Festival in Iloilo: Complete Dinagyang Festival 2014 Schedule of Activities

Celebrated every fourth weekend of January, Dinagyang Festival is the grandest festival in Iloilo City in honor of the Senyor Sto. Niño. The highlights of the festival are composed of the Ati-Ati Competition, the Kasadyahan Festival, the foot and fluvial procession, and the religious sadsad or religious street dance.

Dinagyang Festival 2014 highlights will be on January 24-26, 2014. Here is the Schedule of Activities and Highlights of Events. Be sure to save the dates of the festival and plan your trip ahead.

December 2013
13 December (Friday)
3:00PM – Pamukaw (“Awakening” activity)

January 2014
January 17, 2014 (Friday)
3:00PM – Opening Salvo along the Street Parade Route (refer to festival route map for details)

January 22, 2014 (Thursday)
7:00PM – Miss Iloilo Dinagyang Festival Coronation Night at University of San Agustin Gym

January 23-26, 2014 (Thursday to Sunday)
5:00PM onwards – Dinagyang IHRRA Food Festival at Delgado Street

January 24, 2014 (Friday)
7:30AM – Salvo of a Thousand Drums at Arroyo Fountain Area
8:00AM – Tambor Trumpa Martsa Musika from Bonifacio Drive to Freedom Grandstand
3:00PM – Religious Fluvial and Solemn Foot Procession of the image of Santo Niño de Cebu. From Fort San Pedro to Iloilo Customs House, followed by solemn foot procession to San Jose de Placer Church (refer to foot and fluvial procession map for details)

January 25, 2014 (Saturday)
8:00AM – Kasadyahan Regional Festival along the Street Parade Route (refer to festival route map for details)
2:00PM – Sponsors Mardi-Gras along the Street Parade Route (refer to festival route map for details)
7:00PM – Religious Sadsad at San Jose de Placer Parish Church

January 26, 2014 (Sunday)
6:00AM – Concelebrated High Mass at San Jose de Placer Parish Church
8:00AM – Iloilo Dinagyang Ati Contest along the Street Parade Route (refer to festival route map for details)
7:00PM – Awarding Ceremonies at Freedom Grandstand

Hala Bira! Viva Senyor Santo Niño!

HOW TO GET TO ILOILO CITY

The fastest way to reach Iloilo City is via a direct flight from Manila. Philippine Airlines/PAL Express, AirAsia Zest, TigerAir Philippines and Cebu Pacific have several flights daily to Iloilo from Manila, Cebu or Davao. By plane, it takes 55 minutes from Manila, about 25 minutes from Cebu, and 1 hour from Davao. Iloilo Airport 30 minutes away from Iloilo City, to get to the city proper you may take a taxi or the shuttle service with drop-off point in SM City Iloilo.

By sea, it takes about 20 hours from Manila to Iloilo by ferry. It can also be reached from Zamboanga (16 hours); Cagayan de Oro (14 hours); Cebu (12 hours) or Bacolod City (1 hour).

TRAVEL TIP: Airfares to Iloilo tend to shoot up during festival season, your next best option (if you're on budget) is to fly-in via Bacolod or Roxas City which would take 1 hour (by ferry) and 3 hours by van or bus to reach Iloilo City, respectively.

Photos were used with permission from Rob Pinzon of www.palibut.com.

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Festival in Cebu: Complete Sinulog Festival 2014 Schedule of Activities

Cebu's Grandest Festival, Sinulog 2014 is one of the country's biggest and most attended festivals in honor of the Senyor Santo Niño. Here is the complete Schedule of Activities and Highlights of Events.

