Feast of Sto. Nino de Tondo, Shadow of the Sinulog and Ati-atihan Festivals

When it comes to celebrating the Feast of Sto. Nino, we at Tondo, Manila, know very well that we cannot compete with the kind of celebration they have there in Cebu. But despite of that, nothing could actually stop us from celebrating the coming of Sto. Nino to the Filipinos. Subukan nyo, nang makita nyo ang mga Siga ng Tundo! Hahaha!

Happening the same Sunday as Sinulog Festival and Ati-atihan Festival, which is on the third Sunday of January, is Tondo, Manila's Lakbayaw Festival, a festival composed of sing and dance dedicated to Sto. Nino de Tondo. Just like in Cebu, a weekend full of street dancing and chanting of "Viva, Viva Sto. Nino!," the Lakbayaw Festival of Tondo is a mixed of street dancing and solemn procession whereas participating schools in the area dress up and dance to compete on this year Lakbayaw Street Dance Competition.

The Festival is basically new, but it already caught some attention from the country due to its resounding success. I haven't seen any of the Lakbayaw shows yet, but I always make sure that I get to visit the church on the feast day - to give thanks to one who we basically consider as our patron saint - the Sto. Nino.

Aklan: Kalibo Cathedral and the Sto. Niño de Kalibo

Two decades after the devastating earthquake that was felt all over Panay Island, Aklan, specifically Kalibo, stays firm and strong to their devotion to Sto. Niño as they build a modern-style church called Kalibo Cathedral - a proof to the world that they faith won't be shattered by any calamity.

Located at the provincial capital, Kalibo Cathedral can be easily reached by feet or by simply taking a tricycle straight from the Kalibo International Airport.

With Sto. Niño de Kalibo at the center of faith and religion here in Kalibo, just like most of the provinces in Visayas region, Kalibo Cathedral offers a closer interaction with their patron saint and wonderful taste of a once a historical ground for Aklanons.

Ati-atihan Festival 2012

The country's "social yet religious" festival once again was filled with performers and fans as Kalibo hosts the oldest festival in our country, the Ati-atihan Festival!

Now on its 800th year celebration, Ati-atihan Festival was attended by almost a million of spectators who love bands, beats and booze! Yes, booze!

It was my first time to attend this colorful celebration, I must say that I was wowed not only by the amazing and truly magical costumes of all participants but by also the heart-warming hospitality and coolness of Akeanons. 

This month-long celebration shed its highlight last weekend were I got to witness some 33 participants who competed on the prestigious Ati-tribe competion.

Kalibo, all set for Ati-atihan Festival 2012!

I'm here right now in Kalibo, and in a few hours, streets of this town will be again filled with colorful and cheerful people from different parts of the world as we all chant "Viva, viva, Sto. Nino! Woo!" to this year's!

It's my first time to attend Ati-atihan Festival, and though I'm alone, I'm really having so much fun!

Bands. Beautiful people. And Booze! They are all over the place!