April 22 to 30
Hinugyaw sa Hinigaran
The town of Hinigaran in Negros Occidental province pays homage to its patron saint, Mary Magdalene. Hinugyaw means jubilation in Hiligaynon.
April 22 to 29
La Laguna Festival
Also dubbed the “Festival of Life,” La Laguna Festival celebrates Laguna Lake, more known as Laguna de Bay, and the livelihood it provides to communities. The festivities are held in the town of Sta. Cruz, the capital of Laguna province. The festival highlights the need to protect Laguna de Bay, which is considered the largest inland body of water in the Philippines and third largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia.
April 25 to 30
Samhod Festival
A festival in the town of Lagonoy, Camarines Sur province that promotes its prime local product, samhod, or soft broom. In 2006, samhod was declared by the local government as Lagonoy’s One Town One Product. Lagonoy aims to be the top producer of the soft broom in Bicol region. Activities include an agritourism demo, beauty pageant, drag race and a car show.
Compiled by Kathleen de Villa, Inquirer Research
Sources: Inquirer Archives, DOT, pia.gov.ph, tourism.negros-occ.gov.ph, laguna.gov.ph, llda.gov.ph