THIS WEEK’S MILESTONES

Jan. 26 to Feb. 1

Jan. 30, 1911

Taal Volcano erupted, blasting a huge column of ash and steam into the sky after three days of minor tremors. Black mud laced with sulfuric acid rained down and killed all the crops and livestock in nearby areas. The blasts were reportedly heard from Mountain Province to the Visayas, while ashfall reached areas in Metro Manila. There was a stunning display of lightning as rocks were thrown into the sky by the volcano. Over 1,300 people were reportedly killed and some 13 villages were destroyed. The main crater is one of more than 40 craters in the Taal caldera, a cauldron-like depression formed by past eruptions and whose diameter spans about 25 kilometers.

Jan. 31, 2009

An eight-hectare property in Barangay Maribago on Mactan Island, Cebu province, was formally launched as a tourism economic zone. The area situated in Lapu-Lapu City was designated an economic zone through Proclamation No. 1681, signed by then President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. Mactan Island was being primed to become a tourism and investment hub in the “Queen City of the South.” Among the developments built include five-star hotels, condominiums, condotel and a water park.

Jan. 27 to Feb. 4

Candle Festival

The town of Candelaria in Quezon province celebrates its culture and traditions, and pays tribute to Nuestra Señora de Candelaria with the theme, “Mahal na Birhen ng Candelaria at San Pedro Bautista, mga Modelo ng Diyalogo tungo sa Pagkakaisa.” Among the activities to be held are novena Mass, candle float parade and job fair.

Jan. 27 to Feb. 9

Kannawidan Ylocos Festival

An Ilocano term meaning feast of rich heritage and culture, “Kannawidan” showcases the traditions, arts and crafts and delicacies of Ilocos Sur province. The festival also celebrates the founding anniversary of Ilocos Sur, when it was separated from Ilocos Norte province. There will be boodle fight, technology and livelihood training, bonsai and art exhibit, street dancing parade, traditional games and fun run.

Feb. 1 to March 8

Panagbenga Festival

The 25th run of the flower festival in Baguio City features 19 traditional events with the theme, “Panagbenga 2020: Blooming through the Years.” The event was founded in 1995 to help attract visitors to the city, known as the country’s summer capital. The grand opening day parade featuring street dancing contingents kicks off the festivities. Other activities include family fair, open kite flying competition, cultural show, cultural dance competition and golf tournament. Compiled by Kathleen de Villa, Inquirer Research

Sources: Inquirer Archives, phivolcs.dost.gov.ph, officialgazette.gov.ph, candelaria.gov.ph, ilocossur.gov.ph, baguio.gov.ph