WAGAYWAY FESTIVAL IN CAVITE

 

Photo from:   housewifeatwork.blogspot.com

The newest Philippine festival with a historical twist unfolded in Cavite, the country’s seat of independence.  In time for the Independence Day, the town of Imus in Cavite,  commemorates every May 24th the victory of the Battle of Alapan that  paved way to the first Philippine Republic when the Philippine Flag was  first unfurled on May 28, 1898. Imus, dubbed as the country’s flag capital,  celebrate the Wagayway Festival every May 24th-28th as a commencement of Kalayaan 2008.

Photo from:  freeimagefinder.com

The festival’s name “Wagayway” is a Filipino term that means wave,  display or unfurl something that is folded such as a flag or banner. Wagayway Festival hopes to recognize National Flag Day and Imus as a  new tourist destination with the same caliber as Cebu’s Sinulog  Festival, Bacolod’s Masskara Festival and the like.

Photo from:  masterbetong.net

Contrary to public beliefs, it was after the victory of the Battle of Alapan when then President Emilio Aguinaldo first waved the flag made  by Marcela Agoncilio. Aguinaldo again unfurled the same flag in nearby town of Kawit on  June 12 of the same year along with the declaration of Philippine  independence.

Photo from:  flickr.com/photos/33595622@N06/3575252164/

It is hoped that the country’s newest festival  will establish the town’s identity as a historical place. The festival should push Filipinos to be more patriotic to the flag.  Unlike other festivals which are religious in nature, this is a  festival with historical and nationalistic theme.

 

Photo from:  freeimagefinder.com

The event will also highlight the bravery and patriotism of the revolutionaries against the Spanish forces. The festival will be celebrated  highlighting the bravery and patriotism of the revolutionaries who won  the Battle of Alapan despite tremendous odds.

Photo from:  imuscdao.blogspot.com

Source:  bethgozar.weebly.com

 

Photo from:  cavite.gov.ph

Photo from:  pinoyexchange.com

Photo from:  imuscdao.blogspot.com

Traveling to Cavite

Major flights from all over the world arrive daily at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).  From there, various land transportation facilities are available like taxi cabs, rent-a-car, and buses going to Cavite.

 

 

FEAST OF THE BLACK NAZARENE

The feast of the Black Nazarene on January 9 is considered one of the most spectacular religious events that take place in the Philippine history.

Every year thousands of devotees from all walks of life come to the district of Quiapo to take part in the procession as a way of strengthening their faith or fulfilling their vow to Lord.

The Black Nazarene is the patron saint of Quiapo, a small but well-known part of Manila, a hub of trade and commerce because of the Quiapo market and the many stores located there.

The life size image of the Black Nazarene shows a “black” Jesus Christ carrying a cross. The statue has been housed at the Saint John de Baptist Church in Quiapo, Manila also known as the Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene since 1787. The image of the Black Nazarene is brought out in procession on its feast day and Good Friday.

The statue was brought to Manila by a Spanish priest in 1607 aboard a ship. The ship caught fire, burning the image and thus came to be known as the Black Nazarene. Though the image was burnt, the people decided to preserve and honor it. Since then, miraculous things have been reported to those who touch the image.

The celebration starts as the huge door of Quiapo Church opens and the image of the Black Nazarene is within sight. The ocean of devotees start to yell “Viva Señor” while some wave white towel high in the air along with the scripture of the Black Nazarene.

The statue is placed in a gilded carriage for the procession. As the procession starts, procession participants garbed in maroon tops grab two long ropes and pull it to make the carriage move. Many will attempt to touch the image while some throw their handkerchiefs and towels in the air. People who join in the procession walk barefooted as a sign of humility.

The devotion to the Black Nazarene is long time practice of the Filipino Catholics and they believe that through their faith with Jesus Christ, there will be peace and harmony among families, long life and good health among people, deliverance from all calamities and disasters, and prosperity, joy and love among nations.

Source: Iarcam.org

FESTIVAL OF HEARTS

It is a major festival of romance to highlight Valentine’s Day held in Tanjay City, Negros Oriental, island of Visayas, Philippines every February 1- February 28 of each year.

Tanjay City, Negros Accidental, one of the young city in the country culminates its annual Festival of Hearts that offers a truly captivating two -week celebration of romance, love and affection. The grand celebration falls on the Valentines Day as it features Harana (Serenade), Baile ng Bayan (Town Fiesta filled with dance til you drop motif), Mass Wedding/Renewal of Vows and the coronation of the Miss Valentines winner. This celebration is truly a Festival to look for since you'll be able to feel the love in the air and the tender loving care seems to be contagious.

February here it comes… This is a very romantic festival celebration expressing and pampering one’s beloved. The idea behind this tradition is to celebrate love, get love and give love to everyone around us. At first, Valentines Day is exclusively associated for couples only but in the long run the festival is seen in a larger perspective. A lot of customs and traditions are being observed around the world such as exchanging of cards, flowers and gifts.

Filipinos have always been known as romantic people. It is obviously seen during the special day of hearts when they wear red shirts (for those who search for their perfect match), giving red roses to their love ones, holding hands in malls, public plazas, on crowded movie houses, restaurants and for those who search for a more romantic scene, they choose to bring their dates to the beach.

 

 

 

ATI-ATIHAN FESTIVAL

The Ati-Atihan Festival is a feast held annually in January in honor of the Santo Niño (Infant Jesus), concluding on the third Sunday, in the island and town of Kalibo, Aklan in the Philippines.

The festival consists of tribal dance, music, accompanied by indigenous costumes and weapons, and parade along the street. Christians, and non-Christians observe this day with religious processions.

The people attend masses for the Santo Niño, and benefit dances sponsored by government organizations. The formal opening mass emphasizes the festival’s religious event. The procession begins with a rhythmic drumbeats, and dances parading along the street.

The second day begins at dawn with a rosary procession, which ends with a community mass, and procession. The highlight of the festival occurs on the last day, when groups representing different tribes compete.

The festival ends with a procession of priest carrying torches, and different kinds of images of the Santo Niño. The contest winners are announced at a masquerade ball which officially ends the festival.