Jan. 12 to Jan. 18: Talong Festival
The town of Villasis in Pangasinan pays tribute to its eggplant farmers as it remains a leading producer of eggplants in Ilocos region.
A feature of the festival is the search for traditional eggplant dishes with a twist, such as “bibingka talong,” “talong lasagna” and “leche eggplant.”
Other activities include farmers’ day, thanksgiving night, youth night and street dancing competition.
Jan. 12-19: Sto. Niño Ati-Atihan Festival
Devotees of Sto. Niño pour into the streets of Kalibo, capital of Aklan province, to celebrate the feast of the Holy Child Jesus.
The festival is known for its unique “sadsad” (street dancing) accompanied by drums and lyres. There will be parade of floats and tribes, parade of giants, dawn penitential procession, street dancing, pilgrim Mass and the transfer of the image of Sto. Niño de Kalibo.
Jan. 12-19: Sinulog sa Kabankalan
The city of Kabankalan in Negros Occidental province celebrates its own version of Sinulog as it pays homage to the Holy Child Jesus with the theme, “Señor Sto. Niño: Sa imu bulig, kami nagasalig” (“Through your graces, we trust”).
Activities include an art exhibit, youth fest, float display competition, battle of the bands and the transfer of the Sto. Niño image.
Compiled by Kathleen de Villa, Inquirer Research