This week’s milestones: Dec. 1 to Dec. 7

Dec. 5, 2000

By virtue of Republic Act No. 8984, the municipality of Balanga was converted into a component city of the province of Bataan. In 1739, Balanga was established by the Dominican Order and later became a vicariate under the patronage of Saint Joseph. Upon the establishment of Bataan as a separate province in 1754, Gen. Pedro Manuel Arandia chose Balanga as its capital due to its strategic location at the heart of the new province. The name “Balanga” comes from the Tagalog word “bañga,” or clay pot, which the town used to produce and was among the best in the country. Today, Balanga is one of the richest towns in Bataan, with agriculture as its primary industry.

Dec. 6, 1997

The National Historical Institute installed a historical marker at the Church of Pan-ay, also known as Santa Monica Church, in Panay, Capiz. Built in 1774, the church is one of the oldest in the Philippines. In 1875, it was heavily damaged by a typhoon. The church as it stands today was rebuilt in 1884 under the direction of Fr. Jose Beloso. It was Beloso who commissioned Don Juan Reina to cast a bell for the church. The bell was forged from 70 sacks of gold and silver coins donated by townsfolk. It is housed in the church’s five-story belfry, surrounded by eight other smaller bells. This bell is recognized as the largest bell not only in the Philippines but in Asia, with a diameter of 7 feet and height of 5 feet. It weighs 10.4 metric tons.

This week’s festivals

Sinadya Festival (Dec. 1 to Dec. 9)

The Sinadya Festival is an annual religious celebration held in Roxas City, Capiz, to honor Mary Immaculate Conception, the Patroness of the Archdiocese of Capiz. During this festivity, there will be activities dedicated to the patroness, such as a pontifical Mass, a patron procession, and a mass blessing of Marian images. The festival includes a variety of events such as cultural performances by local artists, cultural plays, sports competitions, musical concerts, pageants, heritage talks, and a seafood market and festival.

Residences decorated with replicas of bright yellow suman sa ibus, bamboo sticks, native fans, coconut shells and recyclable plastics. Houses and some business establishments along Mabini St. in Barangay Sto. Niño, Cainta, Rizal have been decorated for the Sumbingtik festival along the (2022) theme “Pistang Perya sa Cainta”. Known for its native delicacies, the municipality is celebrating its 453rd founding anniversary. Official judging of the decorations is done by different public schools, local government offices/departments, private businesses. —Inquirer photo/Lyn Rillon

Sumbingtik Festival (Nov. 22 to Dec. 1)

The Sumbingtik Festival is an annual cultural festival held in Cainta, Rizal. This weeklong festival, which began in 2014, celebrates native delicacies, specifically suman, bibingka, and latik. The Sumbingtik festival features a wide array of activities, such as a beauty pageant, fun run, music festival, dance competitions, business caravan and more. One of the highlights is the Sumbingtik House Decoration, in which Cainta residents express their artistic creativity by decorating their homes. The celebration coincides with the town’s founding anniversary and the feast of Our Lady of Light, the patron saint of the town.

Compiled by: Nathalie Grace Adalid, Inquirer Research

Source: Inquirer Archives, Capiz Tourism and Cultural Affairs Facebook Page, Cainta Tourism Facebook Page, bataan.gov.ph, roxascity.gov.ph, cainta.gov.ph, pia.gov.ph, pna.gov.ph, elibrary.judiciary.gov.ph, deped.cityofbalanga.gov.ph, nhcphistoricsites.blogspot.com