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MAYOHAN sa TAYABAS FESTIVAL 2008 - PARADA NG BALISKOG

Mayohan sa TAYABAS Festival 2008 on MAY 09-18

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Mayohan sa Tayabas is the yearly program of the municipal government to foster solidarity and community. Through a nine-day celebration, which takes place on May 09-18, the Tayabasin honors the glory as well as blesses the wounds and sacrifices of the past. Mayohan is a season to converge in Tayabas as the mother navel of the province of Quezon. From the linang, or countryside, the rural folk gather at the town proper. Those who study and work in Manila and other places return home.

                           

                           

Mayohan opened May 09 with the Parada ng Baliskog, the Tayabas arch of welcome. Thirty-three barangays and various organizations of government and civil society exhibit their baliskog, all brightly decorated with Tayabas indigenous materials such as buli, rattan, dried flowers, kiping and tistis.

                           

Copyright for this photo gallery belongs solely to © Mardio Nadera. Images may not be copied, downloaded, or used in any way without the expressed, written permission of the photographer. If you wish to use any photo, feel free to email me at mnadera@hotmail.com. You may also leave comment/critique on any images.

Captured with Passion...

a MARDIO NADERA Photography

www.mardionadera.com

12th PHILS. INTERNATIONAL HOT AIR BALLOON FIESTA

VIDEO posted at http://profiles.friendster.com/biyahero

PICTURES for you! <<< MORE... MORE... MORE

CLARK FREEPORT — At least 21 balloons from 14 countries are set to fly Clark skies in the upcoming 12th Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta (PIHABF) to be held from February 7-10 at the ADAC of the Philippine Air Force here.

Clark Development Corporation (CDC) president Liberato Laus said this year’s 12th PIHBF is a highlight of the “Clarksiyahan” — a “packet of activities” to be held from February 8- 10 at the CDC Parade Grounds.

Clarksiyahan, Laus furthered, would also feature a drag race, quiz bee, inter-school street dancing, PEP squad competition, locators’ product selling, bikini open, and the Johnny Walker rave party and fashion show.

Joi Roa, president of Air Ads and committee chairman of the PIHBF, said of the 21 balloons, 19 are flown by foreign pilots from 13 countries while the other two are flown by Filipino pilots.

                           

Roa assured spectators that this year’s event would be highlighted by new and colorful balloons which include two novelty balloons — an octopus from Japan and a tiger from Germany.

The pilots participating in the event come from the Philippines, Sweden, the United States, Hungary, Thailand, Malaysia, Germany, the United Kingdom, The Netherlands, Finland, Japan, Switzerland, England, and South Korea.

Also, the event would feature four paragliders, three from Malaysia and one from France, who are flying thrice daily for the whole duration of the event, Roa said.

Aside from the paragliders, Roa said planes and a chopper from Kuala Lumpur and Thailand would be flown into the country to participate in the four-day event.

Other new highlights of this year’s PIHBF are carnival rides and ATVs (all- terrain vehicles) where spectators would have the chance to ride an ATV in a dirt area that would also serve as an exhibit venue.
                           

Laus said the 12th PIHBF is expected to outdo last year’s event, which hoarded more than 100,000 spectators.

He added that reports reaching his office revealed that last year’s balloon fiesta has doubled by more than 100 percent based on the more than 100,000 gate receipts collected by event organizers. (RGN)

                           

Copyright for this photo gallery belongs solely to © Mardio Nadera. Images may not be copied, downloaded, or used in any way without the expressed, written permission of the photographer. If you wish to use any photo, feel free to email me at mnadera@hotmail.com. You may also leave comment/critique on any images. 

LIGLIGAN PARUL 2007

THE SAN FERNANDO GIANT LANTERN FESTIVAL  <<< VIDEO for you!

                           

The San Fernando lantern industry evolved from the Giant Lantern Festival of San Fernando. The festival, which is held every December, finds its root in Bacolor where a much simpler activity was held. Following the transfer of the provincial capital from Bacolor to San Fernando in August 1904, this parul event followed as well. “Ligligan Parul” was said to have started in San Fernando in the year 1904. But some say that the “Ligligan Parul” did not happen immediately after the transfer and in fact began in 1908.

2007 Giant Lantern Festival Winner: Brgy. Telebastagan

This predecessor of the modern day Giant Lantern Festival was actually a religious activity which we know today as “lubenas.” The lanterns measured just two feet in diameter, a far cry from the fifteen feet that we see today. These were created in each barrio from bamboo and other locally available materials. During the nine-day novena before Christmas, which coincided with the simbang gabi from December 16 to 24, these paruls were brought around each barrio in procession to their visita. Before the midnight Mass on Christmas Eve, the lanterns were brought to the town church together with the barrio patrons.

2nd Runner-up: Brgy. San Nicolas

This tradition gradually evolved as the lanterns became bigger and the designs more intricate. Later, one big lantern was made for each barrio, which was created through a cooperative effort. Each resident contributed to its construction, from the concept and design to the materials and labor. In the end, these lanterns became a symbol of unity for the barrios.

