Oct. 14 to 24: Buglasan Festival
The weeklong festival at Dumaguete City in Negros Oriental province is billed as “a one-stop shop of the province’s achievements in cultural advancement and creativity.”
Buglasan came from “Buglas,” the pre-Hispanic name of Negros, which means marsh grasses that used to thrive on the island.
The festival dates back to 1981 when a contingent was formed to represent the province in the Folk Arts Festival convened by then first lady Imelda Marcos.
Among the activities lined up are marching band, folk dance and street dance competitions, and live band performances.
Oct. 15: Kuliat Festival
A religious festival in Angeles City, Pampanga province, celebrating three major feasts—Our Lady of La Naval, Holy Guardian Angels and Apung Mamacalulu (Dead Christ).
Kuliat, a sturdy vine that once grew abundantly in the city, was the former name of Angeles City.
Oct. 15 to 24: Calacatchara Festival
A festival in the town of Calaca in Batangas province, which boasts itself as “home of the best tasting ‘atchara.’”
The festival’s name is a portmanteau of calaca and atchara, or pickled papaya.
The celebration also pays homage to the town’s patron, St. Raphael the Archangel. Activities include LGBT day, farmers’ and fisherfolks’ day, senior citizens’ night, job fair, and procession venerating the town’s patron saint.
Compiled by Kathleen de Villa, Inquirer Research