Tanabata Festival on July 7

On the 7th night of the 7th moon or July 7th, Tanabata Festival is celebrated in Japan. Tanabata is also known as the Star Festival or the Festival of the Star-Crossed Lovers.

The Tanabata is celebrated on the mainland and in Okinawa. On mainland Japan, the festival witnesses an evening ceremony where candles are floated down streams and rivers. The flames represent the stars and the water represents the heavenly river.

In Okinawa, children and adults write Japanese love poems on brightly colored strips of paper. Other strips of paper along with bright decorations represent wishes for success, wealth, love and health. The decorations come in red, yellow, green white and black paper. The poems and decorations are hung on bamboo trees or branches and offered to the stars.

First celebrated in 755, the Tanabata Festival as well as many others began with a popular legend.

The legend is based on a tale about Princess Shokujo, the weaving girl, and her father, the Celestial Emperor Tentei. They lived on the east bank of the Heavenly River also known as the Milky Way. The princess wove cloth for the many gods in her father's mansion. As she reached maturity her father chose a herdsman named Kengyu the "Ox Puller" who ruled west of the river, to be her groom.

Shokujo and Kengyu were introduced, fell in love and were married. Their honeymoon lasted so long that they both neglected to perform their duties. Kengyu's oxen became thin and weak. The gods were angry because Shokujo was not weaving cloth for them. Emperor Tentei decided to punish the young couple and condemned them to be separated by the river, only allowing them to meet one night every year.

The river dividing their kingdoms was very deep and swift. There was no bridge so the couple relied on magpies to flock together on this night to form a path so Shokujo could walk over to meet her husband. Today, the legend says that Shokujo is Vega, the Princess Star, and Kengyu is Altair, the Prince Star. One time each year these two stars cross paths, hence, they've become known as the star-crossed lovers.

The belief that Vega and Altair cross paths only once a year is very appealing to young Japanese girls. They eagerly pray during Tanabata for the success of their own love and also pray that the weather will be fair. If it rains the Milky Way will become flooded and the two stars will not be able to meet for another year. Rain on the evening of Tanabata is considered bad luck for couples.

Text above has a slight variation from the original text.
Tanabata Foto link here.

Igorot cañao of gongs and flags

An Igorot festival, the East Coast Grand Cañao will be held at Chetham Naval Annex, Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia July 24-26. The annual festival will be attended by around 500 Igorot immigrants living in the East Coast area of the US. The cultural celebration is organized by five East Coast based Bontoc-Ifugao-Benguet-Apayao-Abra-Kalinga (BIBAAK) organizations and hosted by BIBAK DC. This gathering of Igorots fuels camaraderie and fellowship among Igorots living in this part of US, and others worldwide who wish to attend. Camping, ball games, golf, and cultural programs fill the event.

Not to be forgotten is a parade with gong playing and flags with attendees in cultural attire. The Igorot gangza (gong) is a cultural symbol of fellowship and unity among Igorots, an ethno linguistic tribe in northern Luzon, Philippines. An ecumenical mass is also observed. Some Igorots are Romans Catholics, Episcopalians and some belonging to fundamentalist sects.

Igorots worldwide converge in clustered gatherings in different countries and continents. Though an annual Igorot Global Organization (IGO) gathering makes them come together and collectively renew the fellowship.

For those who want to attend the event, you may link here at BIBAK San Diego Guestbook and get to know more about the event. Or log into BIBAK San Diego Multiply and send your message here.

Bike Rally at Faro

Faro is known for its Faro International Motorcycle Rally. All roads lead to Faro, Portugal on July 16-19 this year. Visit Faro and be a part of this exciting outdoor sport, either you’re a biking fan or a biker yourself. This world event is renowned and considered one of the biggest events of its kind outside of USA.

A whole lot of fun, music, camping and biking awaits you on this invigorating 4-day event at Faro. Should you ride by plane from UK, US, other parts of Europe, or Asia and land at Faro Airport, 121 Car Hire Portugal will fetch you at Faro Airport and drop you to your place of destination. Or you might choose to actually join the campsite and head off to the venue of the Faro International Motorcycle Rally.

