January 1.

FEAST OF THE BLACK NAZARENE Quiapo Church, Manila January 9 People go to Quiapo Church, Manila to honor the miraculous wooden black statue of Jesus Christ carried by male devotees during the procession. 2. BINIRAY Romblon January 9 A festival parade in the sea followed by a celebration in Romblon 3. LINGAYEN GULF LANDING Lingayen, Pangasinan January 9 Held in Lingayen Pangasinan, it commemorates the landing of General MacArthurs Allied Forces in Luzon in 1945. 4. ATI-ATIHAN Kalibo, Aklan Third Week The Ati-Atihan Festival honors the 13th century land deal between 10 migrating Bornean chieftains and the indigenous Ati King Marikudo. It also honors the town patron, the infant Sto. Nio. The constant, rhythmic pounding of drums get to you, and before you know it you are on the street, shuffling your feet, shaking your head, waving your hands - and joining thousands of soot-blacked, gaily-costumed revelers in an ancient ritual of mindless happiness. A familiar battle cry reaches your ears, and amidst all this bewilderment you remember where you are: Kalibo, Aklan. "Viva, Sto. Nio!" The Ati-Atihan celebration is boomed in many parts of the country. 5. DARO SINULOG Dumaguete Negros Third Week A moving pageantry depicting Holy Childs conversation of pagan tribes. 6. SINULOG Cebu City Third Sunday of January Cebu City's fiesta of fiestas. Distinguished by its unusual two-steps-forwardand-one-step-backward shuffle, thus simulating the Holy Child of the shores, the Sinulog is a century-old tradition observed in the part of Visayas region. The prayer-dance is harmonized to the beat of drums and shouts of "Pit Seor! Viva Sto. Nio!. Feel free to dance with the best of them, enjoying all the way to the grand final presentation at the Cebu City Sports Center. 7. CARACOL SA MAKATI

Makati City, Manila Last Sunday in January Groups dress as endangered flora and fauna to express the need to preserve and conserve our natural heritage. Caracol is a Spanish term for snail. 8. VIGAN TOWN FIESTA Fourth Week The highlight of the week long celebration is the procession in honor of Vigans patron saint, St. Paul the Apostle.

9. APRIBADA Donsol, Sorsogon A celebration welcoming the whale shark (butanding) season and the blessing it will bring. 10. DINAGYANG Iloilo City Fourth Weekend Merry mayhem breaks loose in Iloilo City during this weekend, when Ilonggos leave everything behind to join in the fiesta of the year. All shyness are dropped: boring everyday clothes are exchanged for "Ati" warrior costumes and black body paint. Shields and "weapons" are held amidst the pounding rhythm of drums, the costumed Ilonggos put their best feet forward in celebration of Dinagyang! FEBRUARY 1. HOT AIR BALLOON Clark Special Economic Zone Early February An annual tournament of balloonist from various countries. Features aerosport shows, kite flying, games, live bands and exhibitions. 2. FEAST OF OUR LADY OF CANDLES Jaro, Ilo-ilo The largest and the most wealthy religious pageantry in Western Visayas.

3. FESTIVAL OF HEARTS Tanjay City, month long Major festival of romance to highlight Valentines Day. 4. LAOAG CITY AND PROVINCE (Pamulinawen) Laoag City February 7 to 10

Features a colorful floral parade and celebrates the Feast of William, the toems patron saint. 5. SAN FERNANDO, LA UNION La Union Februray 7 to 10 Musical extravaganzas, trade fairs and pageants featuring show business and celebrity personalities. 6. TINAGBA Bicol Feruary 11 A harvest festival in which coincides with the feast day of Our Lady of Lourdes. Main feature is a parade of colorful and grandiosely decorated bull carabao carts 7. INTERNATIONAL BAMBOO ORGAN Las Pinas A 10 day cultural event which features international classical performers and utilizes the ancient bamboo organ of St. Josephs Parish Curch, Las Pias. 8. TAWO TAWO Bayawan City February 17 Giant, paper mache scarecrows highlight their roles as guardians of Bayawan City crops. 9. DIA DE ZAMBOANGA February 26 A celebration of cultural and religious harmony between Christians and Muslims in this most cosmopolitan of Philippine cities. Marks the date when Zamboanga became a city. 10. PANAGBENGA Baguio City Fourth Week It's flower season in the city of Pines - perfect timing for an all-out fiesta in the streets. The Baguio folk take a break on these days to revel in the cool climate and the unique culture of the city. Multi-hued costumes are worn, mimicking