3rd Runner-up: Brgy. San Felipe

It was in the year 1931 that electricity was introduced to the San Fernando lantern, thus sparking the birth of the first Giant Lantern Festival. The added illusion of dancing lights highlighted the bright colors and intricate designs of these Giant Lanterns. At this time, the lights were controlled by individual switches that were turned on and off following the beat of the music. The barangays of Del Pilar, Sta. Lucia and San Jose were among the first barangays to participate in the festival.

                                 

According to another version claimed by old folks, the Giant Lantern Festival started during the time of President Manuel L. Quezon. At that time, President Quezon was trying to make Pampanga a model province. In fact, Quezon made Arayat his resting place and converted the legendary Mount Arayat into a tourist resort. As a show of gratitude to Quezon, the people of San Fernando held a Christmas lantern contest to honor the first family. Quezon himself donated the prize for this lantern contest which was personally awarded to the winner by First Lady Aurora Aragon Quezon.

KALESA FESTIVAL 3

PICTURES for you!

The Philippine Tourism Authority proudly hosted its Third Kalesa
Festival with the theme: "Kalesa, Duyan ng Turista" last September 14, 2007 at the Tourism ground, T.M. Kalaw St. Ermita, Manila.

The Kalesa Festival was conceptualized in recognition of the unending and humble contribution of present day kalesa. Historically, kalesa is a horse driven carriage introduced by Spanish Officials and nobles as means of transportation during the 18th century. Now, kalesas are often seen at Chinatown and various tourism spots in our country, as major attraction and vital part of Philippines history.

                           

This endeavor paved the way for the Philippine Tourism Authority to promote its 19 entities. It has drawn out support to patronize our government operated tourist destinations with the slogan: "Pilipino sa Tourismo ay Aktibo."
                           

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FLORES DE MARIA 2007

pictures for you!

                          

Flores, from Spanish flores or "flowers," also known as Flores de Mayo (flowers of May), Flores de Maria (flowers of Mary) or alay (offering), may refer to the whole Flower Festival celebrated in the month of May in honor of the Virgin Mary .
                          

                          

In the Tagalog region, this custom and celebration started after the proclamation of the dogma of the Immaculate Conception in 1854 and after the publication circa 1867 of Mariano Sevilla's translation of the devotional Flores de Maria or Mariquit na Bulaclac na sa Pagninilaynilay sa Buong Buan nang Mayo ay Inihahandog nang manga Devoto cay Maria Santisima (The Flowers of Mary or the Beautiful Flowers that in the Meditations During the Whole Month of May are Offered by Devotees to Mary the Holiest).

Minor Basilica of St. Michael Archangel, City of Tayabas

HAGISAN NG SUMAN FESTIVAL 2007

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MAYOHAN SA TAYABAS FESTIVAL 2007

On May 15, Mayohan gives tribute to San Isidro with a procession
reminiscent of the yearly Quiapo devotion to Jesus Nazareno. From many towns of Quezon, multitudes of peasants and workers predominantly male flock to Tayabas. They clamor for suman and other pabitin as their sweat, strength, and rivalry pervade in the air. Impelled by their yearly panata or sacrificial devotion to San Isidro, they participate in HAGISAN NG SUMAN, believing that the bounty gathered in their sacks heralds economic upliftment. It portends the amount of their next harvest or income for the year.

                        
Suman is the ritual gift of HAGISAN. It is cooked with great enthusiasm by Tayabenses because Hagisan is an opportunity to share their prosperity. Bundles of suman are gaily tied in the pabitin, which is made out of a special kind of bamboo called bagakay.

Halina pasyal tayo!

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SANTAKRUSAN SA LUCENA 2007 presents KIM CHIU and GERALD ANDERSON

PICTURES for you!

SANTAKRUSAN SA LUCENA 2007 presents KIM CHIU and GERALD ANDERSON

St. Ferdinand Cathedral / Queen Margarette Court

                        

                        

2007 Collection of the Quezon Fashion Designers Association of the Philippines (Renato Edad, Buddy Reyes, Obet Orajay, Luisa Lindog, Alfie Lim, Leslie Rivera, Rosie Capistrano, Rholand Roxas and more) James Copper, Event Coordinator

                        

                        

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Copyright for this photo gallery belongs solely to Mardio Nadera. Images may not be copied, downloaded, or used in any way without the expressed, written permission of the photographer. If you wish to use any photo, feel free to email me at mnadera@hotmail.com. You may also leave comment/critique on any images.

LUCBAN PAHIYAS FESTIVAL 2007 ' A feast for the senses'

