Get the full experience of Philippine festivals by staying within reach. DMCI Homes Leasing Services (DHLS) has many properties for rent that you can look into. By renting a condo during your vacation, you get to save on accommodation expenses (it’s more affordable than staying in a hotel!) while enjoying the comforts of a premier residential place. DMCI Homes properties are located strategically near transport networks, commercial hubs and essential establishments such as hospitals, making sure everything you need is accessible.
Experiencing the energy and excitement of festivals in the Philippines is a way of better understanding diverse cultures across the archipelago, especially among curious foreigners. These public events showcase the religious practices, livelihood and traditions in the places they are celebrated. Philippine festivals are also held as a way to help local industries recover such as in the case of the Panagbenga (Flower Festival) in Baguio City which kicked off after the tragic 1990 Luzon earthquake that left the City in devastation.
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Festivities are held across the country all year round so there’s no shortage of events for your vacation getaway. The Strawberry Festival is celebrated in Benguet in February, the Kadayawan Festival is held in Davao City in August and the Lantern Festival is observed in Las Pinas City in December.
Take advantage of the relaxed travel protocols by planning your next travel adventures. You may consider renting a fully-furnished DMCI Homes condo unit that has all the comforts of home - appliances, furniture, and utensils. It’s like bringing your home with you during your vacation. Choose a condo for rent in the same city you’re visiting or somewhere near. This will ensure you maximize your time leisurely exploring your travel destination.
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Here is a list of festivals and where you and your friends can stay.
10 Filipino Festivals You Shouldn’t Miss and Where to Stay
- Panagbenga Festival in Baguio City
- Strawberry Festival in La Trinidad, Benguet
- Kadayawan Festival in Davao City
- Araw ng Dabaw in Davao City
- Semana Santa in Mandaluyong City
- Lavandero Festival in Mandaluyong City
- Feast of the Immaculate Conception in Pasig City
- Pakalog Festival in Pasig City
- International Bamboo Organ Festival in Las Piñas
- Parol Festival in Las Piñas
1. Panagbenga Festival in Baguio City
The Summer Capital of the Philippines is a top tourist destination. The cool climate and picturesque natural attractions are a breath of fresh air for people from warmer cities. The temperature in this elevated province is about 8 degrees lower than in any other low-lying place in the country.
Each year, Baguio welcomes tens of thousands of local and foreign tourists who visit for the weather, parks, and the much-awaited Panagbenga Festival. The Panagbenga Festival is a month-long event that commences in February. Its theme is the season of bloom, a tribute to the resilience of the Baguio folks after a devastating earthquake in 1990. The festivities include a flower float parade, street dancing, trade fairs, and open-air concerts.
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2. Strawberry Festival in La Trinidad, Benguet
The neighboring La Trinidad in Benguet, which is a 20-minute drive from Baguio’s town proper, also hosts a festival you should experience. The Strawberry Festival is held every February to celebrate the top harvest of the municipality - strawberries. Tourists may witness traditional rituals participated by tribal elders, and watch the strawberry shortcake baking competition. There are booths selling various types of delicacies made of strawberries and other products of Benguet.
Where to stay? Book a unit at Outlook Ridge Residences located at Outlook Drive in Baguio City. This DMCI Homes residential development is surrounded by verdant pines and features lifestyle amenities such as a fitness gym, sauna, and roof garden. You may also host special events with family and friends in its beautiful function halls.
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3. Kadayawan Festival in Davao City
Davao City gained more popularity among tourists during the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte. Before becoming President, Duterte served as the Mayor known for imposing strict rules to maintain peace and order. Davao City is the main trade and business hub in Mindanao so it’s no surprise that it’s also the second-most populous city in the country.
Davaoenos celebrate a number of public events each year but one of the most awaited is the Kadayawan Festival held in August. This festival, which started in 1970, is an event for Davao tribes to showcase their thanksgiving rituals. The Kadayawan was initially called Apo Duwaling, combining the three wonders of Davao - Mt. Apo, Durian and Waling-waling. You will enjoy the Floral Float parade, street performances, and the gastronomic delights in fairs.
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4. Araw ng Dabaw in Davao City
You may also visit Davao on its Foundation Day on March 15th and celebrate the locals. The Araw ng Dabaw is known for the Mutya ng Dabaw, a beauty pageant participated by the most beautiful women in the city. The city turns into a fiesta with sports competitions, parades, and fireworks displays.
Where to stay? Choose Verdon Parc on Peacock Street, Davao City as your accommodation while visiting the city. This resort-inspired DMCI Homes property features greenscapes and amenities that will ensure a relaxing stay. You may enjoy quality time with your companions at the lounge pool or just savor much-deserved me-time in the Sky Garden overlooking the natural beauty of Davao City.
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5. Semana Santa in Mandaluyong City
Mandaluyong City is a bustling city at the center of the capital region. It’s a short drive away (even a walk) from Makati, Manila, San Juan, and Pasig City. If you want to travel around Metro Manila easily, Mandaluyong is a recommended place to stay.
