Dinagyang 2014: The First Day to My Dream Philippine Festival

Funny it may seem that it took me a year to prepare for this and yet I'm still unprepared to what I'll be doing here. One thing I'm sure of, I'm excited to experience one of the most colorful and celebrated festivals in the Philippines - Dinagyang Festival.

Happening every fourth weekend of January here in Iloilo City, Dinagyang is celebrated with tons of fun and excitement together with some faith as the Señor Sto. Niño of Cebu brought into a procession on the streets of Iloilo along with a great number of street dancers all dressed in shinning and shimmering costumes and swaying to unique drumbeats made by different band groups.

This year, there are about 16 contingents from different parts of Iloilo and of the Visayas are vying to be the Dinagyang 2014 champion. And on the first day of my Dinagyang vacation here in Iloilo, January 23, I am welcomed by not just some drumbeats and colorful masks and costumes but also genuine sweet smiles from Ilonggos, who made the festivity more memorable and worth-experiencing.

The Henry: Your Artsy Sinulog 2014 Home

If you are heading south this Sto. Niño weekend to witness and experience the resounding and really colorful Sinulog Festival of the Queen City of the South - Cebu City - and you are still clueless as to where to stay over the weekend, here's an artsy option for you that you will certainly enjoy and captivate you heart - The Henry.

 

Nestled at the posh area of Banilad, a few kilometers from Cebu-Mactan Airport, which is basically in between the Downtown Cebu and the airport, The Henry will surely fill your Sinulog weekend with much more fun and excitement brought by the inspiring and unique interior of the place.

I had a taste of its colorful world a few months ago, and more than its accommodating staff, relaxing ambiance and great food, The Henry offers an art-gallery like kind of accommodation that brought out the artist in me. 

Aklan: Museo It Akean

More than it's world-class Boracay and scenic Caticlan, Aklan also holds a stunning and very inspiring history that the country should be proud of. And from its tribal roots to its loving people now, Aklan presented its most priced possessions in a small box called Museo It Akean.

A collection of its famous crafts and artifacts, Museo It Akean or the Museum of Aklan tells the story of this province once part of Capiz.

For those who are wondering what does Akean means, according to this museum, the name Akean came from the Aklanon word akean, which means the warbling of the water. And Aklan having this Amazon River like sight called Aklan River, I think we can assume that their old folks got it from the sound of the river during rainy season where the river possesses full powers.

I had a chance to spend some leisure time here during my visit to this humble province, and despite of it being small and modern, I find the place presentable and really informative. This is my second Visayan museum, albeit I don't wanna compare this to the first one I've visited months ago, Museo It Akean gave me a homey feel that made me appreciate the province more.

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.

On my Way to the Altar: A Sto.Niño de Tondo Visit

When ever I have a chance to visit Sto. Niño de Tondo Parish, I always make sure that I will walk my way to the altar, a replica of Sto. Nino de Cebu, which is located at the upper level of the said church where one can see the replica closer and make a wish!

It is just some few steps, but it’ll take you some minutes, depending on the number of visitors who like to knock on the altar behind the bars and make a wish for themselves and for their families.

They say that this Señor Sto. Niño answers one’s wishes, no wonder a lot of his devotees really took time in lining up and following the trail to the altar.

Here are some of the photos that I took on my way to the altar:

Feast of Sto. Niño de Tondo 2011

As the whole country focuses its attention to the Queen City of the South , Cebu, as they celebrate there the Sinulog Festival in respect to the little Jesus – Sto. Niño – here in Metro Manila, we, the people from Tondo, Manila, also give praise and thanks to our little patron who’s been so good to us all these year.

Yes, look here as I share to all of you the Feast of Sto. Niño de Tondo!

Just like in Cebu, every third Sunday of January, people from Manila gather at Sto. Niño de Tondo Parish to celebrate and give thanks for all the blessings and miracles that the little Jesus has given to us. On the streets of Tondo, you’ll see dances and praises of different local bands chanting “Viva, Viva, Sto. Niño!”