the various blooms of the highland region (or any of its 11 ethnic tribes). These are flowerbeds - masked, of course, as the Panagbenga parade floats. 11. SANTIAGO CITY ARTS MONTH Santiago City February 1 28 Folk traditions in music, dance and play and a painting contest featuring home grown talents. 12. SAMBALILO Paranaque City and Metro Manila February 1 28 Paraaque and Metro Manila celebrates cityhood with dance contests. 13. SUMAN Festival Town of Baler in Aurora Province Third Week The festival highlights the varied rice cake delicacies. 14. KALILANGAN General Santos City Fourth Week A celebration of the harmonious co-existence of numerous cultural and religious communities. 15. ITIK-ITIK Pasig City last Sunday Celebrates the native duck (itik). 16. SIBUG - SIBUG FESTIVAL Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay February 17 to 26 Sibug Sibug Festival is celebrated during their foundation day on the province of Sibugay on February 26, with colorful Ethnic Street dancing with rituals illustrating good harvest, wedding and healing rituals. During the festival, it endorses its number one product which is the oyster or talaba in tagalong

which has been known to be the biggest, juiciest, and meatiest oysters in the country. MARCH 1. KAAMULAN Malaybalay, Bukidnon March 3 - 7 Expect the Bukidnon to go tribal from the first to the second week of March, when the streets of Malaybalay take on that familiar fiesta theme. Banners, banderitas, and beer will be standard, as well as the sweet, haunting sound of native music. An early morning pamuhat ritual kicks off the festivities, to be followed by an ethnic food fest, trade fairs, and a lot of native dancing. 2. ARYA ABRA Abra Province March 7-10 Celebrates the founding of Abra Province with a variety of events, including raft and horse races. 3. SANDUGO Tagbilaran, Bohol Month-long (movable) Highlighted every 16 March by re-enactment of the Blood Compact between Spain's Miguel Lopez de Legazpi and Datu Sik|tuna, which helped forge friendly relations between the two countries. 4. ARAW NG DABAW March 10-16 The celebration of Davao's Foundation Day as a chartered city. 5. PINTADOS DE PASI March 14-16 Depicts the history of the Passi City and how it got its name. 6. HOMONHON LANDING Southeastern Samar March 16

A pageant by the seashore re-enacting the discovery of the Philippines by Ferdinand Magellan. 7. MT. MANUNGGAL Central Cebu March 16-17 A Mountain trek, which Darks the anniversary of the tragic death of President Ramon Magsaysay, whose plane crashed on the mountain. 8. SINIGAYAN Sagas, Negros Occidental March 19 Named after the native seashell (sigay). Shell craft art is featured during the festival. 9. FIRST MASS IN THE PHILIPPINES Limasawa Island, Southern Leyte March 31 Features a street pageant by the different municipalities. EASTER 10. MORIONES Marinduque Easter Sunday The island of Marinduque prides itself in being the "Lenten Capital of the Philippines", and it is easy to understand why. Come the seven days of Holy Week, the people of the island take part in the age-old ritual of the "Moriones". Colorful warrior costumes are worn topped with finely carved masks portraying the violent Roman soldiers of Christ's time. All these are done to show the story of the conversion of Longuinus, the centurion who stabbed Jesus' side - and his subsequent beheading.

11. LENTEN FESTIVAL OF HERBAL PREPARATION Easter Saturday

Secret rites of herbalists from the Visayas and Mindanao, who gather in San Antonio, Siquijor, for the ceremony know as Tang Alap, the combining of medicinal herbs. 12. SEMANA SANTA Iguig, Cagayan HoIy Week Pilgrims flock to the 11 hectare Calvary Hills to meditate on the passion and death of Jesus christ. 13. AGOO SEMANA SANTA Agoo, La Union Features a parade of carriages and a Penitential Procession of women, dressed in black. 14. SALUBONG Angono, Rizal Celebrates the reunion of the Risen Christ with the Virgin Mary.

