Festivals in Albay Masbate Sorsogon

An kaogmahan kan Kabikolan: A collection of festivals in ALMASOR is a study commissioned and funded by Bikol Studies Center to collect the festivals in Albay, Masbate, and Sorsogon.

¹Dominic Bryan S. San Jose, MAEd (https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9089-9336)
²Marie Veronique D. Berdin, LPT
¹College of Arts Sciences and Education, University of Santo Tomas-Legazpi, Philippines
²Basic Education, High School Department, University of Santo Tomas-Legazpi, Philippines

How to cite:
San Jose, D.B.S. & Berdin, M.V.D. (2018). An kaogmahan kan Kabikolan: A collection of festivals in ALMASOR. Bikol Studies Research Journal, 1, 143-183.

ABSTRACT

The Bicol region, with its rich traditions and religiosity, prides its colorful festivals in different provinces and towns. Those festivals, that are expressions of the locals’ unique celebration and typically associated with their religiosity, culture, and history, may be part of the subject of interest under the new established Bikol Study Center housed at the University of Santo Tomas-Legazpi. Anchored on its mandate to preserve, promote, and propagate Bicol culture and history, the study embarked on collecting festivals in the provinces of ALMASOR (Albay, Masbate, Sorsogon). Using documentary research method and in-depth interview with key informants, the paper categorized, analyzed, and synthesized the collected festivals in ALMASOR. Results showed that 76% or 34 of 45 collected festivals in ALMASOR fall under religious category, while 24% or 11 of 45 collected festivals fall under civic category. These festivals do not only portray various ecological and social concerns of Bikolanos but also manifest their beautiful values like love for celebration, hospitality, gratefulness, heroism, optimism, hard-work, resiliency, and spirit-orientedness. And these values are captured in their happy dispositions and encapsulated in their deep-seated religiosity expressed in their festivities.

Keywords: Festival, Bicol, ALMASOR, Albay, Masbate, Sorsogon, religiosity, Philippines.

INTRODUCTION

The Filipino people are one of the happiest people in the world (Placido, 2018). Their happiness is expressed in their love for celebrations, which in turn are reflected on their local festivals. The Philippines is a very fertile soil where festivals are blooming. Its cultural heritages, religious beliefs, geographical landscapes, and even agricultural topography serve as fertilizers that make festivals flourish impressively and spectacularly.

These festivals are events that a community celebrates which commonly center on religious, cultural, agricultural, social, and traditional themes. Other than folklore and religion, an important origin of festival is agricultural. The celebrations of festivals contribute to community’s cohesiveness and solidarity, and offers a sense of association and belongingness for social, geographical, and religious groups. Entertainment is also one of the natural effects of festivals. It becomes an avenue also through which a community or an ethnic group educates its members, particularly the young ones of its culture and traditions. Today, festivals attract strangers like local and international tourists.

The festivals in the different parts of the Philippines are expressions of Filipinos’ traditions and religiosity. The Bicol region, with its rich traditions and religiosity, prides its colorful festivals in different provinces and towns. Those festivals, that are expressions of the locals’ unique celebration and typically associated with their religiosity, culture, and history, may be part of the subject of interest under the new established Bikol Study Center.

The University of Santo Tomas-Legazpi (UST-Legazpi), as one of the leading higher education institutions in the region, puts premium on research, one component of which is cultural research with the understanding that respect and trust in one’s own culture is significant influence in the development and progress of a people. The creation of the Bikol Studies Center (BSC) is anchored on the institutional objectives of establishing UST-Legazpi as the Center for Bikol Studies by integrating teaching, research and extension in order to better serve the UST-Legazpi clientele both internal and external.

The Bikol Studies Center (BSC), based at the UST-Legazpi and granted its operation by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) under CMO No. 33, series of 2016 in the K-12 Transition Program, “will answer the demand for research services in local history and vernacular literature, thereby providing and upholding systematic, comprehensive approach to curricular discussion forums, and research dissemination activities.”

Grounded on the vision of UST-Legazpi to become a leading research university in the region, and the research priority of Bikol Studies Center to provide records on Bikol Arts, the present study is an endeavor that will provide accounts regarding Bikol arts specifically in the area of festivals. This study focuses on the three provinces of the Bicol region, the ALMASOR: Albay, Masbate, and Sorsogon.  

The UNESCO (United Nations Education Scientific and Cultural Organization) is the “primary body of the UN to protect and preserve culture. Respect, tolerance and protection of culture are central to the UNESCO mandate of advancing, through the educational, scientific and cultural relations of the peoples of the world, the objectives of peace and the common welfare of mankind” (UNESCO Constitution, 1945). The Declaration of the Principles of International Cultural Cooperation in 1966 states that “each culture has a dignity and value which must be respected and preserved” and that “every people has the right and duty to develop its culture” (UNESCO, 1966, Article 1). 

Ingrained in the 1987 Philippine Constitution are several provisions on protecting cultural heritage. Section 17 of Article II states that the “State shall give priority to education, science and technology, arts, culture and sports….” The Sections 14 through 17 of Article XIV put forward that the State shall: “foster the preservation, enrichment, and dynamic evolution of a Filipino national culture based on the principle of unity in diversity…. conserve, promote, and popularize the nation’s historical and cultural heritage and resources, as well as artistic creations….” and “recognize, respect, and protect the rights of indigenous cultural communities to preserve and develop their cultures, traditions, and institutions….” (Philippine Constitution, 1987). Moreover, the Congress of the Philippines passed the National Cultural Heritage Act of 2009 or R.A. 10066 to further the protection of the cultural treasures of the country which include festival. 

Part of the Filipino culture that must be preserved and enriched by the State is the communal celebration of festivals (Foronda, 1975, p.6), that beautifully depict the Filipino cultural heritage and their profound philosophical perspective in life (Mancenido, 2010, p.91). Festival carries the pride of a particular community or locality and serves as a vessel that transports the community’s psyche to the present generation.

Both the Cambridge and the Oxford dictionaries define festival as an organized set of special events, such as musical performances or plays, usually happening in one place, or a special day or period, usually in memory of a religious event, with its own social activities, food, or ceremonies. The Oxford Dictionary focused its definition on the typical religious reason of festival. Using a classical cultural-anthropological perspective, Falassi (1987, p.2) defined festival as a “sacred or profane time of celebration marked by special observances”. However, Getz’s (2005, p. 21) definition of festival as “themed and public celebration” reflects the modern perspective in the conduct of festivals. Another wide-ranging contemporary view of festival is put forward by Goldbatt (2002), who define festival as “kaleidoscope of planned culture, religious, sport, political, arts and business occasions: from mega-events like Olympics and World Fairs to community festivals; from programs of events at parks and attractions to visits by dignitaries and intergovernmental assembles; from small meetings and parties to huge conventions and competitions” (Goldbatt, 2002). 

