March 10 to 16: Seslong Festival
A celebration of the ancient practice of barter trade at T’boli town in South Cotabato province. Songs and dances of the indigenous groups T’boli and B’laan are highlighted in the festival.
Other activities include a grand parade, photography contest and motocross.
March 13: Kabutenyo Festival
Known as the mushroom capital of Cavite province, the town of General Mariano Alvarez showcases its main product, “kabute,” or mushroom.
Residents join different festivities, such as street dancing, trade fair and a culinary contest with mushroom as the main ingredient.
March 14 to 16: Ylang-Ylang Festival
The agricultural town of Anao in Tarlac province, the country’s leading ylang-ylang producer, celebrates its main product — ylang-ylang — and its 149th founding anniversary.
Anao has about 10,000 fully grown ylang-ylang trees in its 18 villages.
The essential oil extracted from ylang-ylang flowers is also used in the manufacture of perfumes, bath soap, lotion and shampoo.
Activities include agro-trade fair, folk dance competition, farmers’ day, boodle fight and grand parade.
Compiled by Kathleen de Villa, Inquirer Research