December 1, 2013 – January 31, 2014 — Sinulog Street Fair, Osmena Blvd.
7 a.m. — Elimination of Sinulog Dance Crew and Musicfest, CCSC

December 30, 2013 — Sinulog Fun Run

January 9, 2014 (Thursday) — Opening Salvo: Walk with Jesus
4 a.m. — Assembly Time (Area) Fuente Osmena
4:30 a.m. — Start of Walk from Fuente Osmena Blvd. to Basilica del Sto. Nino
5:30 a.m. — Installation of Hermano and Hermana Mayores 2014

January 10, 2014 (Friday) — Sinulog 2014 Kickoff
2 p.m. — Solemn Mass (Basilica del Sto. Nino)
3 p.m. — Launching Parade (Basilica del Sto. Nino to CCSC)
7 p.m. — Opening and Launching Program, Fuente Osmena
8 p.m. — Sinulog Idol (Fuente Osmena Circle)
9 p.m. — Street Party Bands

January 11, 2014 (Saturday) — Sinulog sa Kabataan – Lalawigan
1 p.m. — Parade of Participants, Capitol Site to Cebu City Sports Center
2 p.m. — Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Lalawigan, Cebu City Sports Center
6:30 p.m. — Cultural Show (Fuente Osmena)
7 p.m. — Ms Cebu 2014 Presentation at Ayala Activity Center
8 p.m. — Sinulog Idol (Fuente Osmena Circle)
9 p.m. — Concert at the Fuente O, Street Party Bands

January 12, 2014 (Sunday) — Sinulog sa Kabataan – Dakbayan
4 a.m. — Cebu City 2014 Marathon — www.cebumarathon.com
1 p.m. — Parade of Participants, Plaza Independencia to CCSC
2 p.m. — Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Dakbayan, CCSC
6 p.m. — Grand Finals of Sinulog Choral Competition
6:30 p.m. — Cultural Show (Fuente Osmena)
8 p.m. — Sinulog Idol (Fuente Osmena Circle)
9 p.m. — Concert at the Fuente O, Street Party Bands

January 13, 2014 (Monday)
6:30 p.m. — Cultural Show (Fuente Osmena)
8 p.m. — Sinulog Idol (Fuente Osmena)
9 p.m. — Concert at the Fuente O, Street Party Bands

January 14, 2014 (Tuesday)
6:30 p.m. — Cultural Show (Fuente Osmena)
8 p.m. — Sinulog Idol (Fuente Osmena)
9 p.m. — Concert at the Fuente O, Street Party Bands

January 15, 2014 (Wednesday)
9 a.m. — Airport Welcome (Balikbayan Flights)
6:30 p.m. — Cultural Show (Fuente Osmena)
7 p.m. — Ms Cebu 2014 Coronation Night, Waterfront Lahug Hotel
8 p.m. — Sinulog Idol (Fuente Osmena)
9 p.m. — Concert at the Fuente O, Street Party Bands

January 16, 2014 (Thursday)
9 a.m. — Airport Welcome (Balikbayan Flights)
6 p.m. — Balik Cebu, Welcome Party at Ayala Center Cebu
6:30 p.m. — Cultural Show (Fuente Osmena)
Sinulog Festival Queen Runway Competition and Photoshoot
8 p.m. — Sinulog Idol Grand Finals (Fuente Osmena)
Handumanan at Ayala Terraces
9 p.m. — Concert at the Fuente O, Street Party Bands

January 17, 2014 (Friday) — Visual Merchandising Contest (Dept. Stores and Malls)
4 a.m. — Walk with Mary from Fuente Osmena to Sto. Nino
9 a.m. — Solidarity Meeting (All competing contingent/Floats/Higante/Puppeteers) at CCSC gym
6 p.m. — Sinulog Dance Crew and Musicfest Grand Finals, CCSC
7:30 p.m. — Sinulog Festival Queen 2014, CCSC
8 p.m. — Cebu Popular Music Festival, Cebu Coliseum