PICTURES for you! Every year during the month of May, the small, historic town of Lucban in Quezon – nestled snugly at the foot of mystical Mt. Banahaw – opens its doors even wider as it welcomes balikbayans and tourists to the celebration of the Lucban San Isidro ‘Pahiyas Festival.’ The festival traces its roots to the 16th century – from a simple act of gift giving of the townspeople of Lucban, who were deeply grateful to the Franciscan missionaries for the religious instruction they received. Later, the Lucbanons began bringing the best of their harvest to church, both in solemn thanksgiving and to ask for further blessing.                           As the yield of their lands became more bountiful, the town church became too small, ill equipped to accommodate the offerings. So, the people agreed to display their crop in front of their homes. The priest would then go around a designated route to bless them, with a statue of San Isidro Labrador, the patron saint of farmers, leading the way. Because locals believe that houses along the route are twice blessed, the priest changes the course taken each year, giving all residents a chance to take part in the ritual. Pahiyas literally means "decor’’ or "embellishment’’ and refers to the brightly colored, multi-textured trimmings Lucbanons hang on their houses to welcome the passage of San Isidro. They artfully, display their freshest fruits and vegetables, pile up a variety of native baskets, tack colorful hand-woven buntal hats onto walls, drape cords of the delicious Lucban longganisa over their windows, and even prop up the occasional roast suckling pig against a door frame or balustrade. Yet what undoubtedly draws the eye is the traditional kiping – paper-thin wafers made from rice flour paste, shaped in the form of the leaf of the kabal tree, and dyed in brilliant colors: Red, fuschia, orange, green, and yellow. They are strung together to form all sorts of shapes – from oversized flowers to the elaborate arangya or chandeliers. They become even more dazzling when they catch the light of the sun and everything around them becomes swash with color. After the festival, the kiping creations are taken down and cooked into rice chips, to be eaten by the very same people whose hands painstakingly shaped them. Clearly, nothing goes to waste. The best way to experience the festival is on foot, in the midst of the mass of tourists who pack the town’s narrow streets. Each one jockeys for a better position to catch that once-in-a-lifetime shot, see that rare sight, or take in the aromas wafting from a nearby pancit hab-hab stall. The energy is thick, almost tangible. And though you may be tired at the end of the day, you will nonetheless feel replete – completely satisfied – with the extraordinary sensory feast that is Lucban’s Pahiyas.

Copyright for this photo gallery belongs solely to Mardio Nadera. Images may not be copied, downloaded, or used in any way without the expressed, written permission of the photographer.

Bb. PILIPINAS joins MAYOHAN GRAND SANTACRUZAN 2007

PICTURES for you!

A Santacruzan is a religious-historical beauty pagent held in many cities, towns and even smll villages throughout the Philippines during the month of May. One of the most colorful May-time festivals in the Philippines which depicts the finding of the Holy Cross by Queen Helena, mother of Constantine the Great. Bb. Pilipinas joins Mayohan Grand Santacruzan 2007 the events and are featured as major sagalas and escorts.

                        

MAYOHAN GRAND SANTACRUZAN 2007
City of Tayabas

Featuring:

Ms. Magie Wilson - Bb. Pilipinas World
Ms. Nadia Shami - Bb. Pilipinas International
Ms. Liezel Verses - 1st Runner-up
Ms. Abby Cruz - 2nd Runner-up
Mr. Bobby Mago - Mr. World Philippines

                        

                        

                        
Best Indigenous Gown - Grand Prize Obeth Orajay, 1st Runner-up - Leslie Rivera, 2nd Runner-up - Rholand Roxas

                        

Reyna ng Santakrusan - Grand Prize Leslie Rivera, Reyna ng Mayohan - Leslie Rivera, Flor de Tayabas - Rholand Roxas

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MAYOHAN SA TAYABAS 2007 'Pormal na Pagbubukas'

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MAYOHAN FESTIVAL 2007 (May 8-16)
"City of Tayabas Opens New Doors, Provides Wider Opportunities"

Parada ng Pinakamagandang Baliskog at Pinakamahaba at Pinakamasarap na Suman

Ms. MUKHA 2007

MUKHA is an acronym for mukha, utak, katawan, halina and alindog (face, brain, body, charm and beauty). This is a project of Susi ng Tayabas that symbolizes unity and cooperation of the arts for the development of Tayabas. It was established by Orlando R. Nadres in 1987. Nadres, noted scriptwriter, passed away years ago but his works, like the stage play, Hanggang Dito Na Lamang At Maraming Salamat still lives.

MUKHA was part of the eight-day affair dubbed Mayohan Sa Tayabas (May 8-16) at the Silungang Bayan. This year pageant theme: Celebration of Life, Love and Peace.

- Ms. MUKHA 2006, Best in Talent, Best in Long Gown. - 1st Runner-up, Best in Intro Costume . The queenly winner, a combination of beauty and brain was beaming as she waved to the crowd. Her smile was so contagious. I matched it with my own.

                         

MUTYA NG PANGALAWANG EBA 2007

Angelica Dela Cruz (Candelaria)- Mutya ng Pangalawang Eba, Mis Photogenic ; Ana Kiara Vergara Graceland (Tayabas)- 1st Runner-up, Best in Swimsuit.

                           

Halina pasyal tayo!

Copyright for this photo gallery belongs solely to © Mardio Nadera. Images may not be copied, downloaded, or used in any way without the expressed, written permission of the photographer. If you wish to use any photo, feel free to email me at mnadera@hotmail.com. You may also leave comment/critique on any images.

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ALIWAN FIESTA 2007

PICTURES for you!

Summer time in the Philippines is also called the fiesta time because there are many festival that is celebrated all over the country. But there is one festival that is celebrated that incorporates all the different festivals of the Philippines into one grander, louder and more colorful festival that is happening outside of their own provinces and right at the core of Manila, the Aliwan Festival.

