June 21
Pakaradyan Festival
Residents of Malapatan town in Sarangani province showcase at the festival one of the famous Muslim delicacies called tinagtag or rice crispies. Colorful ancient Moro boats called ginakit, considered a cultural gem, are paraded at Sarangani Bay.
June 23
Empanada Festival
The town of Batac, Ilocos Norte province, celebrates one of its culinary specialties: empanada. A favorite snack of tourists and locals alike, empanada is made of grated papaya, monggo, egg and longganisa (native sausage) stuffed inside a flour crust. Activities include empanada-making and eating contests as well as a dance parade depicting how an empanada is made.
Libad Festival
A fluvial procession along Calumpit River in Calumpit, Bulacan province, is held in honor of the town’s patron saint, St. John the Baptist. Locals sing, dance and join in the traditional basaan (water dousing) to “baptize” passersby.
June 24
Taong Putik Festival
Mud-coated devotees of St. John the Baptist in Aliaga, Nueva Ecija province, are clad in vines, banana leaves or dried coconut leaves and walk the streets to ask for alms and candles from locals. They offer everything they receive at the Mass celebrated at 7 in the morning. Devotees then wash up to symbolize rebirth before joining the festivities. —KATHLEEN DE VILLA, INQUIRER RESEARCH
Sources: Inquirer Archives, Official Calendar of the Republic, DOT, pia.gov.ph, chanrobles.com, calumpit.gov.ph