Book a reservation here at cheap car hire for faro airport. Enter your vehicle collection and destination along with the date and time of when you avail of the services of 121 Car Hire Portugal. Reasonable car rental rates within your budget are available.And either you want a van or a family car. No problem. 121 Car Hire Portugal has the right car for you at your convenience.


FARO Pic1 Link
FARO Pic2 Link

Songkran in Thailand!

Get wet! Literally wet in Thailand. It’s the Songkran (Water) Festival and everyone is practically out in the streets to celebrate the New Year from April 13 to 15.

Splashing and pouring water on you means a blessing for this Buddhist country, so thank the gods and Gods for blessings that come this year.

Children and adults position themselves in front of their houses and shops and splash water on everyone passing by. No one is an exception to be splashed with water, be this lukewarm or icy water. People are kind and there is no hot water to come splashing on your face.

Songkran is a three –day traditional New Year starting every April 13th of the year in Thailand, Burma, Cambodia and Lao. April 13 is Maha Songkran Day to mark the end of the old year. April 15 is Wan Thaloeng Sok which begins the New
Year.

Songkran is Thai word which means "move" or "change place" as it is when the sun changes its position in the zodiac. That is, when the sun enters the sign of Aries or Ram. Songkran is also known as the "Water Festival" as people believe that water will wash away bad luck. It is a special time when people clean their houses, public places and buildings.

It is a time when people pay their respects to Buddha in their respective
temples for good luck and good health the whole year round. It is a time to give merit or offerings to the monks and receive and give joint merits too.

The Songkran also happens at a time when the Boi Sabi festival is simultaneously held in Chittagong Hill Tracts of Bangladesh. The Boi Sabi festival is New Year for the Buddhist indigenous peoples of the southern part of the country. Although the new year Boishakh is also held by the Bengalis of Bangladesh on April 14.

LINKS

1st pic link

2nd pic link

Lang-ay in Mountain Province

Yes, yes yo! The crowd drawing Lang-ay Festival of Mountain Province is now being celebrated in this capital town of the province from March 29 to April 7. Now In its 5th year, the culture-rich event is observed with performances from five ethno-linguistic tribes of the ten towns of the provinces. Dances and songs cap presentations fromthe the ethnic tribes- Applai from Sagada, and Besao; Kankanaey from Bauko, Tadian, and Sabangan; Baliwon from Paracelis; Balangao from Barlig and Natonin; and the Bontoc tribe from Bontoc and Sadanga.

As early as March 29, coronation of the winning contestants for the Anap di Bangan de Montanosa (Search for Ms Mountain Province) was observed. In tune with the culture of the place, the coronation is a resemblance of the cultural ceremonies in the western part of the province where Bangan in her red - striped “gateng” (local woven skirt) is the first to plant the rice seedlings to start rice planting before folks follow.

The celebration of the culture-studded event also includes the holding of an ecumenical mass officiated by newly installed Episcopal Bishop Brent Alawas at the Provincial Plaza grounds. While some few remaining elders of this province chose to remain unbaptized, some 95% of the people are either Roman Catholics or Episcopalians which shows the strong influence of the Roman Catholic influence in the late 1800s and the American Episcopal Missionaries in the early1900s. Some are Baptists and some are with charismatic fellowships including the Free Believers.

The event is not only about showing the people’s culture on dances and rituals though. It is also about promoting its basic source of livelihood from agriculture and locally made products such as woven materials and wines. The agro-industrial fair opened with the judging of Pinaka (best) among the agricultural products displayed in booths by delegates from the ten towns supervised by the agricultural unit of the provincial administration.

Rice, roots crops, highland vegetables (potatoes, tomatoes, cabbage, onions) and fruits (citrus and bananas) are among the major crops planted here. Coffee is now strongly promoted with its promising economic returns. Sagada Coffee Arabica is famous for its exotic aroma. Coffee drinking is available at the provincial grounds and especially promoted on April 1.