January 18, 2014 (Saturday)
6 a.m. — Fluvial Procession of the Miraculous Image of Sto. Nino
9 a.m. — Reenactment of the Baptism of Queen Juana and Rajah Humabon — Basilica del Sto. Nino
2 p.m. — Solemn Procession of the Miraculous Image of Sto. Nino
7 p.m. — Street Party at Fuente Osmena and Plaza Independencia
8 p.m. — Kasadya Nite Mardi Gras at Ayala Center Cebu
9 p.m. — Musicfest Grand Finals

January 19, 2014 (Sunday) — Sinulog Grand Parade
4 a.m. — Mananita Mass at Basilica del Sto. Nino
6 a.m. — Pontifical Mass with His Eminence Ricardo J. Cardinal Vidal
9 a.m. — Sinulog Grand Parade Carousel Kickoff
7 p.m. — Grand Finale and Grand Fireworks, CCSC
7:30 p.m. — Street Party Bands, Fuente Osmena

January 20, 2014 (Monday)
1 p.m. — Awarding Ceremonies, CCSC

January 24, 2014 (Friday) — Hubo
4 a.m. — Hubo Mass Ritual at Basilica del Sto. Nino

January 25, 2014 (Saturday)
1 p.m. — Screening of Finalists for Short Film/Video Documentary Contest
Sinulog 2013 Photo Contest Winners Exhibits
6 p.m. — Awarding Ceremonies Photo Contest and Video Documentary Contect at SM City Cebu

February 3 – February 10, 2014 — Photo Exhibits “Winning Photos Sinulog 2014″ at SM City Cebu

Pit Senyor! Viva Senyor Santo Niño!

How to get to Cebu

By Air
The fastest way to reach Cebu is by plane. Cebu City, being one of the most urbanized cities in the Visayas, it can be reached on affordable flights from Manila and other key cities in the country such as Davao, Bacolod, Iloilo, Cagayan de Oro, Kalibo, Puerto Princesa, Boracay, Clark, Siargao, Zamboanga, Cotabato, Camiguin, General Santos, and Tacloban, among many others. Most local airlines have several flights daily to Cebu making it one of the most accessible city in the country.

By Sea
Cebu City can also be reached by sea through ferries coming from Manila, Davao, Cagayan de Oro, Bohol, Leyte, Iligan, Negros, Butuan and Ozamis among many others.



Photos were used with permission from Rob Pinzon of www.robinspinzon.com.

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What to Do in Puerto Galera: Malasimbo Music and Arts Festival 2014

Malasimbo Music and Arts Festival is held in the natural amphitheater that is Mount Malasimbo. Endorsed by the Department of Tourism, it is the first international music and arts festival of its calibre in the Asia-Pacific region.

Every year, the festival features some of the most exciting local and international performers and artists. It is definitely one of the festivals to watch out for, next year.

Malasimbo Music and Arts Festival will be on February 27 (Thursday) to March 3, 2014 (Monday) at Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro Philippines.

Watch out for the following artists:

• Jose Gonzalez
• Robert Glasper Experiment
• Roy Ayers and Lonnie Liston Smith
• Mad Professor
• Osunlade
• Omar
• Greg Wilson
• Mark de Clive-Lowe
• Low Leaf
• June Marieezy
• Jordan Rakei
• Heavy Boogie

Tickets will be on sale very soon!

Formore details and updates, visit www.malasimbofestival.com.

Celebrate MUSIC, ARTS and NATURE at Malasimbo Festival!

How to Get to Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro

• From Manila, take an air-conditioned bus going straight to Batangas pier via CALABARZON Expressway. Travel time from Manila to Batangas pier is about 2 hours depending on traffic condition and the fare is less than 200 pesos.
• Upon arrival in Batangas pier, go to Terminal 3 and find the ticket booth of the ferry going to Puerto Galera. Pay the Terminal Fee of 30 pesos per person and the Environmental User Fee of 50 pesos per person.
• Puerto Galera has 4 major points of entry, namely, Sabang Pier, Muelle Pier, Balatero Pier and White Beach. If you are going to Sabang, choose the ferry that will go directly to Sabang Pier. If you are going to White Beach, make sure that the ferry will go to White Beach. So, make sure you're riding the correct boat. Fare is around 250 to 280 pesos, one-way.
• Please note that the first ferry trip to Puerto Galera is at 7:30 AM during regular season with one hour interval. Last rtip is at 4:30 PM.