Originally, the word festival connotes a religious celebration that reflects the beliefs and traditions of a particular community. The Middle English “festival dai” (Middle English Dictionary Entry) implies a religious holiday. Therefore, the word festival originally “refers to a religious festival rather than a film or art festival” (Middle English Dictionary Entry). 

But with the commercialization of festivals (Antolihao, n.d.; Bloomberg, 2012; SCMP, 2012), festival gains new meaning due to its economic potentials and significance to a community. Hence, various festivals emerge as a means not only of portraying a community’s culture and tradition but also of its entertainment purposes and economic bearings. 

Aside from religious festivals, there are art festivals (Primer, 2018b; Morales, 2013) that may include the showcase of creative achievement like science festivals (The Mail Man, 2017; GMA News, 2011), literary festivals (Primer, 2018a) and music festivals (Primer, 2017; Primer, 2016b; Primer, 2015). Sub-categories are also emerging like comedy festivals (Scott, 2017; Enerva, 2016), buskers festival (Broad, 2014), poetry festivals (Primer, 2018a), theatre festivals (Brutscher, n.d.), story telling festivals, film festivals (MovieMaker, 2018), and many more under art festivals.

Various food and drink festivals are also attracting attentions. The output of producers from a particular village or region are highlighted in the Food and Drink festivals. Lastly, there are seasonal and harvest festivals that have ancient origins. The Egyptian festival (about the seasonal overflowing of the river Nile thereby providing fertile land fro crops), and the Chinese New Year (set by the lunar calendar) are the examples of seasonal and harvest festivals. The harvest festivals are dedicated to harvesting crops, fish, and other local good. 

In this study, the categories are divided into religious (which is in concurrence with the celebration of the community’s patron or patroness or something related to religion and worship), and civic (any celebration of festivals that are organized by the Local Government Unit). Civic festivals may be about art, food and drinks, and seasonal and harvest. Usually, festivals in the Philippines highlight the community’s agricultural and marine products or products distinct to a particular community. Despite being agricultural or marine product presentation, if a festival is held along with the celebration of the town fiesta, in this study, that festival is categorized as religious.

These general categories of festivals (religious, art, food and drinks, and seasonal and harvest) may be observed in the rich cultural landscape of the Philippine islands. This is due to the original meaning of festival that is reflected on the majority of festivals celebrated in different parts of the country, typically in conjunction with the feast day celebration of a particular community’s patron or patroness.

In good times and bad times, rain or shine, festivities in the Philippine festivals carry on. This reflects the resiliency of the Filipinos and their love for celebration. For instance, in the 2017 Sinulog festival in Cebu, the UCA News website states in its headlines “Filipinos brave rain to join festival honoring child Jesus” (Torres, 2017). Filipinos have a different perspective when it comes to rain during the celebration, they believe that rain is a blessing. This is evident in the celebration of Pahiyas festival where rain shower is always expected (The Pahiyas, 2012). In any event, festivals in the Philippines are very important that they cannot be restrained by the gloomy weather.

In the Bicol region, the showcasing of festivals from Camarines Norte down to Sorsogon and the islands of Masbate and Catanduanes, depicts the rich Bikolanos’ roots and wings. The Bantayog festival in Daet, Camarines Norte is a celebration alongside the province’s founding anniversary from April 15 to 29. It showcases the first marker placed in Daet two years after Rizal was shot in Bagumbayan (Saldico, 2017). The Magayon festival is a one-month festival of festivals in the province of Albay. It focuses on the “month-long event that stages reenactment of the tragic love story of the legend of Daragang Magayon and Panganoron whose fatal deaths gave birth to the volcano” (The Happy Trip, 2018; Albay Philippines, n.d.). The Kasanggayahan is the “festival of festivals in the province of Sorsogon since it is the convergence of the 14 municipalities and a city depicting Sorsogon’s historical past and developing its rich cultural and economic aspirations” (PIA, n.d.). Hopping to the island provinces, the Rodeo festival, which is the festival of festivals in the province of Masbate and is held every April since 1993, is one of the most unique festivals in the Philippines, with locals portraying local cowboys culture and highlighting the best of Masbateño culture (Santos, 2018). The Catandungan festival of Catanduanes is celebrated every October to “commemorate the foundation anniversary of Catanduanes as a province” (Catanduanes, 2017). And lastly, the unifying festival in the region is the famous Peñafrancia festival in Naga City, Camarines Sur. According to the Archbishop of Caceres, Leonardo Legazpi, “this festival that was once a private devotion of Fr. Miguel de Covarrubias has now become the devotion of the Bicolandia. What was once a simple vow has now become the pledge of the Church in Bicol” (Tagalog Lang, 2017). The beauty and variety of festivities in the Bicol region converge in this Peñafrancia festival that portray the Bicolanos deep religiosity. 

Those festivals mentioned above are some of the festivals celebrated in the six provinces in the Bicol region. Apart from those festivals, usually each municipality has its own official festival. These beautiful celebrations in the different municipalities of the region may be consolidated and studied relative to each other for a better understanding of Bicol culture, especially in its inclusion to curriculum.

There are occasional writers who publish articles online about various festivals in the Bicol region. As evident in the references of the study, the vast majority of literature cited are available online contributed by bloggers and influencers who took time to visit and explore various towns in the Bicol region. However, there has not been a work specifically aimed at collecting and compiling the festivals in the Bicol region. Even in the provincial and municipal offices of Arts, Culture, and Tourism, such works are non-existent. Thus, the output of this study may provide a reference available in the Bikol Studies Center.

The study touches the theory of social facts by Durkheim (1982) through which culture is considered as part of social facts along with values, cultural norms, and social structures that transcend the individual. And this social fact – culture – must be preserved and protected through the local, national and international jurisprudence that are concerned with the protection and preservation of cultural heritage. This framework makes the study anchored on the vision and mission of the Bikol Study Center housed by CHED in the University of Santo Tomas-Legazpi through CMO No. 33, series of 2016 in the K-12 Transition Program; the Congress’ National Cultural Heritage Act of 2009 or R.A. 10066 that further the protection of the cultural treasures of the country which include festival; the 1987 Philippine Constitution; and the UNESCO’s mandate stipulated in its constitution and the 1966 Declaration of the Principles of International Cultural Cooperation.

The study aims to provide a preliminary collection of festivals in the three provinces of Bicol region also known as ALMASOR (Albay, Masbate, Sorsogon). Operationally, collection refers to the process of colleting the existing festivals in ALMASOR. Therefore, the researchers needed to gather the existing festivals already available in the documents of the different municipalities of ALMASOR. Generally, the study intends to provide research output to be submitted to the Bikol Studies Center that may be used as a reference for future researchers, curriculum developers, teachers, and students; encourage future researches either in the same field or other areas; and contribute to the promotion of the culture of research among Bicolano faculty members and students.  

Specifically, the present study seeks to collate from different offices (Tourism Offices, Offices of Culture & Arts, Municipal libraries) the data about the towns’ festival in ALMASOR; categorize the different festivals in ALMASOR; and synthesize the festivals in ALMASOR to portray Bicolano culture, values, and identity.