Cebu City April 27 A complete reenactment of the Battle of Mactan, in which Magellan's Forces were defeated by Lapu-lapu and his warriors, resulting in the death of the Spanish explorer. 4. TANDUYONG San Jose City 4th Sunday A celebration of the harvest featuring colorful costumes and street dancing. Focuses on the contribution of onions, garlic and other vegetables to the city's economy 5. CONQUER MT. APO Kapatagan, Davao del Sur April 1-5 A climbing expedition to the top of Mt. Apo, the country's highest peak.

APRIL top 1. CUTUD LENTEN RITES San Fernando, Pampanga 16-18 April Prayer of a different meaning during the Lenten season, when villagers of San Pedro, Cutud, engage in the act of self-flagellation. This ancient ritual is executed in the morning of Good Friday during the Holy Week. Backs, arms, and legs are cut and then struck with burillo beats. The climax to this occasion happens at midday, when penitents are literally nailed to their waiting crosses. 2. KALILANG Marawi City April 10-1 5 The charter anniversary celebration of Marawi City. A celebration of Muslim culture, including songs, dances, crafts and food. 3. KADAUGAN SA MACTAN

6. BANKARERA Penablanca, Cagayan April 21 A boat rowing race held on the Pinacanauan river in Callao Caves Tourist Zone. 7. CASSAVA Camotes Islands, Cebu. Last week of April Highlights many uses of this root crop. Features cooking contests. 8. BINIRAYAN San Jose, Antique late April Celebrates the re-enactment of the landing of ten Bormeo Datus in 13th Century. MAY top

1. PASALAMAT LA CARLOTA 1st Sunday Offers thanksgiving to God of Agriculture in Kanlaon Volcano. 2. TAPUSAN Alitagtag, Batangas month-long Celebration to honor the Holy Cross. 3. BOHOL month long Celebrations throughout the province, I where sumptuous feasts are prepared. All Boholanos are expected to return home for the fiesta. 4. PISTA'Y DAYAT Lingayen, Pangasinan May 1 Celebrate rich harvested seafood in the province. 5. ALINSANGAN BOA-BOAHAN Nabla, Camarines Sur May 1 A fertility festival of pagan origin. 6. CARABAO CARROZA RACE Pavia, Iloilo May 3 The race features the fastest water buffalos (carabaos) in the area pulling bamboo carts. 7. RODEO PILIPINO Masbate City May 6-9

The highlight of Masbate's Livestock Week focusing on the importance of cattle raising to the island's economy. 8. PAHIYAS Lucban, Laguna May 15 Honors San lsidro, the patron saint of farmers. Beautiful decorations, made of edible rice dough, are placed on the exteriors of houses representing various agricultural products. 9. MAGAYON Mt. Mayon Volcano in Albay, Bicol Region May 1-31 Pays tribute to the beauty and power of regal Mt. Mayon Volcano in Albay, Bicol Region. 10. PINEAPPLE Daet, Camarines Norte May 1-31 In honor of Daet's main crop, the Queen Formosa Pineapple, reputed to be the sweetest variety. 11. FLORES DE MAYO / SANTACRUZAN Nationwide May A parade of the town's loveliest ladies, representing the search and discovery of Christ's Cross by Queen Helena and Constantine. more on santacruzan or flores de mayo

12. HUNDRED ISLANDS Lucap, Pangasinan May 11-12 Thanksgiving festival for the blessings of the unique, natural island formations. 13. MANGGAHAN SA GUIMARAS Guimaras May 15-22

Celebrates the founding of province and its famous golden mangoes. 14. BOLIBONG KINGKING Loboc, Bohol May 23-24 A music and dance festival of folklore and traditions. 15. PANAGYAMAN Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya May 19-24 Commemorates the establishment of civil government in the province. 16. ANTIPOLO PILGRIMAGE Month long of May Thousands of devotees venerate the miraculous sightings of the Virgin of Antipolo image. 17. BANGKERO Pagsanjan Last Sunday of May A flotilla of decorated boats (bancas). Features the skills of the Pagsanjan boatmen. 18. PAHIYAS/MAYON/AGAWAN Quezon 11-15 May Flowers come out in May, but these aren't the only things displayed during this merry month. Down south in the town of Lucban, Quezon, there's also the kiping - a colorful, transparent rice tortilla that serves as an edible ornament of sorts. You will see lots of these at the Pahiyas Festival, an annual celebration held to accompany in a bountiful harvest, and smashing good times. It's a free-for-all, grab-all-you-can affair with suman-sweet, sticky native rice cakes-as the center of contention. It is also the grand prize, so feel free to join the battle. Rest assured, whether you get handfuls or just a plain mouthful, the Mayohan sa Tayabas will leave you wanting for more - suman, of course!