This post will be updated as soon as the detailed schedule comes out.

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What to do in Pampanga: Ing Lubenas Ning Pasku 2013 in Angeles City, Pampanga on December 14, 2013

Ing Lubenas ning Pasku will once again light up the streets of Angeles City on December 14, 2013 as lanterns intricately decorated with delicate lace patterns parade around the streets of the city. This year, 16 parishes/barangays will participate in the parade which will start at 7:00pm at the Plaza Angel, Angeles Heritage District, located in front of the Holy Rosary Parish Church.

The Kapampangan term “lubenas”, which was derived from Spanish terms “luz” and “novena”, has been referred to as the nine-day of prayer-worship observed prior to the birth of Jesus on Christmas Day. This tradition has been highly identifiable with a lanterns’ parade, preceding the community’s patron saint and Christmas figures, symbolic of the lubenas’ intentions (such as fish for posterity, dove for peace, lamb for sacrifice, etc.), all accompanied by the solemn chanting, guitar-strumming and a distinct drum-beating, as witnessed by the residents of the community all lined up along the path of the procession.

The “Lubenas” depicts the religious and cultural traditions of the Kapampangans, in celebration of the Yuletide Season. Adults and children alike always render with enthusiasm their voluntary participation to the lubenas, as demonstration of their utmost devotion to their patron saints, whose respective barangays were named after.

Even as this unique custom was practiced for more than a hundred years, sadly though, it has been less and less observed, and is facing near extinction due to modernization of the times. Thus, it is the noble mission of the Kuliat Foundation Inc., the Holy Rosary Parish Pastoral Council and the Angeles City Local Government through the Angeles City Tourism Office to resuscitate this colorful tradition through an annual inter-barangay Christmas novena and lantern procession contest dubbed as “Ing Lubenas ning Pascu”.

Once again, Angeles City shall witness a convergence of lubenas from each participating barangays and sitios, in a cultural parade of lanterns in one procession along the city’s historic district and downtown thoroughfares.

​Parts of the objectives are to rouse more interest in the field of local lantern-making, which the Kapampangans have been known as an expert on, both locally and globally; to encourage and resonate the spirit of volunteerism and cooperation among the members of the barangay council, the local pastoral council and the community; and to foster camaraderie among different barangays of Angeles City through a friendly, competitive scheme. Best Lubenas Presentation, Best Symbolic Theme and Best Lantern Procession Display shall be chosen by a distinguished panel of judges this year and in the years to come.

This is a Press Release. Photos and Text provided by the Museo ning Angeles

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What to do in Manila: Official Entries and List of Winners of the Metro Manila Film Festival 2013 (UPDATED)

Christmas is Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) season in the Philippines! This annual event which started way back in 1975, showcases locally produced films to the delight of the Filipino movie-goers. The festival will start on Christmas day, December 25 until the first week of January 2014.

The 39th Metro Manila Film Festival official entries are the following:

1. 10,000 Hours - Action, drama and suspense movie produced by Philippine Film Studios, starring Robin Padilla, directed by Joyce Bernal.
2. Boy Golden - Action movie starring ER Ejercito, KC Concepcion, Eddie Garcia, John Estrada, Tonton Gutierrez and Joem Bascon, directed by Chito Roño
3. Girl, Boy, Bakla, Tomboy - Comedy movie produced by Star Cinema and VIVA Films, starring Vice Ganda, Maricel Soriano and Joey Marquez, directed by Wenn Deramas.
4. Kimmy Dora: Ang Kiyemeng Prequel - Comedy movie produced by Spring Films, starring Eugene Domingo and Sam Milby, directed by Chris Martinez.
5. Kaleidoscope World - Romance, musical movie produced by Melcor Enterprises, starring Sef Cadayona, Yassi Pressman, Elmo Magalona, Diva Montelaba, Steven Silva and Enzo Pineda.
6. My Little Bossings - Comedy movie produced by OctoArts Films, MZET, APT Entertainment & Kris Aquino Productions, starring Vic Sotto, Kris Aquino, Ryzza Mae Dizon and James 'Bimby' Aquino-Yap, directed by Marlon Rivera.
7. Pagpag - Horror, suspense, romantic movie produced by Star Cinema and Regal Films, starring Kathryn Bernardo, Daniel Padilla, Paulo Avelino and Shaina Magdayao, directed by Frasco Mortiz.
8. Pedro Calungsod: Batang Martir - Biography, epic movie produced by HPI Synergy Group, Wings Entertainment, starring Rocco Nacino, Christian Vasquez, Jestoni Alarcon, Robert Correa, Ryan Eigenmann and Victor Basa, directed by Francis O. Villacorta.

10,000 Hours Trailer

Boy Golden Trailer

Girl, Boy, Bakla, Tomboy Trailer

Kimmy Dora ang Kiyemeng Prequel Trailer

Kaleidoscope World Trailer

My Little Bossings Trailer

Pagpag Trailer

Pedro Calungsod: Batang Martir Trailer

LIST OF 39th Metro Manila Film Festival Awards WINNERS

Last night, organizers announced the best films for the 39th Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) in the awards night held at the Meralco Theater.

• New Wave Student Short Film Special Jury Prize: #NoFilter, Mapua Institute of Technology
• New Wave Short Film Best Picture: Ang Paglisan
• Best Float Award: Boy Golden
• Youth Choice Award: Pagpag
• Best New Wave Film: Dukit by Armando Lao
• Animation Jury Prize: Ang Lalong ni Kulakog
• Animation Best Picture: Kaleh and Mbaki
• Best New Wave Film Director: Armando Lao for Dukit
• New Wave Best Actress: Agot Isidro
• New Wave Best Actor: Bor Ocampo, Willy Layug, Bambalito Lacap for Dukit
• New Wave Special Jury Prize: Mga Anino ng Kahapon
• New Wave Best Picture: Dukit
• Best Child Performer: Ryzza Mae Dizon, My Little Bossings
• Best Festival Sound Recording: 10,000 Hours
• Best Musical Score: 10,000 Hours
• Best Original Theme Song: My Little Bossings
• Best Makeup: Pagpag
• Best Visual Effects: 10,000 Hours
• Best Editing: 10,000 Hours
• Best Cinematography: 10,000 Hours
• Gender Sensitive Award - New Wave Student Category: Hintayin mo sa Seq. 24
• Gender Sensitive Award Main Category: Girl, Boy, Bakla, Tomboy
• Gender Sensitive Award - New Wave: Island Dreams
• Special Recognition Award: Ronnie Ricketts
• FPJ Memorial Award for Film Excellence: 10,000 Hours
• Mavshack Male Star of the Night: Daniel Padilla
• Mavshack Female Star of the Night: Eugene Domingo
• Best Original Story: 10,000 Hours
• Best Screenplay: 10,000 Hours
• Best Director: Joyce Bernal, 10,000 Hours
• Best Supporting Actor: Pen Medina, 10,000 Hours
• Best Supporting Actress, Aiza Seguerra, My Little Bossings
• Gatpuuno Antonio Villegas Cultural Award: 10,000 Hours
• 3rd Best Picture: My Little Bossings
• 2nd Best Picture: Girl, Boy, Bakla. Tomboy
• Best Picture: 10,000 Hours
• Best Actor: Robin Padilla, 10,000 Hours
• Best Actress: Maricel Soriano, Girl, Boy, Bakla, Tomboy

Let's support Pinoy Movies!