METHOD

The study is anchored in a qualitative research design using the documentary research method and in-depth interviews with at least one key informant from each municipality. “The documentary research method or the use of documentary sources refers to the analysis of documents that contain information about the the subject or phenomenon being studied” (Bailey, 1994). For to Payne and Payne (2004), “documentary research method is a technique used to categorize, investigate, interpret and identify the limitations of physical sources, most commonly written whether in the private or public domain.” Scott (1990) explained that a “document is an artefact which has as its central feature an inscribed text”. Simply put, a document is a written text (Mogalakwe, 2006). There are two types of documents that are used in documentary study, primary documents (eye-witness accounts) and secondary documents (have received or read eye-witness accounts) (Bailey, 1994, p.194). 

The researchers made use of both primary and secondary sources available online (pages, blogs, websites, databases) and offline (Arts, Culture and Tourism offices in different municipalities, parish offices, and municipal libraries and archives). The documents were handled using Scott’s (1990, p.1-2) formulated quality control criteria namely: authenticity (whether the document is genuine and from impeccable sources); credibility (whether the document is typical of its kind); representativeness (whether the document are representative of the totality of the relevant documents); and meaning (whether the evidence is clear and comprehensible). Interviews with key informants were also conducted to provide supplemental data which were subjected to analysis and interpretation. Key informants were people who were familiar with and or knowledgeable about their municipality’s festival. 

RESULTS

The following are the collected festivals in the provinces of Albay, Masbate and Sorsogon. There are municipalities that do not have an official festival yet. There are others that are still contemplating on the festival that will portray the identity of their municipalities. However, there are also municipalities that are having difficulties in tracing the origin of their festival not only because the organizing committee of their festival had been transferred from one institution to another, but also because their written records are not available at the time of the conduct of this study. The presentation of the festivals begins from the provincial festival followed by the festivals of each municipality. It starts from Albay, followed by Masbate, and then Sorsogon.

Festivals in ALMASOR

A. ALBAY

The province of Albay has a rich tradition of festivals. Each of its fifteen (15) municipalities and three (3) cities, including the provincial government itself, has a distinct festival celebrated either in conjunction with their patron’s feast day or founding anniversary. Apart from the town’s festival, there are also minor festivals celebrated in Barangays. However, this study focused on the official festivals of various municipalities in the province of Albay. Festivals celebrated by the Barangays require a separate study.

1. Albay Province

MAGAYON FESTIVAL

The Magayon festival is a one-month festivities that relieves the origin of Mayon Volcano. “It is held in May that features sports and cultural events and trade fairs. The focus of the month-long event is the staged reenactment of the tragic love story of the legend of Daragang Magayon and Panganoron whose fatal deaths gave birth to the volcano. The legend has it that Magayon’s grave became Mayon while the clouds kissing her is Panganoron” (The Happy Trip, 2018; Albay Philippines, n.d.). The Magayon festival is a provincial festival of Albay while the Ibalong festival is the Legazpi City’s festival.

2. Bacacay

KARAGUMOY FESTIVAL

Karagumoy is the local name for the pandan family, which grows to more than six feet tall. The strips from the long leaves of the plant is dried, flattened, and dyed before being woven into mats, hats, fans, and bags. The woven products are one of the main products of the coastal town of Bacacay (Amazing Albay, n.d.; Choose Philippines, 2015).

“One of the municipalities of Albay that gives a breathtaking view of the volcano even from afar is Bacacay located in the eastern slope of the mountain. It boasts of a number of islands, crystal-clear seas, and vast agricultural land. Aside from its abundant catch from the ocean, woven pandan is also one of the main products in this coastal town” (Amazing Albay, n.d.).

“To celebrate the produce and honor their patron Sta. Rosa de Lima, the town holds its annual Karagumoy Festival every August. This festival showcases the beauty of Bacacay’s black sand beaches thru watersports activities and other events that promote the town’s traditions and culture” (Choose Philippines, 2015).

KADAGATAN FESTIVAL

Previously called the Bancathon race, “the Kadagatan festival is a water sports activity participated in by fishermen from the different municipalities of Albay aimed to give recognition and at the same time provide a venue for the fishermen to show their strength, skills, and contributions to the socio-economic development of the region” (Paradise Philippines, 2008).

“Bancathon started through the successful collaborative efforts of the Rotary Club, the defunct Provincial Constabulary, Albay Command under the initiative of Colonel Inigo Balardo (retired), Sergio P. Villar and Col. Banadera with the tireless support of the Department of Tourism (DOT) Region V” (Paradise Philippines, 2008).

“The first Bancathon Race was held in 1982, coinciding with Black Saturday of the Holy Week, the traditional Catholic celebration of the passion of Jesus Christ at Roca Baluarte, one of the historical tourist sites in Bacacay in the Province of Albay. On the 7th annual Bancathon in 1989, again spearheaded by the Rotary Club of Mayon, the celebration was transferred to the local government unit of Bacacay, retaining the traditional cash prize awards and trophies. Innovations in the competition were conceived to add more color and excitement to the race. Other sea crafts were included in that race such as balsa an casco. The inclusion of other types of sea crafts had expanded the annual sea race with participants from other coastal areas in Albay and neighboring regions in the country. These various races had likewise invited more spectators to witness the grand race, prompting the local organizers to alter the name of Bancathon” (Paradise Philippines, 2008).

“In the year 2000, the local government unit of Bacacay took note of the increasing interest in the yearly maritime spectacle by passing a legislative act that officially changed it from Bancathon to Kadagatan Festival, holding it as usual every Black Saturday” (Paradise Philippines, 2008).

3. Camalig

PINANGAT FESTIVAL

The Pinangat festival is celebrated every June 10 to 24 in conjunction with the feast day of the town’s patron, St. John the Baptist. “This annual festivity salutes its people, celebrates life, and unifies the best elements of Camalig’s pride, the pinangat, giving the entire fiesta a unique municipal flavor through the holding of special events, activities, and nightly entertainment programs for participation and enjoyment of the public” (Local Philippines, 2018).

“Pinangat is a famous Bicolano culinary specialty from taro leaves (laing). It is regarded as a signature Bicol delicacy and an age-old local vegetable dish which put the town in the culinary map of the country with its succulent and/or spicy taste. Usually pinangat is made up of shredded gabi leaves, red ginger, tiny shrimp (shrimp paste) or a slice of salted fish or pork and crushed pepper. Wrapped in gabi leaves, tied in bundles and cooked in coconut milk, pinangat is a staple in the dining table of most Bicolanos, and is sold across the country and the world” (Local Philippines, 2018). Hence, the Pinangat festival is a celebration that showcases not only the municipality’s rich cultural heritage but also the craft in the area of culinary (Local Philippines, 2018; GMA, 2015).

The very first Pinangat festival is held in June 2000. It is recognized as the town’s official festival through the Sangguniang Bayan Resolution No. 0022-2012 and Municipal Order Ordinance No. 2016-10 (Camalig, n.d.).