And so with locally made fruit and rice wines. Lang-ay wines are best known to come from Bauko. Though other wine entrepreneurs are now doing the home made product in almost all over the ten towns of the province.

Woven products shall also be specially promoted by the Governor’s spouse, Ms Cecilia Dalog. In Lang-ay weaves and Designs on April 4. This event showcases fashion trends on the province’s finely made woven products including the traditional tapis and G-string for men, bags and purses in varied sizes and designs.

The culture-rich province sees the spectacular performance of ethnic tribes during the street dancing event during the culminating day on April 7. As Governor Maximo Dalog said, the Lang-ay Festival shall be relevantly observed with the basic and usual presentation of culture and tradition. Although for this year’s event, the participation of children and youth is more pronounced. It is also expected that people from Mountain Province who went to other places and now categorized to belong to the 11th municipality will have visible presence during the event.

The Lang-ay Festival now is expected to draw more than 30,000 people to include visitors and residents. Be one among the 30,000 plus participants. Join and enjoy the Lang-ay Festival!

For recent pics, go to Lang-ay Mountain Province

Sagada Town Fiesta

Coronation of Bangan di Sagada, a clergy choir, and an indigenous musical contest and music jamming with local talents and invited musicians highlighted this town’s fiesta which started January 31-April 2. The town fiesta is usually held jointly with the celebration of the Christian calendar’s “Presentation of Jesus Christ in the Temple” which is Feb. 2.

Gracing the event was a street dancing and a civic parade January 31 followed by cultural presentations at the community court, with theme “Cultural renaissance for a better Sagada”.

Regular ballgames, the traditional tug of war was participated by delegates from the 19 barangays of the municipality. Also, a quiz bee and an essay writing contest were attended by secondary school students.



The Philippine National Police Band did a special rendition on last night during the coronation of Bangan di Sagada (Search for Ms Sagada)

A children ‘s song was shown followed by a choir rendition of clergy from the Episcopal Diocese of Northern Philippines and Cathedral on the night of February 1st at the Church of Saint Mary the Virgin.

The indigenous musical contest featured original compositions focused on themes of peace, environmental protection, justice, and health shown Feb. 2 followed by community jamming with local talents.

Gov. Maximo Dalog in his message said, “May the fiesta celebration be another time to highlight the positive features of our culture.”

Former Sagada mayor and now Presidential Assistant for Cordillera Affairs said the fiesta theme is “timely and significant that should grow with the consciousness of the community. It is in fact an invaluable part of our character that should not be eroded by time and the various influences that affect our values and our way of life. Sagada would not have been what it is without our strong cultural foundations.”

Sagada mayor Edward Latawan noted changes in local traditions yet culture persisted which continues to be valued.

Historic events highlight October festivals in Visayas

Its show time! The Philippines sizzle with festivals this October especially in Mindanao and the Visayan islands. Festivals this time of the year revolve on celebration of fruit harvests, religious events and foundation days. The streets come alive with dancing and gaiety. The holding of religious events are also observed this month. Shops are a bustle and fruits, crops, handicrafts are displayed for the buyer’s choise. Celebration of historic events highlight festivals in Visayas.

VISAYAS

The Visayas islands has a line up of festivals this month celebrated with street dances and agro fairs.

The Masskara Festival of Bacolod City like the Ati-Atihan of Antique is a festive parade of people wearing colorful masks to make life beautiful and happy despite the hardships of life. This mardi-gras day which runs from October 1-22 also coincides with the Charter Day of Bacolod.

Similarly, street dancing will be the limelight here at the Buglasan Festival on October 22 in Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental. Similarly, Ibalong Festival is held from October 6 to 12 in Albay, the place which locates the famous Mayon Volcano.

In Catanduanes, the Catandungan Padayaw is held October 21- September 23 in celebration of the province’s founding anniversary. Street dance – Pantomina, beauty pageant, agro-trade fair, sports events, guided tours, photo exhibits highlight the festival.

Pista ng Gubat at Pandan, Antique, reminds the need to observe biodiversity in Northwest Panay. This event is annually held October 1st.

