This Week’s Festivals: July 9 to 15, 2017

July 9 to 15: Cordillera month celebration

Cordillera month celebration

The Cordillera Administrative Region celebrates its 30th founding anniversary, with Benguet province as this year’s host.

The traditional “Unity Gong Relay,” which features the passing of the symbolic unity gong from one province to another, kicked off on July 8 and will be brought back to Benguet on July 15.

A Cordillera Day parade and trade exhibit will also be held on the same day.

July 12 to 18: T’nalak Festival

T’nalak Festival

Intricately woven textile of different patterns and colors, more known as T’nalak, is featured in Koronadal City, South Cotabato province.

The intertwined abaca fabric mirrors the history, culture and ethnicity of the South Cotabato people. Events include an agri-fair, bahay kubo competition, an LGBT freedom night, a charity ball and a grand parade, along with the province’s founding anniversary.

July 15: S’lang Festival

S’lang Festival

The town of Malungon in Sarangani province showcases the rich culture and traditions of the indigenous people of B’laan, the town’s original inhabitants, as well as the Tagakaolos.

The festival of S’lang, which is a B’laan term for “barter,”coincides with Malungon’s founding anniversary.

–Kathleen de Villa, Inquirer Research

Sources: Inquirer Archives, DOT, Historical Calendar (1521-1969), pia.gov.ph, asj.upd.edu.ph, coa.gov.ph, southcotabato.gov.ph, sarangani.gov.ph