4. Daraga

CAGSAWA FESTIVAL

“On February 1, 1814, Mayon Volcano registered its most destructive eruption killing over 1,200 persons in the town of Cagsawa in Albay, and destroying its poblacion, or town proper. The Cagsawa Ruins, where only the church belfry stands, is what remains of the Spanish-era town whose population relocated to higher and safer grounds in present-day Daraga. Since then, the perfect-coned volcano would erupt every decade or so, though of smaller magnitude” (Manila Standard, 2017). 

“Written accounts of Spanish friars and church records ascertain that this town was once called “Cagsawa” more than two centuries ago. Its center of governance and booming commercial district relocated about five kilometers from where the present poblacion is. Records also show that this town continued to be called Cagsawa until the 20th century, long after the original town was buried. Until 1905, dead residents of this town were still registered in the church’s Book of Burials as residents of Cagsawa” (PIA, n.d.).

“In a unique twist of fate, a cultural festival was crafted in 2012 by former Albay Gov. Joey S. Salceda to mark the 198th anniversary of the tragedy. Aptly called Cagsawa Festival, the event puts to the fore Daraga’s history, heritage and everything in between in a month-long observance. The festivity showcases a wide array of entertainment shows, musical tilts, sports tournaments, socio-civic activities, pageants, culinary activities and special interest events. Two noteworthy extreme sports events are the Endurocross and the Trail Run, a motorcycle race and half marathon, which cut through Mayon’s rugged and challenging lava trail where the old Cagsawa village used to stand. Another exciting adventure activity around the area is driving the all-terrain vehicle on the beaten path near the foot of Mayon” (Business Mirror, 2017).

“The festival also highlights a show regarding disaster risk reduction management (DRRM), which was done by survivors in the aftermath of the 1814 eruption such as the massive relocation to where and what this town is now” (Business Mirror, 2017).

“The town is at the core of Albay’s culinary tourism program with the presence of homegrown restaurants, such as Balay Cena Una, Alvi’s Café, Balay Bicol, Casa Lorenzo Food and Culture and First Colonial Grill. The latter is home of the sili ice cream, an award-winning trademark dessert of Bicol. Salceda, who is presently the representative of Albay’s second district and a resident of Daraga, said the festival will highlight the fast-urbanizing first-class municipality as it aspires for cityhood. This 2018, in its sixth year, the celebration’s locus is the cultural presentation and street-dance competition in February 21 from contingents depicting events surrounding the 1814 eruption” (Nunez, 2014). 

Joey Salceda, who was then the governor of Albay, “with his penetrating advocacy to advance the whole province as eco- and histo-cultural tourism destination, personally carried out extensive research studies about how life was in Cagsawa prior to and after the whole town was buried under tons of volcanic debris in 1814” (Nunez, 2014).

“The Local Government Unit of Daraga planned that the festival continues every year so the local residents and visitors alike will have a chance to trace the lost town of “Cagsawa”, and look up to the ardent desire against all odds by its inhabitants to preserve their identity as a people through the centuries” (Business Mirror, 2017).

“Looking at its religious significance, records revealed that the significance of the day, being the eve of “Candelaria” (Feast of Candles), was ironical. Instead of prayer, psalm and hymn recitals, it was dominated by nature’s fury and people’s hysteria. The belfry of the baroque church built in the place by Franciscan priests in 1724 has remained until today the silent witness of the catastrophe and proof of the once-flourishing town of Cagsawa” (Nunez, 2014).

“The ruins are currently located in Barangay Busay, Cagsawa, in the municipality of Daraga, Albay. It is part of Cagsawa Park and is protected and maintained by the municipal government of Daraga and the National Museum of the Philippines. The International Tourism Bourse, one of the world’s top travel trade shows based in Berlin, has even recognized the site as one of the places to visit in Asia” (PIA, n.d.).

“Bicol region’s iconic image and top tourist attraction, the Cagsawa Ruins was declared by the National Museum in 2016 as a National Cultural Treasure, the country’s highest designation for a cultural property” (Business World, 2017). 

5. Guinobatan 

LONGGANISA FESTIVAL

“Guinobatan hosts an annual festival in the celebration of the feast of Our Lady of the Assumption, its patroness. Until 2013, the town festival was called “Arandurugan Festival”. Arandurugan, which means “tarabangan” or “pagtutulungan” is a celebration of the cooperation, unity, association, collaboration and the harmonious co-action of the people in the municipality of Guinobatan. This is also the feast celebration of Our Lady of the Assumption, the municipality’s patroness” (Literal & Marqueses, 2012). 

“In August 2013, Guinobatan celebrated Longganisa Festival, named after the local product listed under the Department of Trade and Industry’s “One Town, One Product” program. Its aim was to promote Longganisa de Guinobatan as one of Bicol’s culinary delicacies particularly of Guinobatan” (Literal & Marqueses, 2012). 

This festival is celebrated in the second week of August to honor the town’s patron saint, Our Lady of Assumption where they held street dance presentations and different activities that promote the town’s products, “one of which is the Longganisa promoted to be among the array of Bicol’s culinary delicacies in the local as well as the national market” (Literal & Marqueses, 2012).

6. Jovellar

QUIPIA FESTIVAL

The Quipia festival is celebrated every 21^st to 29^th days of August (Amazing Albay, n.d.). Quipia is the name of the municipality until Jovellar is used in honor of Spanish governor-general Don Joaquin Jovellar y Soler. Quipia is named after the river that runs through the town that leads all the way to Donsol, Sorgoson. “Quipia festival is done in conjunction with the town’s fiesta celebrating the beheading of St. John the Baptist, its patron saint. This festival is a week-long celebration showcasing the history of the locality where sporty and socio-cultural events are held” (Amazing Albay, n.d.). Activities included in the festival are a marathon race, mountain bike race, bikini open, bike show, cooking contest, a fluvial procession, street dancing competition, and a long line of lechon buffet.

7. Legazpi City

IBALONG FESTIVAL

“Ibalong Festival is a yearly non-religious fiesta depicting Bicol’s early beginnings based on the Ibalong Epic written by the late Prof. Merito Espinas that tells of mythical superheroes, villains, monsters, and wild animals in the ancient times. First celebrated in 1992, the celebration — which relives the epic featuring the extraordinary feats of strength, courage and heroism of these ancient heroes — has since then lived to become the longest running tourism promotion-related festival in the Bicol Region that expresses warmth and goodwill to all people and encourages visitors and tourists to celebrate with the Legazpeños” (Primer, 2016a).

The Ibalong festival, which is held every October 25 to 31, is a two-week celebration in “recognition of the socio-historic-cultural heritage of Bicolanos as based on the Ibalong Epic showcasing the bravery and strength in character of three heroes: Baltog, Handyong, and Bantong as they fought against the villains Tandayag (giant boar), Oryol (half-woman and half-serpent), Dambuhala (one-eyed monster), Rabot (giant), and other wild monsters that threatened the place and orderliness of their place” (Tribiana, 2017).