Aliwan Fiesta is known as the mother of all Philippine festivals will be celebrated on April 26 and 28. The Aliwan Festival is on its fifth year and organized by the Manila Broadcasting Company (MBC) together with the cities of Manila and Pasay, and the Cultural Center of the Philippines. Aliwan Festival brings tourist attraction in Manila because it has so much to offer and brings a new level of excitement.

Aliwan Festival 2007, named as "Mother of all Fiestas", brings together hundreds of of the country’s finest craftsmen, street performers, and amateur models hand-picked to compete in the dance parade competition and float competition. The center of the attraction in this fiesta is the "Reyna ng Aliwan" beauty pageant. Cash prizes awaits the winners in the competition. The contingents are after the honor that they will get for being named as the best of the best.

Aliwan Festival brings and represents the pride of every contingents hometown that they are eager to showcase the richness of their culture and heritage to the world.

Aliwan Festival 2007 will be spectacular celebration because the performers and contingent right now are preparing for this much awaited event on April.

The festivals joining the "Aliwan Fiesta 2007" are the Sinulog Festival of Cebu City; Sagayan Festival of Sultan Kudarat; Pakalog Festival of Pasig City; Panagbenga Festival of Baguio City; Sambali Cagayana Festival of Cagayan; Disposorio Festival of Malolos, Bulacan; Pamitinan Festival of Rodriguez, Rizal; Boling Boling Festival of Catanauan, Quezon; Pili Festival of Sorsogon City; Dinagyang Festival of Iloilo City (Ilonganon and Kahilwayan contingents); Babaylan Festival of Bago City, Negros Occidental; Alikaraw Festival of Hilongos, Leyte; Padul-ong Festival of Borongan, Eastern Samar; Pasalamat Festival of Pagadian City; Zamboanga Hermosa Festival of Zamboanga City; Kalilangan Festival of General Santos City; Padang-Padang Festival of Parang, Shariff Kabunsuan; and Melimud Festival of South Upi, Maguindanao.

http://www.etravelpilipinas.com/tourism_news/Aliwan_Festival_2007.htm

Copyright for this photo gallery belongs solely to © Mardio Nadera. Images may not be copied, downloaded, or used in any way without the expressed, written permission of the photographer. If you wish to use any photo, feel free to email me at mnadera@hotmail.com. You may also leave comment/critique on any images.

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FIESTA DEL SANTO NINO 2007, MANILA

PICTURES for you!

                        

Congregacion del Santisimo Nombre del Nino Jesus, which is celebrating its 29th anniversary, have its grand procession to the Luneta last January 28 in honor of the Holy Name of the Child Jesus.

                        

It has emphasized the Santo Ninos Eight Values, which are, as listed by the group,simplicity, humility, obedience, respect, trust, docility, reconciliation and honesty.

                        
The big public spectacle is the Carroza Formation/Grand Procession
which starts 3 p.m. at the Philtrade Center and flows to the Quirino Grandstand.

This is followed by the Ati-Atihan Exhibition and a fireworks display at the Luneta.


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STO NINO FESTIVAL ng Parokya ni San Miguel Arkanghel

PICTURES for you!

Catholics all over the country celebrate today, Sunday, January 21, the feast day of the child Jesus known to many as the Sto. Nino. It is that time of the year when devotees show how much they revere the Sto. Nino not only by going to different churches but also by going out to the streets where they dance and shout "Viva Senor Santo Nino."
                        
Sunday at 9 p.m., different images of the Sto. Nino joined a procession organized by the " Parokya San Miguel Arkanghel". Followed by street dancing competition of talented elemetary schools students. Its a "Sinulog" style of Tayabas,Quezon.

                        
The feast of the Sto. Nino is a Christian tradition celebrated only in the Philippines. It traces its roots to the Filipino devotion to the Christ the Child since the 16th century when Princess Joanna of Cebu was given an image of the Sto. Nino by Ferdinand Magellan, the Portuguese who discovered the Philippines.

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SAGRADO CORAZON DE HESUS Y MARIA 2006

PICTURES for you!

Prayer to the Sacred Heart of Jesus

Lord Jesus,

let my heart never rest until it finds You,
who are its center, its love, and its happiness.
By the wound in Your heart
pardon the sins that I have committed
whether out of malice or out of evil desires.
Place my weak heart in Your own divine Heart,
continually under Your protection and guidance,
so that I may persevere in doing good and
in fleeing evil until my last breath.

Amen.

- St. Margaret Mary Alacoque




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PASAYAHAN SA LUCENA 2006

PICTURES for you!

Pasiyahan sa Lucena - Chami Carnivale starts at May 1 untill May 30. Every year Lucena City held the Mardigra which is ussually composed with parades of creative floats, dance and costumes plus celebrity. But this year is different because SOP (GMA7) shoot live at SM Lucena and before that they participate in the mardigra parade.

The parade starts at 10:00 am and it is so hot!. But still lucenahin shows how they care for this festival. So even the sun really drains their energy, still the show must go on. At that parade many creative floats, school, companies and celebrity joined. Those celebrities are Mark Herras, Richard Guiterez, Ricky Davao, Ryan Eigeman, Camille Pratz and the other artist at Captain Barbell series.

Schools and companies that joined in this years parade were Sacred Heart College, Sinag Araw Homeowers Incorporated, Blue Water Princess, Queen Margarette Hotel, Tontons chicken grille, Armand Remojo's models , LC Bigmak and more.

