is great festival but haven't been to one. I wish to see it when I have the chance. What I ususally see here in Manila is the ati-atihan when I was a kid.:cool:

[jabberedonion]

I agree that every festival is unique but I guess the reason why Sinulog stands out among the rest of the festivals is because it's the biggest and the most known festival in the country. If I'm not mistaken it was the first which started 30 years ago.

[junrey24]

Yes, you're right. It is Sinulog Festival because we should patronize our own. But to be fair with all the Filipinos; let us enumerate the ten (10) best festivals in the country.

Here they are:

1. Dinagyang Festival in Iloilo City
2. Higantes Festival in Angono, Rizal
3. Kadayawan Festival in Davao City
4. Ati-atihan in Kalibo, Aklan
5. Maskara Festival in Bacolod City
6. Moriones Festival in Marinduque
7. Pahiyas Festival in Lukban, Quezon
8. Panagbenga Festival in Baguio City
9. Pintados Festival in Tacloban, Leyte
10. Sinulog Festival in Cebu City



So, it means that Sinulog Cebu is only top 10? not top 1?

[pces]

I believe every festival is different from another and we should not compare one another. Every festival celebrates a different cause and the way each is celebrated is influenced by the origin of the festival.

[ladygee]

WELL GOT TO SAY SO FAR THAT'S WHAT I ENJOYED THE MOST..THE SINULOG FESTIVAL..The concept is great and the enjoyment under the heat of the sun while dancing the famous sinulog beat tops them all..pit senor!!!
not just the dancing and the fun..but the tribute given to the child Jesus, Sto. Nino de Cebu

http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:NIw3OthwOG_iqM:http://www.goodconceptent.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/07/sinulog-festivalcebu2.jpg
http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:eBILCIAEfzONLM:http://www.cebu-life.com/sinulog-cebu-img/wanted.jpg
http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:jOBjF7PMsgLvOM:http://www.sinulog.ph/images/sinulog-about2.jpg

[pinoytourist]

I believe every festival is different from another and we should not compare one another. Every festival celebrates a different cause and the way each is celebrated is influenced by the origin of the festival.

I agree with your opinion. I believe that each festival is the best in itself considering the effort, time and money that local leaders, participants and sponsors give in order to come up with the ultimate and joyful festivity.

Inasmuch as each one has his/her own perception of best, let us mention the unique best that each festival is presenting especially when the festival has depiction of history.