The historic Leyte Gulf Landing Anniversary on October 17-20, commemorates the landing of Gen. Douglas MacArthur on the shores of Palo, Leyte.

Mangyan tribes have their festive reunion during the Pamugu-an Festival on October 17-23. Mansalay, Mindoro Oriental. Still in Mindoro Oriental, the Kapakyanan Festival is held October 14-15 to observe the abundance of fruits and crops.

The Halad Festival on October 15 shall be held in Talisay, Cebu in celebration of the feast in honor of Sta. Teresa de Avila. The streets come alive with trade fairs, nightly variety shows, street dancing, cooking demonstration and food fair.

Here at Sorsogon, Kasanggayahan (prosperity) Festival on October 15- 25
commemorates the Foundation Anniversary of Sorsogon. The Cimarrones Festival on October 16- 26 at Pili, Camarines Sur is highlighted by grand street presentations depicting the local culture and history of Cimarrones believed to be the early inhabitants of Pili.

The Aswang Festival on October 29-30 at Roxas City festival intends to turn the aswang impression with a highlight on Capiz’ quality seafood products.

Iloilo holds two festivals which happen on the same dates. Saludan Festival on October 29- 31 observes the dialect used for the crude method of threshing rice, catching fingerlings through nets. The Cry of Jelicuon Festival happens on the same days at New Lucena, Iloilo. The festival commemorates the historic undertaking of Ilonggo revolucionarios, led by Gen. Martin Delgado and volunteers who revolted against the Spanish government.

Religious festivals
Here at Central Luzon are religious festivals. In Angeles City, the faithful kiss the feet of the Image of Christ prior to several masses held at the Holy Rosary parish church on October 28. Tigitigan at tarakan keng dalan Festival begins the same day at Balibago, Angeles City

The month-long celebration of two fiestas- La Naval and Fiestang Apu- the Fiestang Kuliat in Angeles City culminates with street singing and dancing on October 9 in commemoration of the Virgin of the Holy Rosary.

Feast of St. Francis of Assissi called Pagoda happens October 4 at Cardona, Rizal.An annual procession is held to ask the Lord Almighty for a bountiful and blessed lake through the intercession of St. Francis of Assisi.

Meantime, Muslim brothers and sisters celebrate the Holy month of Ramadhan this October. A month-long fasting of Muslims, Ramadhan is one of the pillars of Islam’s religious and cultural Activities. Eid’l Fitr celebrates the end of the one-month fasting. Activities includes mobile “Takbir”, Quran reading, fireworks display, Pagana and foodgiving.


SOURCES

October festivals

October festivals

Photo credit: Masskara

Photo credit: Pagoda

Fruit harvests and religious events top October festivals

Its show time! The Philippines sizzle with festivals this October especially in Mindanao and the Visayan islands. Festivals this time of the year revolve on celebration of fruit harvests, religious events and foundation days. The streets come alive with dancing and gaiety. The holding of religious events are also observed this month. Shops are a bustle and fruits, crops, handicrafts are displayed for the buyer’s choise.

MINDANAO

Zamboanga Hermosa Festival is celebrated October 1-12. Zamboanga, the City of Flowers, will feature the vintas (native sailboats) in colorful water parade. Davao City will feature Wow Dabaw the first two weeks of October, promoting the city’s tourist destinations and products. One of these destinations is Philippine Eagle Center, home to at least 30 Philippine eagles. Banayan Festival in Davao Oriental, from October 26- 28 gives tribute to rice, the town’s main product. Sambuokan festival on October 27-29 is an agro fair in Mati, Davao Oriental; while Lubi-lubi Festival in Sarangani Province of Davao del Sur shows various uses of the coconut tree and its by products through street revelry.

The Kinilaw Festival in Surigao City shows varied ways in preparing “kinilaw” (raw fish delicacy). Meantime, the Siargao International Body Boarders Surfing Challenge will witness the participation of international body boarders to participate in this water sports event on October 7- 20 here in Surigao.