Lovely Donita Rose visits lucena city to promote and shoot her latest noon show 'Mobile Kusina' together with the Chami Festival. Even though lots of crowd gathered just to see Donita, she just always keep on smilling and having a short chit chat with lucenahin.

This years motif for pasiyahan is all about chami 'hmmm yummy' :) Its wonderfull because Rochelle Panganiban of sex bomb participate at cooking chami cute isn't it? Also the city held a competition for cooking chami. Dele-gates have to do their best and it must be presentable to convince the judges.

Halina pasyal tayo!

FLORES DE MARIA 2006

PICTURES for you!

FLORES DE MARIA 2006

Pagdiriwang at Parangal sa BIRHEN DE LAS FLORES

The Flowers of May festival is another month-long celebration, distinctly separate from Santakrusan. In this celebration, the Blessed Virgin - not Santa Elena - is the focus of devotion. Every afternoon in May, young people go to church to pray the rosary and offer flowers and songs to the Blessed Mother. The flower-offering song goes like this:

Tuhog na bulaklak, sadyang salit-salit,
Sa mahal mong noo'y aming ikakapit,
Lubos ang pag-asa nami't pananalig,
Na tatanggapin mo, handog na pag-ibig,
Lubos ang pag-asa nami't pananalig,
Na tatanggapin mo, handog na pag-ibig!

In the Tagalog region, this custom and celebration started after the proclamation of the dogma of the Immaculate Conception in 1854 and after the publication circa 1867 of Mariano Sevilla's translation of the devotional Flores de Maria or Mariquit na Bulaclac na sa Pagninilaynilay sa Buong Buan nang Mayo ay Inihahandog nang manga Devoto cay Maria Santisima.

MARDIO NIÑO NADERA (Hermanitos 2006) - DON-DON ARLON NADERA (Hermanitos 2007)

MAYOHAN SA TAYABAS FESTIVAL 2006

MUKHA - A Tayabas Beauty Pageant

MUKHA is an acronym for mukha, utak, katawan, halina and alindog (face, brain, body, charm and beauty). This is a project of Susi ng Tayabas that symbolizes unity and cooperation of the arts for the development of Tayabas. It was established by Orlando R. Nadres in 1987. Nadres, noted scriptwriter, passed away years ago but his works, like the stage play, Hanggang Dito Na Lamang At Maraming Salamat still lives.

MUKHA was part of the eight-day affair dubbed Mayohan Sa Tayabas (May 10-16) at the Silungang Bayan. This year pageant theme: Celebration of Life, Love and Peace.

MARIANNE OBENA - Ms. MUKHA 2006, Best in Talent, Best in Swimsuit .DIAN JALBUENA - 1st Runner-up, Ms. Photogenic, Best in Long Gown. The queenly winner, a combination of beauty and brain was beaming as she waved to the crowd. Her smile was so contagious. I matched it with my own.

THE WHEEL CLUB OF TAYABAS - 52nd Anniversary and Ball

"GULONG NG PALAD - BALIK-TANAW SA LUMIPAS"

Taong 1954 ng matatag ang samahang "GULONG NG PALAD". Ito ay binuo ng ilang Tayabasin na nag-aaral sa Maynila. Pinamunuan ito nina Judge Benedicto Mortos, Palma brothers na sina Conrado, Cesar at Rosauro; Atty. Rosalino Pandy ;Dr. Samson Lapuente, Fiscal Ricardo Ebron, Col Lis Araya Jr., Ex-Vice Mayor Antonio Talavera at marami pa.

Palibhasa'y marami sa amin ang anak-dakila; bagama't mayroon ding pangilan-ngilan na galing sa pamilyang may-kaya kung kaya't ang naisipan naming ipangalan sa grup ay " Gulong ng Palad" o "The Wheel of Fortune Club of Tayabas, Quezon" na habang patuloy ang pag-ikot ng gulong ng kapalaran ay paminsan-minsan ang bahagi ng bagwis mo ay pumuapaimbabaw, pumapagitna at kapag minamalas-malas ay pumapailalim. Kaya, magsikap ka, magpunyagi at magpakasakit upang ang bagwis mo sa gulong ng palad ay mamalaging namamayagpag sa kaibabawan.

SAN ISIDRO - HAGISAN NG SUMAN

On May 15, Mayohan gives tribute to San Isidro with a procession reminiscent of the yearly Quiapo devotion to Jesus Nazareno. From many towns of Quezon, multitudes of peasants and workers?predominantly male?flock to Tayabas. They clamor for suman and other pabitin as their sweat, strength, and rivalry pervade in the air. Impelled by their yearly panata or sacrificial devotion to San Isidro, they participate in HAGISAN NG SUMAN, believing that the bounty athered in their sacks heralds economic upliftment. It portends the amount of their next
harvest or income for the year.

Suman is the ritual gift of HAGISAN. It is cooked with great enthusiasm by Tayabenses because Hagisan is an opportunity to share their prosperity. Bundles of suman are gaily tied in the pabitin, which is made out of a special kind of bamboo called bagakay.

SAN ISIDRO PAHIYAS FESTIVAL

PICTURES for you!