Sariaya's own version of the San Isidro festival showcases the creativity and ingenuity of the townsfolk in their craft and culinary tradition. JUNE top 1. MUDPACK FESTIVAL Murcia, Negros Occidental 24 June Oneness with nature is the underlying theme behind Murcia's annual mudmoving spectacle. Check on its cloudy highlight - a lively street dancing parade with the participant wearing nothing but mudpacks (well, almost...). It's a safe way to mix our ecological concerns with good, clean, cloddy fun - just be sure to shower afterwards!

2. PINYAHAN SA DAET Daet, Camarines Norte 15-24 June Sweet, juicy pineapple is the fruit of choice for the people of Daet, Camarines Norte. In fact, they loved it so much that they made a festival in its honor. Join the locals as they celebrate the Pineapple Festival featuring a colorful street presentation set by art exhibits, trade fair, cultural dances, and sport events. Feel rich when you go for a visit at Paracale Gold Mines, and be familiar with some Bicol heroes like Vinzon and Panganiban and Lucban.

3. PARADA NG LECHON Balayan, Batangas 24 June A different sight and flavor are introduced in June with a festival in Balayan, Batangas, commonly known as the "Parada Ng Lechon". These luscious roasted pork form the highlight of the occasion, decorated out in their platforms with all kinds of dcor. Since the festival corresponds with the feast of St. John the Baptist, be prepared to get wet as people observe the feast by repeating the ritual of baptism - pouring water.

4. TACLOBAN PINTADOS FESTIVAL

Tacloban City 29 June Back during pre-Hispanic years, tattoos denoted courage among the natives of Tacloban. These days they symbolize a cultural revival, and a wild, wild fiesta called the Pintados. Join the town residents as they decorate themselves out in body paint, imitating the warriors of old while dancing to the frantic beat of drums. more on pintados festival

Celebrates the founding of Manila with parades and sports events and the Manila Film Festival. 10. SUBLIAN SA BATANGAS Batangas City June 26 Celebrates the Foundation Day of Batangas City. JULY top 1. SANDUGO FESTIVAL Tagbilaran City 1-2 July The Spanish colonization of the Philippines began with a blood-sealed peace treaty on the shores of Bohol. This historic event is considered today with an all-out fiesta at the island's capital city. Check out the Sandugo street dancing parade featuring ten colorfully-dressed groups dancing to the beat of drums. There's also a traditional Filipino carnival, a martial arts festival, and Miss Bohol Sandugo Beauty Pageant, among the dozen of other exciting activities. more on sandugo festival

5. BUKLOG Dipolog City, Mindanao June 1-6 Festival features stationary dancing by native Subanons on three meterstructures. 6. BARAGATAN Puerto Princesa City June 17-23 Celebration of the founding anniversary of the civil government of Palawan. 7. PILI Sorsogon June 20-29 Street dancing showcasing the growth stages of Bicol's indigenous Pilinut. 8. TAONG-PUTIK Aliaga June 24 Devotees of St. John the Baptist cover their bodies with mud, vines, banana and coconut leaves. 9. ARAW NG MAYNILA Manila June 24

2. KINABAYO FESTIVAL Dapitan City 25 July An exotic and colorful pageant re-enacting the Spanish-Moorish wars, particularly the Battle of Covadonga where the Spanish forces under General Pelagio took their last stand against Saracan. They were able to overturn the tide through the miraculous spirit of St. James. The addition of local color and modernism has made this annual revelry a popular attraction which brings thousands of visitors to the city. more on kinabayo festival 3. FEAST OF OUR LADY OF PIAT Cagayan July 1-2 A major religious event highlighted by the procession of the Marian. 4. SAGAYAN

Tubod, Lanao del Norte July 3-4 The festival has its origin in a war dance that connotes masculinity. Unique in the fact that it has no religious connotation. 5. PAGODA Pasig River, Metro Manila First Sunday of July The Holy Cross of Wawa is paraded in a specially built river boat (pagoda), accompanied by other vessels in a river procession along the Pasig River, Metro Manila. 6. CORDILLERA DAY Cordillera Administrative Region July 15 Cultural activities celebrating the creation of the Cordillera Administrative Region. 7. PINTA FLORES San Carlos City, Negros Occidental July 1 Participants with floral-painted bodies dance through the streets. 8. TINALAK Koronadal, Cotabato Province Harvest celebration. 9. SIMBALAY Nabunturan Highlighted by Mansaka Tribal dances. AUGUST top 1. KADAYAWAN SA DABAW Davao City 20-24 August