The postponed Kidapawan Fruit Festival will finally be held on October 5-10. Tons of exotic tropical eat-free fruits will be displayed on a make-shift table 800 meters long. Ting Udo Festival, also a fruit festival shall be observed at Makilala, Cotabato.

Still on fruits, Sagingan Festival shall likewise be observed in Lanao del Norte from October 16 - 17 in thanksgiving to the bounty harvest of bananas. Camiguin with its abundance of lanzones fruits shall hold its Lanzones Festival on October 20-24. Dawitodawit ta Buahan is likewise celebrated in Catarman, Camiguin on October 24. This is a prelude ritual to the Lanzones Festival done during twilight at the Guijob Church ruins.

In Dipolog City, the Feast of our Lady of the Holy Rosary will be observed on October 7. Meantime, ethnic dances of the Subanon tribes shall be specially featured during the Inug-og Festival in Oroquieta City, Misamis Occidental on October 14.

SOURCES:

October festivals

October festivals

PictureTakinDevil on Flickr

Bontoc fiesta and am-among

The Bontoc Fiesta is celebrated every September 16th with cultural presentations, street dancing and community gathering called am-among.

The Bontoc am–among is a traditional practice where Bontoc tribes north of the PhIlippines take rest after the rice fields have been planted. Traditionally a practice among clans, the practice have been extended to the whole community as a town occasion.

Assigned persons kindle a small fire in nearby rice field and cook inasin( salted pork). Rice wine is offered to Kabunian (God) and prayer is said for good harvest.

On the second day, male members trek to the river to catch kachiw (river fish) while the women collect koti ( shells). These are brought home, cooked with meat, and partaken by family members and relatives.

The fourth day usually is the proper rest day where men and women will not work in the fields and children either stay at home or bathe in the river.

One of the products indigenous to the place is finely interlaced apparel for women called the tapis and wanes for men. These products which are woven the backstrap way include bags and blankets by Samoki weavers . These brightly colored attires in strong reds and stripes of black of dark green show a rich strong culture of cultural pride and interdependent of the tribes.

Rattan made products called sangi are still used by women and men and sold in the Poblacion market. These backpacks are culturally woven and used to carry packed lunch when one goes to farm or get firewood for fuel.

RELATED LINK

Am- among in Bontoc

Kadayawan sa Dabaw Festival

The month of August brings a festive and colorful event for the Dabawenyo of Davao, Philippines. Called Kadayawan sa Dabaw, this weeklong activity is observed to thank God for plentiful harvest of fruits and orchids. A parade of fresh fruits and flowers, and street dancing enliven the event participated by beautiful girls with their colorful costumes. Ethnic tribes including the Manobos and the Bagobos make the occasion culturally lively with their strong colors of red and black.

An exciting event is Horse Fighting where stallions fight each other. The prize is to mate with a mare. The festival also is not complete without the Bya'Neng ng Kadayawan or the Miss Kadayawan beauty contest.

While in Davao, take time to go to the Philippine Eagle Center, home to at least 30 Philippine eagles. The Center is found in Malagos, Baguio District, Davao City, a 45 minute ride away from downtown Davao.

Take buses or vans take to Calinan and once here, tricycles, motorcycles and jeepneys are bound for Malagos. The Philippine Eagle Center is open 8am to 5pm daily.

Davao is also endowed with white-sand beach resorts in the nearby Samal Island and Eden Nature Park.

Kadayawan sa Dabaw Festival

Ifugaos celebrate harvest ritual

Among the Ifugaos of highland Philippines, rice harvest is celebrated in a ritual called Bakle, observed by the cooking of rice cakes called binakle. The indigenous peoples here, go from house to house to partake in eating the rice cakes and drinking tapuey (rice wine). A festive celebration is observed to give thanks to Kabunyan (God) for good harvest in the month of August. The ceremony is complete with the butchering of a hen and a rooster. Gloria Tuazon of Northern Philippine Times writes in her column,Trails up North, her travel to Mayoyao, Ifugao, to witness the ritual. (Two photos by Glo Tuazon)