THE KALEIDOSCOPE COLORS OF SAN ISIDRO PAHIYAS 2006

ANYO AT KULAY NG PAHIYAS 2005 

PAHIYAS FESTIVAL 2003                                                       

The fiesta color of summer come alive again as Lucban celebrates the SAN ISIDRO PAHIYAS FESTIVAL - referred to by many as a fiesta to end all fiestas.

Every year, thousands of tourist and holiday makers flock to this historic town commended as one of the cleanest and most peaceful community in the country. Its cool, fresh and invigorating climate earns her the singular distinction of being called the Summer Capital of Quezon Province. The town's natural scenic spots and colorful lifestyles add to the charm that entices both foreign and local tourists to visit the place. The San Isidro Pahiyas Festival held every May 15 has become one of the country's tourist attractions prompting the Department of Tourism to list down Lucban as a tourist town and a cultural heritage site.

During the San Isidro Pahiyas Festival, each household tries to outdo each other in friendly competition as they vie for honor of recognizing their creativity. As incentives to their effort, prizes were given to the winning pahiyas based on a given criteria. This accounts for some of the most curious décor that the unstoppable spirit of the festival tends to show. Decking the hall or decorating the wall with "Kiping" and agricultural harvest is what "PAYAS" or "PAHIYAS" literally means.

Farmers show their bountiful produce such as chayote, radish, pepper and grains of rice. There are miniatures locally known as "ANOK", fruits, vegetables and longganisa (local sausage) strung together in the most original fashion. Residents engaging in other forms of livelihood display their products too in thanksgiving. The handicraft manufacturer has his house decked with colorful buri/buntal hats, bags, placemats and others while the butcher has a head of roasted suckling pig (lechon) peeking from the window.

The most traditional and certainly the most attractive décor comes of course in the form of "KIPING" which are adorn and strung together to form all sorts of shapes, from chandelier called "ARANGYA" to huge flowers. Kiping is made from ground rice flour, shaped using "cabal" leaves or other leaf forms and colored in radiant red, fuschia, yellow, green and other bright shades. When kiping catches the light of the sun it turns into a veritable cascades of color.

The celebration is a form of thanksgiving for a bountiful harvest and in honor of the patron saint of farmers, San Isidro de Labrador. A procession of the image of San Isidro is planned long before the festival and it is said that houses along the route of the procession passes will be especially favored and blessed in the coming year. It is from this belief that the lavish decoration of the home began. After all, one must welcome the saint's blessings with rapture and gratitude.

Since the tradition started, Lucban benefits from this event through the TIYANGGE SA LUCBAN, an agro-industrial fair showcasing Lucban's products. This fair features foods native to the town like the delicious Lucban longganisa, puto seko, broas, tikoy and other delicacies; ornamental plants like dapo and cutflowers; handricrafts such as buri/buntal hats, bags and a number of other cottage industry products.

AGAWAN FESTIVAL 2006 - Sariaya, Quezon

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The Agawan Festival is an annual agricultural festival held in Sariaya, Quezon, Philippines every 15th May.

The festival name, Agawan, is of recent development. It was the idea of Rev. Fr. Raul Enriquez, now the town's parish priest, president of its tourism council and the proponent of the town's quadricentennial celebration in 1999.

The name describes the main feature of the fiesta procession. As the parade winds its way through the streets, people snatch the goodies and other produce hanging on the houses they pass by or on a pabitin, specially made for the parade. At the same time, people in the houses throw food, fruits and money into the parade.

Before the parade, nearby residents decorate the outside of their homes. Colorful buntal hats are festooned all over the façade of houses. String beans are draped on windows to make curtains and banana trees are used to adorn fences. The primary, and most traditional, element in the decoration was the bagakay, or young bamboo branches from which junk food, fruits, candies and money were hung for people to snatch as they pass by.

People say no matter how high the bagakays are, they would bow when the image of San Isidro Labrador passes by, allowing people to grab the goodies.

GRAND SANTACRUZAN - Mayohan sa Tayabas 2006

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In many places in the Philippines, during the month of May, many processions are held in honor of the Virgin Mary. Sometimes, one is reminded only that it is the month of May when one meets such a procession downtown or in a sidestreet of the city. That is the Santa Cruz de Mayo. Many versions of the procession have evolved through the years. And this makes it interesting to find out what it was really like inthe time of our grandfathers.

The Santacruzan was a novena procession commemorating St. Helena's mythical finding of the cross. St. Helena was the mother of Constantine the Great. According to legends, 300 years after the death of Christ, at the age of 75, she went to Calvary to conduct a search for the Cross. After some archeological diggings at the site of the Crucifixion, she unearthed three crosses. She tested each one by making a sick servant lie on all three. The cross where the servant recovered was identified as Christ's. St. Helena's feast day falls on August 8 but the anniversary of the finding of the Cross is on May 3rd, in the Philippines, this celebration took the form of the Mexican Santa Cruz de Mayo.