“As part of the cultural celebrations, the festival is also held as a celebration of locals’ tenacity. Legazpi City is prone to typhoons that usually destroy the city, yet it is simply amazing the kind of resilience that the locals portray. Interestingly, locals from other neighboring cities join in the fanfare, creating perfect opportunities for contests. Other attractions at the festival include street carnivals, musical performances as well as spectacular fireworks. Distinct Bicolano cuisine and products are exhibited throughout the celebrations” (Calleja, n.d.).

8. Libon 

PAROY FESTIVAL

“Paroy festival had become Libon’s vehicle for showcasing its illustrious past, richness and color of its culture. PROUDLY LIBON or USTIK LIBON! Its battle cry for cultural identity and pride as “Rice Granary of Albay” and the cornerstone of Bicol Christianity. The town that has produced national and local luminaries. Best of all TATAK LIBON, its effort to brand its town, is the common Libongueno’s voice to call attention for its culture of excellence it has embraced, since 1996, when Libon started its cultural renaissance under the leadership of Mayor John V. Dycoco and thereafter enriched by the leadership of Mayor Agnes “Bem” P. Dycoco ably supported by its Municipal Officials and employees and 47 villages” (Amazing Albay, n.d.). 

The town of Libon, with its richness in rice agricultural products like rice, initiated a festival known as Paroy Festival. Paroy is a Bicol word for rice with husk. The Paroy Festival is a celebration of culture, tradition and arts of Libongueños. This town celebrates its annual fiesta every July 22 to 25 in honor of their patron saint St. James the Greater. Started in 1996, it retorts to the query “Libongueño, Sisay Ka?”, then gradually showcased its culture and tradition. Since then, the annual Paroy Festival aims to develop and mold the identity of every Libongueño.

Paroy denotes the town’s festival considering that the municipality’s land is comprised of 35% rice fields. Aside from the depiction of “paroy”, there are two activities being showcased, one is the cultural presentation of the ancient times when the Spaniards colonized the town of Libon with the leadership of Juan Salcedo; and the exhibit of antique artifacts to reminisce the journey of Libon during the prehistoric period.

“Year after year, the Paroy Festival, which is also called Katalingkasan that means renaissance and freedom, is improved and developed to boost tourism while instilling the inherent values that the people of Libon are proud of. Paroy festival tries to inculcate into the young minds of Libongueños the simplicity and beauty of life in which they try to give thanks and share to other people in the community. The town officials make sure that every barangay participate on this occasion. Different games and contest are prepared, joined by different barangays to make the celebration more fun and exciting. These activities prepared are ways of bonding among different residents of every barangay. This unique way to bring every resident of the town together is held for four days from July 22-25 every year to show their gratefulness on rich harvest and productive economy of rice” (Hotel Philippines, n.d.).

9. Ligao City

SUNFLOWER FESTIVAL 

The Sunflower Festival was launched on March 24, 2014 to commemorate the 13^th Cityhood Anniversary of Ligao. This weeklong event depicts religious, cultural and economic transformation of the urban center from a second-class town to a component city (Bandol, 2014; Ligao City, n.d.; Bicol Standard, 2014; 3^rd Legislative District of Albay, 2014). 

This festival highlights the Sunflower Festival dance that features the story of Ligao City from the legendary roots of the five ancient Datus that instituted Ligao to the gifts of the Spanish colonizers, the gift of faith, and up to the present where the Ligaoeños take pride in their beautiful sunflowers (Jaucian, 2014).

The sunflower, which is locally known as ‘mirasolis’ blooms in the locality. This flower was chosen by the Local Government Unit of Ligao City as a symbol of more than four hundred years of their faith through the intercession of St. Stephen, Deacon and Protomartyr, and for the resiliency of the Ligaoeños. Besides, mirasolis is prevalent in Ligao and the LGU wants to preserve the species and plans to explore its potentials (Arguelles, 2014). 

10. Malilipot

LUBID FESTIVAL

The Lubid festival in Malilipot, Albay is a weeklong celebration every 12^th to 16^th days of July showcasing abaca hemp locally known as “lubid” through which the municipality is known to be one of the region’s major producers (Jaucian, 2015).

The Lubid festival, which started in 2012, promotes famous abaca products like giant chairs, giant jars, a giant gown, and other products like baskets, bags, and hats. These products are already known and in demand in the local and international markets.

The street dancers in colorful costumes and giant handicraft products showcase the craft of artisans and the hard work of abaca farmers. The 65% of the town’s population is directly involved in the handicraft production, particularly the abaca twine (Jaucian, 2015). 

11. Malinao

ALINAO FESTIVAL

“The Alinao festival, which is an annual tribute every July 20-27 to the lost tree of Alinao on the mountains of Malinao, is celebrated annually in keeping with the people’s observance of the town fiesta in honor of their patron saints, Joachim and Anne” (Alinao Bodies, n.d.). 

The first Alinao festival was held in 2000 in commemoration of Malinao’s 400^th founding anniversary. This festival, which is both religious and agricultural in nature, features the cultural heritage of Malinaonons in their street dancing competition and other town exhibits and festivities (Arevalo, 2016).

12. Manito 

NITO-TALAHIB FESTIVAL

“The Nito-talahib festival is the Maniteños way of bringing honor to the common grass and wild vines locally known as “nito” and “talahib” that play a vital part in the history of their place and in the lives of the people. This festival is celebrated every October 14 to 23. The municipality was named Manito by the early settlers because the place is rich in nito, a clinging vine which belongs to the rattan family” (Manito’s Time, 2017).

The Nito-talahib festival includes various activities like pageant, marathon, musical contests, dance performance, and the like that can be enjoyed both by the locals and the tourists. Their street dancing festivities depict the Maniteños culture and tradition (Manito’s Time, 2017).

13. Oas

HIMOLOAN FESTIVAL

“This festival is a celebration of thanksgiving every September 28-29 during the feast day of St. Michael the Archangel. Himoloan literally means “pag-atang” or “tinagba” that means offerings. Hence, the festival is a time for locals’ merry making and celebration as they honor God through their patron by offering him not only the fruits of their labor but also their talents and good deeds “(Oas, 2009). 

The festivities include Carrosa contest wherein the different barangays in Oas decorate their patron’s carriage with native materials and their agricultural produce; pageant; dance and musical contests; and the colorful street dancing competition (Oas, 2009).

In 1998, Raphael Leonardo Siapno, the then parochial vicar of St. Michael the Archangel Parish, had an idea of the Carrosa contest. Banderitas were solicited from Naga City, gowns were provided from Daragang Magayon in Legazpi City for the beauty pageant candidates, cultural shows and military and civic parade were organized, and tree planting was conducted in cooperation with the 22^nd Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army based in Oas-Ligao boundary. This simple celebration in 1998 was just a precedent of the present town festival (Oas, 2009).