RELATED LINKS:

Pfoto' ad Majawjaw 2008 (Rice Harvest Tour in Mayoyao 2008)

Rites and rituals

Where is Ifugao

Ifugao is located in the Cordillera region of the Philippines characterized by a rugged and mountainous terrain. It borders Benguet to the west, Mountain Province to the north, Isabela to the east, and Nueva Vizcaya to the south. Ifugao locates Banaue Rice Terraces, a major tourist attraction of the province. The famous rice terraces was declared as a World Heritage site by UNESCO in 1995. Ifugao can be reached via Bontoc, Mountain Province or straight from Manila.

Mercedes Fishtival in Camarines Norte

Camarines Norte is happy to celebrate Mercedes Fishtival this August.

Bounded on the north and west by Lamon Bay and the Pacific Ocean, and on the east by San Miguel Bay, Camarines Norte abounds with acquatic resources and other marine products. With its water sources, the province locates three fishing ports in the coastal municipalities and hosts an international seaport at Barangay Osmeña.

The municipality of Mercedes, one of the 12 towns of Camarines Norte, celebrates Mercedes Fishtival first week of August. The week-long event highlights a mascot parade of fish and other marine creatures. Marine sports such as paraw regatta, bangkaton, game fishing are played during this festive celebration. The festival is attended by residents and visitors from both the country and other countries as well.

Held in honor of their patron saint, St James the fisherman, residents here recognize the blessings they receive - vast fish resources, endless shorelines and aquatic potentials

Camarines Norte is located in Bicol region which is bounded by seven coastal waters- Ragay Gulf, San Miguel Bay, Lagonoy Gulf, Albay Gulf, Sorsogon Bay, Alinang Ilog, Nin Bay, Asid Gulf- major sources of the country’s national milkfish called bangus . Bicol Region has 13 major fishing grounds supplying fish markets including Metro Manila

The Bicol region is home to Mayon Volcano, the world's most perfect cone volcano. The region is also known for its natural resorts and white beaches.

The Bicol region itself which is located in the southeastern tip of Luzon is bounded on the east by the Pacific Ocean, southeast by Samar Sea, and southwest by Sibuyan Sea. Bicol is accessible by land, air and sea transportation facilities.

Link: Camarines Norte News

Rock throwing ends harvest in Bontoc, as rains mar fruit fest in Kidapawan

Here in this cultural town of Bontoc, north of the Philippines where rituals are part of the daily lives of the residents, the end of harvest time is observed with stone throwing called fagfagto.

Fagfagto is annually performed by the Bontocs in Mountain Province when the harvest of the first rice crop is almost over in the month of August.

Chaze Falag-ey, a native of Bontoc said that traditionally, young boys stationed on two opposite fields of Kidlaa and Churya across the Chico river allow for fagfagto. The boys throw stones at each other every after noon until the declaration of the lesles, or rest day.

The rest day allows for each household to perform the mangmang, a ritual done for the butchering of a pig or chicken in thanksgiving for a bountiful harvest. In fagfagto, it is believed that the more one gets injuries as a result of stones hurled at him, the bigger camotes or sweet potatoes, he will gather.

The planting of camote happen after rice harvest to let crop diversification and replenish lost nutrients. Camote is also planted in fields not planted by rice. Now it is another story as most young boys are not doing this ritual but most of them instead are found in computer shops playing video games.

Fruit Fest
Meantime in Kidapawan City, south of the Philippines, the annual fruit festival supposedly held every August was postponed to October due to the scarcity of fruit harvest.

Affected by continuous rains, thousands of hectares of fruit-bearing trees such as durian, lanzones, mangoosten and rambutan were destroyed. Insects also attacked 1,500 hectares of lanzones trees, Mindanao News reports say.

Called Timpupu Festival, annual highlights include eating fruits displayed along a three kilometer stretch, street dancing, float fruit parade, fruit preservatives display, fruit show contest, search for Lakambini of the event for Miss Fruity Gay, and Mount Apo Adventure race./ginadizon@yahoo.com