Davao's annual festival, Kadayawan Sa Dabaw assures another weekend of trumpet blast and fun - tribal style. Watch as the festivities reach a glorious peak on Saturday morning: that's when the Kadayawan parade is held, featuring colorful, orchid-bedecked floats and more than a dozen "ethnic" groups dancing to the beat of wooden drums. more on kadayawan sa dabaw

2. ADLAW HONG BUTUAN Butuan City August 2 Charter Day celebration of Butuan City.

3. PALO-PALO Northern Province, Batanes August 4-5 Cultural presentation of the lifestyles of the inhabitants of the Philippines most remote Northern Province, Batanes.

4. KAADLAWAN HAN SAMAR Catbalogan, Samar August 11 Marking the celebration of Samar's provincehood.

5. KALIBONGAN Kidapawan City August 14 A gathering of tribal groups featuring horse fighting and a blood compact ceremony in Kidapawan City.

6. KIDAPAWAN FRUIT 2nd weak Featuring cultural shows and a variety of exhibits.

Celebrates the contribution of tuna fish to the General Santos City's livelihood. 7. LUBI-LUBI Calubian, Leyte August 15 Festivities in Calubian, Leyte, which focus on the various uses of coconut and its by-products. 8. BUYOGAN Abuyog, Leyte August 19 Bees (buyog) depicts origin of town's name in colorful dances. SEPTEMBER top 1. BONOK-BONOK FESTIVAL & SILOP CAVE ADVENTURE Surigao City 9 September Behind Surigao's talented culture is its original tribal background. The Surigaonons go back to their roots this month as they celebrate their heritage with a loud, noisy street dancing parade. more on bonok-bonok festival

4. SARAKIKI Calbayog City, Samar September 1-8 The Filipino passion for cockfighting is celebrated with dancing and costumes which mimic the movements and appearance of the brave birds.

5. PANAGDADAPUN Cabarroquis, Quirino September 8-10 Presentation of 19 cultural groups residing in the province. 6. T'BOLI TRIBAL South Cotabato Third week The culture of this unique tribe is celebrated in South Cotabato.

7. ARAW NG SIQUIJOR Siquijor Third week Solili street dancing depicts the marriage rituals of the locals in Siquijor.

2. PEAFRANCIA VIVA LA VIRGEN Naga City 16 September (third saturday of september) Bicol Region's largest celebration is an annual affair that combines religion with culture and tradition, stuffing it all in a 9-day fiesta of biblical proportions. Stay until sundown for stirring climax: the fluvial parade as it makes its way down the river, surrounded by a sea of glowing candles - a fitting end of this truly spiritual occasion. more on peafrancia viva la virgen festival

OCTOBER top 1. ZAMBOANGA HERMOSA FESTIVAL Zamboanga City 01-12 October All roads in Mindanao lead to Zamboanga, as the "City of Flowers" celebrates its grand, annual Hermosa Festival. The vintas, those colorful native sea boats, once again make their appearance in a fast-paced, race-till-you-drop regatta. There's also a wealth of cultural and flower shows, art exhibits, and trade fairs. It's an all-out celebration of life - Chavacano style!

3. TUNA SA GENSAN General Santos City September 3-5

more about zamboanga hermosa festival Celebrates the victory at sea against the Dutch in 1646. An image of the Virgin is paraded through the streets of Quezon City in a carriage decorated to resemble a ship. Also celebrated in Angeles City. 7. CATANDUNGAN Virac October 22-24 The festival celebrates the founding of the province. 8. A BATTLE OF SURIGAO STRAIT October 25 Commemorates the anniversary of the largest naval battle in historywhich took place in World Warll. 9. FIESTANG KULIAT (Tigtigan, Terakan Keng Dalan) Balibago,Angeles City, Pampanga. last week of October Large street festival 10. SAGINGAN Tubod, Lanao del Node October 16-19 Street pageant, where the dancers wear costumes made from banana plants. 4. SIARGAO SURFING CUP 1st week (movable) A recently inaugurated event held at Cloud 9 Break near General Luna, which has placed the Philippines on the international surfing calendar. 5. IBALONG Legazpi City, Bicol October 6-12 The festival depicts Bicol's early history and is named after an early hero of the region. 6. LA NAVAL Quezon City and Angeles City 2nd Sunday 11. LEYTE GULF LANDING Palo, Leyte October 20 Marks the anniversary of the Allied Forces landing on Red Beach and the famous return of General Douglas MacArthur to the Philippines. NOVEMBER top 1. PINTA FLORES FESTIVAL San Carlos City 3-5 November This city in the sugar-producing island of Negros Occidental honors its patron saint, San Carlos Borromeo, with a pageant where participants with floral

