This week’s milestones: Nov. 3 to Nov. 9

Nov. 7, 2000

By virtue of Republic Act No. 8977, signed then President Joseph Estrada, the municipality of Muñoz in the province of Nueva Ecija was converted into a component city, which was officially named Science City of Muñoz. Ratified on Dec. 9, 2000, it became the first science city in the Philippines. Covering a total land area of 16,305 hectares, Muñoz comprises 37 barangays, four of which constitute the city center. Its population (2020 Census) is 84,308. Before it became a science city, Muñoz was declared in September 1993 by the Department of Science and Technology as the “Muñoz Science Community.” This distinction was due to the presence of different state-of-the-art centers of excellence or research and development agencies within the municipality—most notably the Central Luzon State University.

Nov. 9, 2022

The National Historical Commission of the Philippines installed a historical marker at the Canaman Church, also known as Our Lady of the Assumption Parish, in Canaman, Camarines Sur. It began as the Doctrine of Nueva Caceres, now known as Naga City, in 1583. It became an independent parish under the patronage of St. Peter and St. Paul in 1599. Built from stone in 1669, it was placed under the care of Nuestra Señora de la Asunción. Through the years, it underwent repair and restoration, including when it was damaged by Typhoon Sening in October 1970. A significant restoration of the façade and the convent took place and was completed in 1978 with the help of donations from the faithful in Canaman. The historical marker not only narrates the rich history of the church’s edifice but also serves as a testament to the enduring growth of the Catholic faith in the town.

This week’s festivals: Nov. 3 to Nov. 9

Tumba-Tumba Festival (Oct. 26 to Nov. 4)

The Tumba-Tumba Festival, celebrated in San Narciso, Zambales, is a vibrant cultural tradition and unique All Souls’ Day activity that dates back to the 1830s. Held annually from the last week of October to the first week of November, “tumba” is a Spanish word that means tomb. The “tumba-tumba” are temporary shacks adorned with flowers made of indigenous materials that are erected along barangay roads depicting Ilocano atonement beliefs. Aside from the decorations and prayers, another important aspect of the “tumba” is the “atang,” or offerings, which include rice, eggs, alcoholic drinks, fruits, vegetables, rice-based sweets and even cigarettes. Today, a variation of “tumba” has emerged featuring the Ilocano folklore and mythology, where local actors give hair-raising performances of creatures such as aswang, tikbalang and manananggal.

Pintaflores Festival (Oct. 3 to Dec. 15)

The Pintaflores Festival is an annual celebration held in San Carlos City, Negros Occidental. This festivity is a vibrant celebration of culture, artistry and gratitude. Coinciding with the feast of the city’s patron saint, St. Carlos Borromeo, locals are dressed in colorful costumes with their bodies painted with floral designs, transforming the streets into a kaleidoscope of colors and creativity. This year’s festivities have an array of events, including the first Pintaflores Drone Show, trade fair, beauty pageant and a music festival. There will also be a street dancing competition featuring participants clad in colorful and ethnic-inspired costumes. Sports tournaments will also run for almost two months and will feature sports like swimming, taekwondo and football.

Compiled by: Nathalie Grace Adalid, Inquirer Research

Sources: Inquirer Research, Our Lady of the Assumption Parish-Canaman, Camarines Sur Facebook account, San Narciso, Zambales Municipal Tourism Facebook account, Pintaflores Festival Facebook account, pna.gov.ph, elibrary.judiciary.gov.ph, nhcphistoricsites.blogspot.com, philatlas.com, coa.gov.ph, sciencecityofmunoz.gov.ph