This week’s milestones: July 6 to July 12

July 11, 2016

The National Historical Commission of the Philippines installed a historical marker at Pardo Church, also known as the Sto. Tomas de Villanueva Church, located in Pardo, Cebu City. Established as a parish of the Diocese of Cebu under the patronage of Santo Tomas de Villanueva, the original church was built in 1866 using “tabique” and nipa. However, it was damaged by an earthquake in 1877. The present stone church was constructed between 1880 and 1893, based on the design of Domingo de Escondrillas. It later underwent renovations under Father Venerando Reynes in 1912. Another restoration took place from 2015 to 2016 following earthquake damage in 2013. Today, the Sto. Tomas de Villanueva Parish is considered one of the must-visit churches in Cebu City, especially during Lent as its architecture offers a glimpse into how Filipinos practiced Visita Iglesia during the Spanish colonial period.

This week’s festivals

Maubanog Festival (July 1 to July 15)

The Maubanog Festival is an annual celebration that reflects the fun-loving spirit of the people of Mauban in Quezon province. More than just a festivity, it is a vibrant expression of Maubanin artistry, creativity, and identity, unraveling the unique character and traditions of the community. It also serves as a tribute to Mauban’s historical legacy. This year’s festival is poached with exciting and colorful events including different types of competitions, parades, street dancing, beauty pageant and more. There are also community events including a vet mission, an agritourism trade fair, and an “Almusalang Bayan.”

T’nalak Festival

T’nalak Festival (July 5 to July 18)

The T’nalak Festival is an annual celebration that commemorates the founding anniversary of South Cotabato province. It also highlights the region’s rich cultural heritage and celebrates the harmonious convergence of art, music, dance and spirituality. Held every second week of July, the festival is named after the “t’nalak”—a vibrant abaca cloth traditionally woven by the Tboli women, who are among the indigenous peoples (IPs) of the province. This intricate weaving art is a vital part of the Tboli cultural heritage, deeply rooted in their spiritual and ancestral traditions. This year’s festivity includes vibrant and exciting activities such as dance competitions (folk dance and streetdance competition); food garden and food strip; South Cotabato’s weave exhibit; civic military parade and float competition and more.

Compiled by: Nathalie Grace Adalid, Inquirer Research, Sources: Inquirer Research, T’nalak Festival Facebook page, Mauban Tourism Office Facebook page, pna.gov.ph, mauban.gov.ph, mirror.pia.gov.ph, csab.edu.ph, nhcphistoricsites.blogspot.com