14. Pio Duran

LAMBAT FESTIVAL

The Lambat festival is celebrated every first week of December in the municipality of Pio Duran to honor its patroness, Nuestra Señora de Salvacion. “Lambat” is a local term for fish net used by locals to catch fish. Fishing is the top source of livelihood in Pio Duran since this is a coastal municipality in the western part of Albay. The Local Government Unit of Pio Duran organizes various events where the locals may participate in different festivities during the Lambat festival. The most sought highlight of the festival is the street dancing presentation and the Mutya ng Lambat (Mirrar, 2012; Artiscoolture, 2011).

15. Polangui

PULANG-ANGUI FESTIVAL

“The festival in the municipality of Polangui that started as “Oyangui Festival” in 2003 and later became “Pulang-Angui Festival” is an annual celebration of Polanguenos during the whole month of June” (Fun Philippines, 2014). “During this time, a flood of tourists visits the town as Polanguenos optimistically await and generously prepare for the month-long celebration as the festivities feature various religious, cultural, social and sports activities that capture the delight, excitement and imagination of the people and visitors during the occasion” (Jaucian, 2015).

“But as the dates June 28 and 29 comes, Polanguenos temporarily change the happy to a more serious mood to commemorate the solemnity of the parish patrons, Sts. Peter and Paul through a concelebrated Mass” (Fun Philippines, 2014). “Some elders often prefer to gather at the chapels to lead Novena masses. The Saints Peter and Paul Parish Church is located at Barangay Centro Occidental. It is one of the oldest Catholic churches in the Philippines, which took 10 years to finish. The church construction was started in 1654 by Fr. Alonzo de San Juan and was finished in 1664 under the management of Fr. Juan Bautista Marza” (Manila Standard Showbitz, 2016).

Red, while generally associated with love, is also a primary feature of the Pulang-Angui Festival. Streets are packed with entertainers in red hot costumes to serve as a pleasant attraction to both locals and tourists seeking amusement. The Polangui’s town proper is painted in red, quite literally, as it relives a local folklore retracing its early beginnings through the Pulang-Angui Festival  Jaucian, 2015; Manila Standard Showbitz, 2016).

Celebrated yearly, this event is where the story of a maiden with a particular love on anything that is red is told. Oral tradition says that “Angui was a beautiful maiden dressed in red from head to toe and possessed all the best qualities of a woman. Her suitors pursued her even when he had already surreally transported into the world of myths” (Jaucian, 2015). 

Being among the grandest of feasts in Albay’s 3^rd district, this is definitely a sight to behold filled with activities for all ages, where families and friends could have a wonderful and most enjoyable celebration. “The highlights of the two-week extravaganza is the crimson-red street dance presentation depicting the legend of “Pulang Angui”. This festival is regarded by the Department of Tourism as one of the best in the Bicol region” (Manila Standard Showbitz, 2016). 

16. Rapu-Rapu

LAYAG FESTIVAL

The Layag festival is a weeklong festivity during the parish fiesta in the municipality of Rapu-Rapu every May. The festival’s name, which is from the local word “layag” that means sail boat, is the locals primary means of transportation. Even today, boat is the means of transportation from the Rapu-Rapu island to the mainland Albay and the neighboring province of Sorsogon. Moreover, the Layag festival depicts the people’s journey of faith with help of their patroness, Santa Florentina (Echane, 2017).

The festival started as the people’s way of honoring God through their patroness, Santa Florentina. It was Rev. Fr. Pedro D. Balde, Jr. SOLT and the Parish Priest Rev. Fr. Raul D. Balute, SOLT who initiated the Layag Festival in 2004. After few years, the organization and administration of the Layag festival was transferred to the Local Government Unit of Rapu-Rapu (Echane, 2017).

17. Sto. Domingo

SARUNG BANGGI FESTIVAL

“Sarung Banggi Festival is an annual celebration held every May for the commemoration of Potenciano Valladolid Gregorio’s (born 19 May 1880) contribution to Bicol heritage at Sto. Domingo, Albay” (PSR, 2015).

“The festival’s main highlight is the celebration of Gregorio’s love song composition, Sarung Banggi, a song which Bicolanos identify themselves with. Held for a week, the festival’s main attraction is a street dance presentation which interprets the song. Mayor Herbie Aguas signed the Executive Proclamation No.1 s.2002 on 8 January 2002, marking the start of the Sarung Banggi festival” (Tariman, 2014).

This fun-filled summer festival “immortalizes the song Sarung Banggi and pay tribute to its composer. It showcases a variety of cultural and religious activities, food and sports fest, Beauty Search, folksong fest, agro-industrial fair and many more” (PSR, 2015).

18. Tabaco City

TABAK FESTIVAL

The municipality of Tabaco became a city by virtue of the Republic Act 9020 in 2001. After a year, in its first founding anniversary, the LGU of Tabaco set in motion the municipal annual festivities through the Tabak festival. “The festival, which is celebrated every March 19 to 22, derived its name from a local word “tabak” meaning bolo, where the name of the City (Tabaco) was taken from” (Marasigan, 2002).

This festival attracts local and international tourists through its activities that included Tabak street dancing, the prestigious Mutya ng Tabak and Tabakla pageants, cultural performances by various social sectors, Padyak and Sibiddan races, trade fair and exhibit, Karawat Bikolnon, and Baile de Amor (The Silver Pack, 2017).

19. Tiwi

CORON FESTIVAL

The Coron festival is a one-month festivities that formally opens in August 1 in the municipality of Tiwi, Albay. “Tiwi, which is located at the northeastern tip of Albay nestling along the southwestern coastline of Lagonoy Gulf is well-known for its pottery industry. Hence, Coron (that means earthen pot) was adopted as a name of the festival that showcases the creativity of homegrown talents in crafting native products out of baked clay” (Balita, 2009). 

“The duration of the festival covers the celebration of the town fiesta on August 10-11 in honor of its Patron St. Lawrence the Martyr and the Diocesan Patroness, Our Lady of Salvation on the third Saturday of the month. This twin religious celebration during the Coron festival harnesses the community’s cultural orientation and the people’s religiosity and spirituality through the intercession of the municipal patron and the diocesan patroness” (Balita, 2009).

“Aside from the street dancing presentations and cultural and religious performances that narrate the locality’s fight against Moro bandits during the pre-Spanish era, the festivities include an industrial and agri-fair, and packages that include nature tripping at the Corangon Shoal mangrove reforestation area, Hanging Road, Bugsukan and Busayan Falls, Nag-Park, Atulayan Island and Mayon Rest House” (Balita, 2009). 

B. MASBATE

The island province of Masbate has distinct festivals that express the people’s rich cultural heritage, religious beliefs, and economic activities. Some municipalities have irregular conduct of their festivals while others are still evaluating their municipality through cultural mapping in order to determine the festival that encapsulates their culture and tradition. Some others are restructuring their festivals, hence, records are not available as of the conduct of this study. However, there are some municipalities that regularly observe the celebration of their festival. 