Today, the Santacruzan is a cross between a beauty pageant and a religious procession. Now the highest tribute that could be paid to a woman's beauty is to be selected as Reina Elena. Gone are the days when people, candle in hand, crowded the streets to pay homage to a Catholic myth and throw Sampaguitas at the passing beauties. Gone are the days when or could enjoy the dazzling splendor amid; the flowers of May and the smell of burning native candles. The Santacruzan played an important role in the spiritu, and religious life of our forefathers. It was a bayanihan endeavor and a community show. The current Santacruzan is just a remnant of what was once a grandise tradition. But it still lives. And come May, for whatever reason, girls line up th streets in procession, invoking that which is holy, searching for the true Christial spirit.

Krus na mahal,
Krus na mapalad,
Darakilang armas,
Bandera ni Hesus
Pagsakop sa lahat!

(Holy Cross, blessed Cross, Noble weapon, Jesus' standard in saving mankind!)

GRAND SANTACRUZAN - Mayohan sa Tayabas Festival 2006

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ALIWAN FIESTA 2006 "The Philippines Grandest Fiesta"

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Day 1 - 1st Marching Band Competition

Day 2 - Reyna ng ALIWAN 2006 sa Unang Hirit

Day 3 - Grand Street Dancing Parade

Sparks flying at this year’s Aliwan Fiesta as once again some of the Philippines’ grandest, loudest, and most colorful regional festivals compete in a national championship this weekend until April 29. Aliwan Fiesta 2006 brings together 30 dance contingents from around the country in a major happening on the Manila bayside.

The main features are costumed street dancing native to the participating regions, a street parade with a float competition, a bazaar with stalls selling handicrafts and food from around the country, and the Reyna ng Aliwan beauty pageant. Thousands of people make up the competing teams and hundreds of thousands of party-goers are expected to join.

The party also includes a fireworks display, three nights of entertainment with concerts by bands and popular entertainers, and an April 29 grand street parade along Roxas Boulevard from Quirino Grandstand to Star City in the Cultural Center of the Philippines Complex.

This year for the first time, the Sinulog festival of Cebu joins the dance contingents trying to unseat the three-times champion, Iloilo’s Dinagyang fiesta. However, several major regional festivals have yet to join the Aliwan program – amidst commercial, regional and political rivalry.

This is the fourth year the Aliwan Fiesta organizers are bringing the participants together in one venue. Joining in 2006 are :

From National Capital Region:

1. Redrista Festival of Quezon City
2. Marikina Festival
3. Pakalog Festival of Pasig City

From Cordillera Autonomous Region:

4. Panagbenga Festival of Baguio City - Reyna ng Aliwan 2006

Region I

5. Pamulinawen Festival of Laoag City - Best in Float & 8th Place Street Dancing
6. Agdamdamili Festival of San Nicolas, Ilocos Norte

Region II

7. Sabutan Festival of Palanan, Isabela,
8. Pinilisa Festival of Jones, Isabela

Region III

9. Halaman Festival of Guiguinto, Bulacan
10. Sto. Ni�o Festival of Malolos, Bulacan
11. Angel Festival of San Rafael, Bulacan

Region IV

12. Sumakah Festival of Antipolo City
13. Boling-Boling Festival of Catanauan, Quezon

Region V

14. Himik-Ulaw Festival of Placer, Masbate
15. Pili Festival of Sorsogon City

Region VI

16. Dinagyang Festival of Iloilo City - 2nd Place Street Dancing
17. Tultugan Festival of Maasin, Ilo-ilo - 7th Place
18. Kahilyawan Festival of Santa Barbara, Iloilo - 9th Place
19. Pintados de Pasi Festival of Passi City, Iloilo - 3rd Place Street Dancing
20. Babaylan Festival of Bago City, Negros Occidental - 4th Place

Region VII

21. Sinulog Festival of Cebu City - Grand Champion Street Dancing

Region IX

22. Pasalamat Festival of Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur - 6th Place
23. Hermosa Festival of Zamboanga City

Region XII

24. Halad Festival of Pigcawayan, North Cotabato - 10th Place
25. Kalilangan Festival of General Santos City

Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao

26. Padang-Padang Festival of Parang, Maguindanao - 5th Place
27. Meguyaya Festival of Maguindanao
28. Kambulang Festival of Parang, Maguindanao.

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SAMANA SANTA 2006

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Mahal na Araw (Holy Week or Semana Santa)
Lucban, Quezon

The passion and death of Jesus Christ is commemorated with an eight-day religious festival. The Lenten observation actually starts with Ash Wednesday, over a month before Holy Week. During Ash Wednesday, a priest makes the sign of the cross on the forehead of devotees, using ash. Holy Week begins with Palm Sunday rites and ends with a stirring dawn procession, known as the salubong, during Easter Sunday. In some parts of the country, penitents not only flog themselves but actually allow themselves to be crucified.

"Sinasabi ko sa inyo; kung ang dalawa sa inyo dito sa lupa ay magkaisa sa paghingi ng anumang bagay sa inyong panalangin, ipagkakaloob ito sa inyo ng aking Amang nasa langit. Sapagkat saanman may dalawa o tatlong nagkakatipon dahil sa akin, naroon akong kasama nila." MATEO 18:19-20

Tara na, pasyal tayo!