The Holy Week or Semana Santa, held in March or April, is an essential religious event in the Philippines. The days of Thursday to Saturday are considered national holidays with more than 80% of Filipinos observing Catholic rituals including processions and Visita Iglesia (church pilgrimage). Magdaleno's prepare for Holy Week rituals and hold them with passion. Senákulo in Mandaluyong is particularly gripping as these plays are held in the streets by town folks. Watching the amateur actors reenact Jesus Christ’s passion and death is an unforgettable experience.
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6. Lavendero Festival in Mandaluyong City
The Pasig River traverses through various cities in the capital including Mandaluyong. In the olden days, the river was an important transportation network and source of essential needs of people in the region. Mandalenos used to wash their clothes in the clean waters of Pasig City. In remembrance of this old tradition, folks hold the Lavandero Festival every February. This is a much-anticipated event by local wives because festival participants are men doing the laundry!
Where to stay? Enjoy the breathtaking view of Pasig River and the Makati business district from a condo unit at Tivoli Garden Residences in Barangay Hulo, Mandaluyong City. This residential development is a stone’s throw away from Makati and an easy drive to Manila. You may cool down in the leisure or lap pool, and if you’re traveling with kids, they may frolic in the Kiddie Pool.
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7. Feast of the Immaculate Conception in Pasig City
Pasig City has the charms of the Philippine hispanic heritage and the comforts of a highly urbanized city. You may visit the Immaculate Conception Cathedral, the first Marian parish in the country, which was built 1572. The city is also home to the Ortigas Center, a major business and entertainment hub. Pasig is also the gateway to the Province of Rizal, which are also recommended travel destinations.
One of the many public events in Pasig that you shouldn’t miss is the Feast of the Immaculate Conception held on December 8. The stone church which has nearly 500 years of history is a major tourist attraction in the city. You may also visit the Diocesan Museum inside the convent which keeps church artifacts. The Feast involves Marian concerts, novenario processions, and other church-sponsored events.
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8. Pakalog Festival in Pasig City
New Year’s Eve, by itself, is already a festive event. But residents of Barangay Santolan in Pasig put the merriment to a higher notch with the Pakalog Festival. Town folks gather on the streets and share gastronomic delights including Lechon (roast suckling pig). There are street dancers, games, and other outdoor activities organized by barangays and residents.
Where to stay? Reserve a condo unit at Sheridan Towers on Sheridan Street in Pasig City. This premier DMCI development offers an escape from structured city living with its genuine resort and country-club feel. Some of the lifestyle amenities that await you are a lap pool, fitness gym, Sky Lounge, and roof deck.
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9. International Bamboo Organ Festival in Las Piñas
If you’re spending R&R soon, you should consider visiting Las Pinas at the south of Manila. The city exudes a laid-back atmosphere being in proximity to the CALABARZON provinces, yet it has all the conveniences of a highly urbanized city. Las Pinas is best known for its majestic Bamboo Organ kept inside the St. Joseph Parish Church. The organ was built in 1824 and is the world’s only one made of bamboo.
Make sure your next vacation in Las Piñas includes the International Bamboo Organ Festival set every February. This cultural event attracts a lot of local and foreign tourists, as well as music aficionados across genres. The festival is a week-long series of musical performances by the Bamboo Organ choir, Las Piñas Boys’ Choir, classical artists, orchestras, and other solo instrumentalists.
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10. International Bamboo Organ Festival and Parol Festival in Las Piñas
Every December, Las Piñas folks showcase their best lantern designs in the annual Parol Festival. The city, known as Metro Manila’s Parol Capital, hosts the prestigious Parol Making Competition and street performances. The parol-making contest highlights natural and indigenous materials, as well as the use of recycled materials such as cans, bottles, and newspapers.
Where to stay? DMCI Homes’ Ohana Place along Alabang-Zapote Road in Las Piñas City is a highly recommended accommodation for your next vacation. Its modern Polynesian architecture and resort-like amenities offer a relaxing atmosphere reminiscent of Hawaii.
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Key takeaways
The Philippines, with its diverse traditions and cultures, has no shortage of festivals. There is a celebration every month of the year, making traveling a truly fun-packed experience. Here are some pointers for your next adventures:
- Plan your accommodation ahead of time. More people are traveling now so expect high bookings in travel destinations.
- Choose an accommodation that is accessible to transportation networks. You wouldn’t want to waste time getting from one place to another.
- Consider renting a fully-furnished DMCI Homes condo unit for your vacation. This is more affordable than staying in a hotel and more convenient than in a semi-furnished accommodation. In a fully-furnished unit, you get all the comforts of a home.
To learn more about DMCI Homes pre-selling and ready for occupancy projects, units for lease, and special promos, log on to www.dmcihomes.com or call (632) 5324-8888. For more information about available condo units across the country, you can also check out https://leasing.dmcihomes.com/.
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