1. Masbate Province 

RODEO FESTIVAL

The Rodeo festival, which is held every April since 1993, is “one of the most unique festivals in the Philippines, with locals portraying local cowboys culture and highlighting the best of Masbateño culture” (Santos, 2018). For more than two decades now, Masbate, the Philippines’ cattle capital, has showcased the way of life of local cowboys and cowgirls through the rodeo event (Barcia, 2018).

“The festival opens with a lively parade of horseback riders. There are also livestock shows, a carnival, and a trade fair featuring local products, as well as animal health seminars. The highlight of the event is the rodeo competition itself. Men and women dress up in cowboy outfits to perform stunts like lassoing of foot and on horseback, livestock wrestling, casting down, load carrying, bull riding and whipping, the two-person carambola, and other activities related to the handling of livestock” (Almario, 1995). “These events draw people from the rest of the Philippines and around the world as well as locals. International cowboys and bull riders also participate in the competitions” (Guia, 2012).

Another most awaited event in the Rodeo festival, which is considered the festival of festivals in the province of Masbate, is the street dancing competition in which the different municipalities of Masbate showcase their own town’s festival and culture. In 2018, the group that showcased the Lapay Bantigue festival of Masbate City won the top prize of P1 million (Jaucian, 2018).

“The Rodeo Masbateño Festival was conceived in 1992 as a way of uplifting the local cattle industry. It was started by MAKUSOG, a group of ranchers and business people of Masbate, who formed the Rodeo Masbateño Foundation. There had been a long tradition of cattle raising in the province, with some 81% of its land used for pasturing livestock, but at that point in time the industry was in a slump. With the support of the provincial governor Emilio Espinosa Jr., the first Rodeo was staged in 1993.  Following this, it became an annual event that improved tourism as well as commerce in the region and increased the locals’ pride in their province’s unique identity and products” (Guia, 2012). 

“The event was initially known as Rodeo Filipino, but the name was eventually changed to Rodeo Masbateño. It grew into a national event over the years, attracting tourists from all over the Philippines and abroad. In recognition of the success of this event, on September 2, 2002, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo issued Executive Order No. 120 declaring Masbate as the Rodeo Capital of the Philippines. Masbate has also become known as the Rodeo Capital of Asia and is now affiliated with the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association of America. Its homegrown cowboys, whose rodeo talents have been honed at the festival, have participated in the National Rodeo Finals in Las Vegas” (Almario, 1995).

2. Balud

PANGUMAGAT FESTIVAL

The Pangumagat festival is a yearly celebration in Balud every third week of April that showcases locals’ culture especially in terms of farming and fishing. The word pangumagat is a term coined by Mr. Aldy Roman during the concept solicitation of the Legislative Body of Balud before 2003. Pangumagat is derived from the words “panguma” (pertaining to farming) and “panagat” (pertaining to sea or fishing). The word pangumagat perfectly describes the culture and livelihood of the people of Balud. For the Baludeños, the word pangumagat is a welcome password for their cordial invitation to be with them in this three-day festivities (Balud Trade Fair Souvenir Program, 2006). 

In this festival, different activities are organized like street dancing competition, singing contest, Mutya ng Balud, trade fair, product exhibits and other sports activities. It is also a way of the Local Government Unit of Balud to promote the local tourism industry since aside from farming and fishing, Balud is also blessed with white beach lines, which are potentials for a world-class tourist destination (Pangumagat Festival, n.d.). 

3. Batuan

BAKHAWAN FESTIVAL

The Bakhawan festival is held every May 7 to 10 to showcase the Batuan’s pride in the biggest Mangrove (Bakhawan) plantation in the country. The 268 hectares of mangrove forest is also home to the 146-year-old Mangrove tree.  The Bakhawan festival is spearheaded by the Local Government Unit of Batuan and it includes activities like street dancing competition, 1.5 beach fun run and tree planting at the finish line, boat racing, and island hopping (included in the registration). This festival is also a means of promoting Batuan’s local tourism and advertising its pristine white beaches and sand bar (Basas, 2018). 

4. Mandaon

PAMASAYAN FESTIVAL

The Pamasayan festival, which is held as early as January to the first week of March, is a celebration of life, bounty, and culture centered on the pasayan (shrimp) industry. It includes various activities from the last week of January and culminates on March 3 during the feast day of San Bernardo Abad (St. Bernard, Abbot), the patron of Mandaon (The Landmarkers’ Journal, 2012). 

Pamasayan is a term for catching shrimp. This colorful festival, which started in 2011 (Oliva, 2011), highlights a trade fair that showcases every product of Mandaon. As with most festivals, the much-awaited part is the street dancing which is usually participated in by the 26 barangays of the town and culminates in the celebrity concert on the last day and fireworks display (Bombo Radyo Legazpi, 2018; It’s more fun in Bicol, 2015). 

5. Monreal

PASA-PASA FESTIVAL

The Pasa-Pasa festival has a beautiful history. The municipality of Monreal, particularly in San Miguel Island is rich in Manta Ray or Devilfish (because of their horn-shaped cephalic fins, which are imagined to give them an “evil” appearance) locally known as pasa-pasa. For a long time, this species of fish had been a part of the fishing activities of most of the fishermen in the locality and sold in the market like ordinary fish. Despite BFAR’s memorandum banning its catching and selling, locals keep catching and selling them (Del Mundo, 2018; Monreal Tourism Office, 2018).

In an article by Mr. Ronnie Lorejo of the Philippine Daily Inquirer circulated nationally on January 12, 2004, he featured the municipality of Monreal, that part of its rich coral reefs, there was a haven of this one of the biggest species of fish in the world – the Manta Rays. The article uncovered the underwater treasure and it has been said to be a pot of gold for the locality if given special attention in terms of protection and preservation. It was called as “Manta Bowl” and was discovered by Mr. Condrad Paz, a master diver along with some colleagues from mainland Bicol (Del Mundo, 2018; Monreal Tourism Office, 2018). 

This discovery has prompted the Barangay Government of Poblacion, Monreal, Masbate to initiate a festival named “Pasa-Pasa” festival taken from the local term for Manta Ray, as an advocacy program for its protection and preservation. This noble plan has been consulted with Mrs. Maria Ong-Ravanilla, Regional Director of the Department of Tourism (Region V), and gave her full support by promoting and immediate staging of it. Other tourism personalities that helped its promotion were Asst. Regional Director Joselito “Ping” Arcilla and a group of divers headed by Mr. Conrad Paz (Monreal Tourism Office, 2018).

The first staging of Pasa-Pasa festival was on April 2004 spearheaded by Barangay Poblacion under the leadership of Brgy. Captain Elva E. Espares and Mr. Carlos T. Gueta, who persevered and insisted on its realization. The first festival was highlighted by the Street Dancing Competition, Manta Ray Replica-Making Contest, Environmental Forum, and an Island Tour featuring the beauty of the island. It was attended by Mr. Conrad Paz, Mr. Ronnie Lorejo, DOT Personnel headed by Mr. Ping Arcilla, and reporters from ABS-CBN Legazpi City to feature the event (Monreal Tourism Office, 2018).