2. MASSKARA FESTIVAL Bacolod City 14-21 October The carnival spirit fills the air as masked participants putting on magnificent costumes dance there way around the city's main street. This annual event reflects Bacolenos' love for fun and jollity. Corresponding with the city's character day celebration, the festival features carnivals. more on masskara festival

3. LANZONES FESTIVAL Camiguin Third week of October Lanzones Festival in Mambadjao Camiguin is celebrated with a weekend street dancing competition and parties, cultural shows, parade and beauty pageant (coronation of Mutya sa Buahanan) and trade fair that features local handicraft and products. Houses, street poles and even people are ornamented with lanzones during the lanzones festival. more on Lanzones Festival

painted bodies dance in rhythmic beat as they wind through the major streets. The festival is inspired by the tattooed Negrenses of pre-colonial times.

Decorated boats are tied together and parade along the river.

2. FEAST OF SAN CLEMENTE / HIGANTES Angono, Rizal 23 November A fiesta of "gigantic" proportions, this one is highlighted by a grand procession featuring the higantes, ten-feet papier-mche puppets, surrounded by a crowd of drenched, water-fighting revelers. Better bring your squirt gun if you want to join the f`un. It is a water-logged event that is sure to leave you wet n' wild and wanting for more. more on higantes festival

7. MT. PINATUBO TREK Capas Tarlac November 30 A trek to summit of the world-famous volcano, guided by native Aetas.

8. P'YAGSAWITAN Maragusan, Compostela Valley Third week A thanksgiving festival that highlights the province's eco-tourism potential

3. KANSILAY November 5-13 Named after the tree with purple-pink flowers. The festival incorporates the celebration of Cinco de Noviembre, a bloodless revolution in Silay which overthrew the city guards.

9. FEAST OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION Puerto Princesa City, Palawan November 29 to December 8 Highlighted by a fluvial parade and nightly cultural presentations. DECEMBER top 1. SHARIFF KABUNSUAN FESTIVAL Cotabato City 15-19 December Cotabato City's Moslem population celebrates the arrival of Islam to the region with a series of fun-filled activities. No need to go native to enjoy these there's a fluvial parade, an outrigger boat race, as well as various musical and athletics events. more on kabunsuan festival

4. HELUBONG Lake Sebu, South Cotabato 2nd week Cultural presentations of the T'Boli and B'Laan ethnic minorities. 5. SANDUGUAN Calapan, Oriental, Mindoro November 11-15 Re-enactment of the first contact between the natives of Mindoro and Chinese traders.

6. GUINAKIT OF MAGUINDANAO Rio Grande de Mindanao November 22

2. GIANT LANTERN FESTIVAL San Fernando, Pampanga 3 December

San Fernando makes the biggest, most spectacular lanterns, at around 40 feet in diameter and bearing thousands of light bulbs a piece. Watch them all in their twinkling, blinking, flashing glory in this grand Christmas exhibit.

3. FEAST OF OUR LADY OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPCION Roxas City, Panay and Malabon, Manila December 8 The Roxas Festival is a showcase of the culture of the province, while the Malabon celebration features a river procession.

4. OLONGAPO FESTIVAL December 30 The city's festivities include a lantern parade.

5. GRAND MARIAN PROCESSION lntramuros, Manila December 2 Sixty images of the Virgin Mary are paraded on lavishly decorated carriages (carrozas).

6. CHRISTMAS SYMBOLS Tangub, Misamis Occidental Month long of December A contest for Christmas displays that utilize indigenous materials.

7. TULTUGAN Maasin Highlights the town's bamboo industry and the versatility of bamboo.