July 16
Kinabayo Festival
Ten-day religious festival in the city of Dapitan, Zamboanga del Norte province, in honor of patron St. James the Greater. A dance parade called sinog and a mock fight between Moro invaders and Christians called loa are among the festival’s highlights. Other events include motocross competition, bowling tournament, music festival, hip hop competition and tattoo congress.
July 22
Sandugo Festival
The province of Bohol commemorates the sandugo or blood compact between Rajah Sikatuna and Miguel Lopez de Legazpi in a mardi gras parade. Street dances depict the recurring themes of friendship and international diplomacy.
Kathleen de Villa, Inquirer Research
Sources: Inquirer Archives, DOT, Official Calendar of the Republic, officialgazette.gov.ph, pia.gov.ph, philippinearena.net, fao.org