The Philippines Today, Yesterday, and Tomorrow
Serenata of Betis, Guagua Kapampángan holidays are made more lively by different brass bands that compete every year during the Christmas season! SERENÁTA • (seh-reh-NAH-tuh)open-air concert, esp. by a brass band playing overtures during town fiestas Serenata of BetisBetis, Guagua, Pampanga Three of the best brass bands in Pampanga, including Sasmuan’s Banda 31 and Betis’ … Read more
What makes Pampanga the Christmas Capital of the Philippines? Let’s take a look back at some Kapampángan Christmas symbols and traditions that have earned Pampanga its title as the Christmas Capital of the Philippines! Filipinos are known for celebrating the most extended Christmas in the world (September to early January) and a bright and flashy … Read more
DUKIT FESTIVALBetis, Guagua, Pampanga The district of Betis honors its woodcarving industry with the Dukit Festival which coincides with the feast of its patron St. James the Apostle (locally Apung Tiago) during December 28-30. The festival features competitions from woodcarvers around the country and a street dance parade featuring colorful woodcarving-themed costumes. You may want … Read more
MAJIGANGGA FESTIVALSanta Ana, Pampanga Every around December 28, the town of Sta. Ana, Pampanga holds the Majigangga Festival where majiganggas, or giants said to represent the evil warded off during Christmas, are made and paraded around town. You may want to read: Duman Festival Balacat Festival
Antipolo Cathedral(International Shrine of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage) Our last church for this Simbang Gabi sa Ilog Pasig takes us east to the waters of Laguna de Bay (the source of the Pasig River) and up into the mountains of Rizal – to the city of Antipolo. Up on these mountains stands … Read more