Sinulog Festival, Cebu City, Philippines

January 2011

The Sinulog is an annual festival held on the third Sunday of January in Cebu City, Philippines. The festival commemorates the vision of the child Jesus, known as the Sto. Nino (Holy Child),who used to be the patron Saint of the City of Cebu . It is a dance ritual that commemorates the Cebuano people's acceptance of Roman Catholic Faith. Cebu being the first to accept the Catholic faith in the Philippines. The festival features a street parade with participants in bright colored costumes dancing to the rhythm of drums and other native instruments.

Dancers in colorful costumes grace the streets swaying to the rhythm of drums and native instruments.

Let's not forget, that after all the fun and festivities. The Sinulog festival is about giving praise and thanks giving to our Lord and Savior. 

Pahiyas Festival 2009

Lucban, Quezon

May 15, 2009

The Pahiyas festival a colorful tradition celebrated by the people of Lucban Quezon in honor of San Isidro Labrador. A tradition that the farmers celebrate as a thanks giving for good harvest. Celebrated every 15Th of May, the festival brings together family, friends, politicians,celebrities both foreign and domestic. Celebrated since the 16Th century, the Pahiyas Festival seems to have not lost its luster through the years. Showcasing even colorful and imaginative decorations from its creative residents. This years decorations being no exemption, drawing up prizes as much as Php 65,000 per entry.Unfortunately, some of the decorations don't last the next day to be able to allow onlookers to take a decent picture the following day.

The Pahiyas is Festival is not just about the houses, an assortment of floats adorned in native produces of abaca fibers, coconut husks,Kipings, fruit and vegetables parade through the busy streets.

Watch giant figures made of paper mache parade through the crowded streets...

A parade of carabaoe's march through the streets pulling along their decorated carriages. Some are even made to genuflect...

A showcase of Filipino creativity and traditional delicacies such as the famous pancit habhab and longganisang Lucban, the Pahiyas Festival is testimony that the Filipino spirit is very much alive, even in times of turmoil and uncertainty.