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What to do in Cavite: Maytinis Festival 2013 on Kawit, Cavite

Every December 24th, residents from Kawit (Cavite), other towns and visitors from nearby provinces, flock to this historic town to witness the annual Maytinis Festival.

It is an old Caviteño tradition, held every December 24th (Christmas Eve) featuring a spectacular recapping of St. Joseph and Virgin Mary's search for a place to stay in Bethlehem. It also showcases ancient biblical scenes from the Old to the New Testaments depicted in gigantic floats with characters played by Kawiteños.

Maytinis Festival 2013

Date: December 24, 2013
Venue: Main streets of Kawit, Cavite
Time: Starts at around 5 or 6 PM

HOW TO GET TO KAWIT, CAVITE

From Southwest Provincial Bus Terminal in Parañaque (Coastal Mall), take an air-conditioned bus bound for Cavite City (via CAVITEX is recommended). It passes by the town of Kawit, fare is 30-40 pesos and travel time is around 1 hour depending on traffic condition. Please be reminded to come early as main roads in Kawit are closed to vehicles a few hours before the festival starts at around 5:00 to 6:00 in the evening.

See you in Kawit Cavite!

Tagaytay City is one of the most popular tourist destination in the Province of Cavite. It is an awesome destination near Metro Manila frequented by weekenders and city dwellers. As a famous tourist destination, it is home to a many hotels and resorts with swimming pools that you may consider if you want to spend a memorable vacation. Summer or not, visit Cavite and enjoy a "cool" Tagaytay getaway!

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What to do in Pampanga: Giant Lantern Festival 2013 in San Fernando City

Giant Lantern Festival or "Ligligan Parul" is an annual Christmas event held in San Fernando City, Pampanga. Each giant lantern is a product of excellent workmanship and creativity of the people of San Fernando. It is a competition showcasing a grand display of dazzling lights, playful colors and kaleidoscopic patterns accompanied by lively Christmas carols.

Detailed Schedule of Activities

GIANT LANTERN FESTIVAL COMPETITION
Dec 14, 2013 · 6 PM
Robinsons Starmills, CSFP
Live Coverage at CLTV 36 (Cable and www.cltv36.tv)

FUN ACTIVITIES
Dec 2 to 20, 2013
See details below.

LUBENAS
Dec 15 To 23, 2013 · (Every Night)
Poblacion Area

GIANT LANTERN EXHIBITIONS
• Dec 15 to 21, 2013 · 7 PM · Robinsons Starmills, CSFP
• Dec 25, 2013 to Jan 3, 2014 · 7 PM · Robinsons Starmills, CSFP
• Dec 22, 2013 · 7 PM · Telabastagan, CSFP
• Dec 23, 2013 · 7 PM · Greenfields, Sindalan, CSFP
• Dec 24, 2013 · 11 PM · City Proper, CSFP
• Dec 27, 2013 · Nepo Center, Angeles City
• Dec 28 to 29, 2013 · Marquee Mall, Angeles City

FUN ACTIVITIES!!!

Flag Raising Ceremony; Unveiling of Schedule Of Activities
City Hall CSFP
Dec 2, 2013 · 8 AM

Press Conference
City Hall CSFP
Dec 2, 2013 · 10 AM

Inter-Village Christmas Decoration Competition
City of San Fernando, Pampanga
Dec 2 to 5, 2013 · 6 PM onwards

Lantern Parade Competition (Elementary & High School)
High Blvd., CSFP
Dec 6, 2013 · 6 PM

Christmas Diskwento Caravan
Infront of City Hall, CSFP
Dec 20, 2013 · 6 AM to 6 PM

Be sure to mark your calendars! It will be held December 14, 2013 (Saturday) where several barangays will showcase their giant lanterns to compete for the top prize.

See you in San Fernando City, Pampanga!

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