THIS WEEK’S MILESTONES: Dec. 21 to Dec. 27

Dec. 22, 1994

The National Historical Institute (NHI) installed a historical marker at the Hilongos Church, also known as the Parish Church of Our Lady of Immaculate Concepcion in Hilongos, Leyte. Hilongos was formerly a visita of Ormoc. In 1603, Jesuit missionaries began evangelization efforts in the area. It then became a parish dedicated to the Immaculate Conception before 1737. In the mid-18th century, the Jesuits built the first stone church, which served as the center of their activities. The church was rebuilt in the 19th century, with the bell tower constructed under the supervision of secular priest Fr. Leonardo Celiz Diaz. After the church was burned during the Filipino-American war, it was rebuilt and improved by parishioners in 1968. The fortress-like structure and facade were preserved even after the construction of a new church.

Dec. 23, 1936

By virtue of Executive Order No. 77, signed by then President Manuel L. Quezon, Sindangan in Zamboanga del Norte was established as an independent municipality. It was formerly a municipal district of Katipunan. The Sindangan name was believed to have originated from the Spanish preposition “sin” and local dialect word “dangan,” meaning “without pests,” or from “Indangan,” a fish species abundant in the Sindangan Bay—both reflecting the town’s agricultural and fishing roots. Today, Sindangan is recognized as one of the oldest municipalities in the Zamboanga Peninsula, spanning 45,100 hectares of land and comprising 52 barangays, 22 of which are along the seacoast rich with marine resources, earning it the title “The Fishing Capital of Zamboanga del Norte.”

THIS WEEK’S FESTIVALS: Dec. 21 to Dec. 27

Maytinis Festival (Dec. 24)

The Maytinis Festival, celebrated annually in Kawit, Cavite, is a Christmas Eve tradition that reenacts the journey of Joseph and the Virgin Mary in search of an inn for the birth of Jesus Christ. The term “Maytinis” is derived from the Latin “matins,” referring to a Christian service of morning prayer. Organized by the Confradia de Sagrada Familia of St. Mary Magdalene Parish, the event features a procession of “carrozas” or carriages portraying biblical figures, with participants in period costumes and the “Ina” and “Ama” serving as the main sponsors. The highlight of the celebration is the “Panunuluyan,” depicting Joseph and Mary’s search for shelter that culminates in the “sabsaban,” or manger, where Jesus Christ was born. This year’s theme is “Maytinis sa Taon ng Hubileo ng Pag-asa 2025: Pagsilang ni Hesus dala’y Pag-asa sa Sanlibutan.” The festival highlights the simplicity and humility of the Lord Jesus—the true spirit of the Christmas season.

Tultugan Festival (Dec. 13 to Dec. 30)

The Tultugan Festival in Maasin, Iloilo, celebrates the town’s thriving bamboo industry. Its name comes from the word “tultugan,” a traditional bamboo percussion instrument once used by natives for communication and music. Known as the “Bamboo Capital of Panay,” Maasin uses the festival to showcase the cultural, artistic and economic significance of bamboo. The celebration features tribal competitions and street dances with participants wearing native costumes primarily made of bamboo, performing to the live beats of bamboo instruments. This year’s festivities, held from Dec. 13 to Dec. 30, features a street dance contest, food festival and carnival, sports events, alumni homecoming, pageant, and the “Binayle sa Plaza.” The festival also highlights local craftsmanship by skilled artisans and preserves traditional knowledge through workshops and community participation.

READ: This week’s milestones: Oct. 5 to Oct. 11

Dana Gracielle P. Quirante, Inquirer Research,

Sources: Inquirer Archives, talapamana.ncca.gov.ph, sindangan.gov.ph, Inquirer Archives, cavite.gov.ph, pna.gov.ph, Maytinis Facebook page, Mayor Francis “Ansing” Amboy Facebook page, pia.gov.ph, blgf.gov.ph, cmpg.upv.edu.ph