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MORIONES FESTIVAL 2005

BOAC, MARINDUGUE

The island-province of Marinduque lies at the very heart of the Philippine archipelago, and such trategic location allows for a dynamic interaction between and among various environmental and social forces that have made and continue to shape the province. It is host to thousand of traipsing and island-hopping visitors and more importantly home to a people proud of a rich culture, a colorful past, and a remarkable tradition. All these features blend into a way of life that is uniquely Marinduqueno.

One of the most colorful festivals celebrated in the island of Marinduque is the Moriones Festival. Morion means "mask" or "visor," a part of the medieval Roman armor which covers the face. Moriones, on the other hand, refers to the masked and costumed penitents who march around the town for seven days searching for Longinus. This is a folk-religious festival that re-enacts the story of Longinus, a Roman centurion who was blind in one eye.

GASAN, MARINDUQUE

GASAN takes pride a being one of the six municipalities of Marinduque, the heart-shaped island located between the Bondoc Peninsula and the Mindoro Island and about 170 kilometers south of Manila. Its has also retained its distinction as one of the cleanest municifalities in the country having consistently won the"Clean and Green award"

"MORYOHAN sa GASAN" Experience Moriones in Gasan, the distinct Lenten culture Marinduque is famous for. Loin the morions and samaritans from different barangays and the Deped as they roam around the town in their ancient Roman soldier attire.

ANILAG FESTIVAL 2006

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The Provincial Government of Laguna launch the 2nd ANILAG OR Ani ng Laguna Festival on March 6, 2006 at the Provincial Capitol Compound in Sta. Cruz. The occasion dubbed as the “mother of all festivals” is a seven-day affair that starts on March 6 and ends on March 12, 2006.

Laguna is already known for Pakil’s Turumba Festival, the oldest running festival in the province; San Pablo City’s Coconut Festival; Nagcarlan’s Ana Kalang Festival; and other emerging festivals that showcases the arts, crafts, products and spectacles within the province. Laguna is also home to the famous buko pies of Los Baños, Cavinti’s sumbrero or hats, Victoria’s kinulob na itik, Liliw’s tsinelas or footwear, Sta. Cruz’s kesong puti, Lumban’s barong, Paete’s papier-mâché, Luisiana’s banig pandan and other products and delicacies. It is also in this regard that the Provincial Government conceptualized the said event to further boost tourism, trade and industry, and livelihood among others that are really flourishing and thriving in Laguna. This also aims to showcase the other municipalities and cities though the ANILAG 2006.

Expected to be graced by tourists, visitors and other Lagunenses, activities of the festival include the Bb. Laguna Beauty Pageant, the Street Dancing Contest, Trade Fair Exhibits, Palarong Pilipino, Governor’s Night, Float and Parade Contest, and Pet Show among others.

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STO. NINO FESTIVAL 2006, MANILA

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The Sto. Nino Festival is the biggest expression of devotion to the Holy Child in the Luzon Island, celebrated every last Sunday of January. The week-long festivities begin with an exhibit of nino and culminate in a grand procesion of hundered of folk, antique and new statues of the Holy Child in different manifestations, e.g., as shepherd boy. as keeper of the world, as a sleeping child, etc. These celebrations are two of the most colorful events in the city in honor of the Sto. Nino.

VIVA SENYOR STO. NIÑO !

SINULOG FESTIVAL 2004

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The Sinulog festival is one of the grandest and most colorful festivals in the Philippines. The main festival is held each year on the third Sunday of January in Cebu City to honor the Santo Niño, or the child Jesus, who is the patron saint of the whole province of Cebu. It is essentially a dance ritual which could trace its roots to Cebuano pagan ancestry but which came to be symbol of Cebuano religious piety.

The festival features some the country's most colorful displays of pomp and pageantry: participants garbed in bright-colored costumes dance to the rhythm of drums and native gongs. The streets are usually lined with vendors and pedestrians all wanting to witness the street-dancing.

Recently, the cultural event has been commercialized as a tourist attraction and instead of traditional street-dancing from locals, Sinulog also came to mean a contest featuring contingents from various parts of the country. The Sinulog Contest is traditionally held in the Cebu City Sports Complex, formerly Abellana National High School, where most of Cebu's major provincial events are held.

Smaller versions of the festival are also held in various parts of the province, also to celebrate and honor the Santo Niño. There is also the Sinulog ng Kabataan, which is basically Sinulog performed by the youths of Cebu.

MAYOHAN SA TAYABAS FESTIVAL

MAYOHAN SA TAYABAS 2005

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MAYOHAN SA TAYABAS 2004

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On May 15, Mayohan gives tribute to San Isidro with a procession reminiscent of the yearly Quiapo devotion to Jesus Nazareno. From many towns of Quezon, multitudes of peasants and workers?predominantly male?flock to Tayabas. They clamor for suman and other pabitin as their sweat, strength, and rivalry pervade in the air. Impelled by their yearly panata or sacrificial devotion to San Isidro, they participate in HAGISAN NG SUMAN, believing that the bounty athered in their sacks heralds economic upliftment. It portends the amount of their next harvest or income for the year.

Suman is the ritual gift of HAGISAN. It is cooked with great enthusiasm by Tayabenses because Hagisan is an opportunity to share their prosperity. Bundles of suman are gaily tied in the pabitin, which is made out of a special kind of bamboo called bagakay.