The Pasa-Pasa Festival has been the most anticipated and awaited ecological event of the municipality every year. Eventually, it gained recognition from some environmentalists and local and foreign visitors. In fact, a lot of divers come to Monreal anually to see the pasa-pasa, and some take an island tour to see the natural beauty of Monreal (Del Mundo, 2018; Monreal Tourism Office, 2018). 

6. Placer

HIMAG-ULAW FESTIVAL

“The Himag-ulaw festival is usually conducted twice a year, the first one is in January in honor of the Señor Santo Niño, and the other one is in February during the feast of Our Lady of Remedies, the patroness of Placer. However, the celebration commonly falls in February” (Tan, 2018). Although the festival is organized and managed by the LGU of Placer, the nature of the festival is very religious (Tan, 2018).

The Himag-ulaw festival started in 1994 by the late Floro B. Casas Sr., Placer West District Supervisor. The words himag-ulaw are derived from himag-o (meaning offering) and paulaw (meaning thanksgiving). This festival refers to the offering and thanksgiving for a bountiful harvest in farming and the abundance of fish within the year. Himag-ulaw is celebrated every year in the form of themed street dancing and a storyline focused on the locals’ way of living. Sometimes, the stories highlight social issues like illegal fishing and logging, muro-ami, deforestation, and other ecological and social issues (Kristina797, 2010; Local Philippines, n.d.; Our Lady of Remedies Parish, Placer). 

7. San Jacinto

DAYAW DALAN FESTIVAL

“Dayaw is an old Tigaonon term that means to show off, parade or display. In its strictest meaning, dayaw is to present with pride what is distinctly and essentially inherent in a person. Dalan on the other hand, means in olden time, a mountain trail which now includes path, street and highway. Dayaw Dalan festival, which is held every May, symbolizes the best of what the municipality of San Jacinto has as a town and as a people. The festival is held in honor of its patron saint, Santo Cristo de Burgos” (Bikolandia, 2009). 

8. San Pascual

ISLA RANCHO FESTIVAL

“The Isla Rancho festival, which is celebrated every May 10 to 17 in San Pascual is a festivity that gives reverence to its patron saint, San Pascual, and showcases its island culture with a unique cowboy kick twist. Since Burias island is dominated by ranches, the name of festival became Isla Rancho (literally island of ranches). It is a very young festival that started in 2013. It includes various cultural and traditional performances featuring their ranches’ practices and traditions, and the street dancing competitions” (Ferds, 2015).

9. Masbate City

LAPAY BANTIGUE FESTIVAL

“The Lapay Bantigue festival, which is celebrated annually during the Masbate City anniversary on the 30^th day of September, is a festival that is culturally distinct to Masbate City” (Lapay Bantigue, 2011). “It highlights the traditional folk dance created by “Lola Felisa Tupas” a long time ago when she imitated the graceful movement of the seagull (locally known as Lapay)” (Lapay Bantigue, n.d.). 

“The hovering of Lapay is one of the most typical and beautiful scenes in Barangay Bantigue, Masbate. The boats loaded with abundant fish caught by the small-scale fisher folks eagerly awaited by fish buyers and the Lapays make an engaging portrait of the people’s everyday simple way of life. This marvelous scenery has inspired old folks to come up with a local folk dance very much rightfully originated from the graceful movements of the Lapay and the harmonious relationship it has created to the lives of the fisher folks” (Lapay Bantigue, n.d.).

“Legend has it that the Lapay dance was promised to Saint Philomena, saint of the fishermen by a native for an abundant catch of fish and by a mother, for the Saint to heal her sickly child.  So these people made this dance to fulfill their promise to the Saint. Miraculously, the child was healed and the fishermen caught a lot of fish. Since then the people have to dance the “Lapay Bantigue” to give thanks to St. Philomena and of course for productive fishing with the blessing of their Patron Saint” (Lapay Bantigue, 2011).

“This dance was also recognized during the Spanish Colonization” (Lapay Bantigue, n.d.). “The dance has evolved and is now recognized by the Cultural Center of the Philippines as one of the official folk dances of the country” (Carullo, 2015). It has already gained regional, national, and international awards for being one of the best festivals in the country (Bicol Politics, 2018; DFA, 2017; Bicol Standard, 2015; Carullo, 2015).

PAGDAYAO FESTIVAL

The Pagdayao festival is held every June in Masbate. This is to honor and give thanks to the Masbate City’s patron, St. Anthony of Padua. This event manifests the religiosity of the Masbateños. 

The municipalities of Aroroy, Baleno, Cataingan, Cawayan, Claveria, Dimasalang, Esperanza, Milagros, Mobo, Palanas, Pio V. Corpuz, San Fernando, and Uson do not have the available materials regarding their festival.

C. SORSOGON

Presented below are the colorful festivals in the province of Sorsogon that depict the rich cultural heritage, tradition, and religiosity of Sorsoganons. A municipality like Barcelona does not that have yet its official festival.

1. Sorsogon Province

KASANGGAYAHAN FESTIVAL

The Kasanggayahan festival is the festival of festivals in the province of Sorsogon since it is the convergence of the 14 municipalities and a city depicting Sorsogon’s historical past and developing its rich cultural and economic aspirations (PIA, n.d.). It is a celebration of the province’s foundation anniversary every 14^th to 17^th days of October. The word kasanggayahan is a local word that could mean anything from kagandahan (beauty, goodness) to kasiyahan (jubilation, joyfulness). It is beautifully defined and described in the following lines:

“When the fields are green
and the grains are golden;
when the machines work well
and all business prosper;
when the birds in the sky chirp freely
and men on earth 
are peacefully happy;
in Bikol, it is KASANGGAYAHAN,
meaning, a life of prosperity”
(Sorsogon United, 2009).

This festival is the province’s way of giving thanks for the wonders and bounties endowed to them. The Sorsogon province is gifted with beautiful white sand beaches, rare creatures, heritage sites, and natural therapies. These wonders are highlighted in the festival that boosts the economy of the province particularly the tourism industry (Sorsogon United, 2009; Festivals in the Philippines, n.d.). 

“The festivities include the elaborate reenactment of the first mass celebrated in Luzon island with the use of Higantes (giants) and a huge galleon; the Pantomina sa Tinampo also known as Sinalampati that depicts love and courtship by imitating the movement of doves; the Kasanggayahan Village where the local products were showcased” (Sorsogon United, 2009); the Bida Ka Sorgoson Street Art, and the street dancing presentation through which colorful and graceful groups representing their municipalities showcase their town’s trademark offering and their unique municipal festival (Sorsogon United, 2009; Festivals in the Philippines, n.d.).

2. Bulan

PADARAW FESTIVAL

The Padaraw festival, which is celebrated every 30^th day of May, is part of Bulan’s culture of thanksgiving during the feast of its patroness, the Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception. “The festivities are expressions of this coastal community’s gladness and thanksgiving for God’s bounties and gifts not only from the sea but also from the plains and mountains” (Sorsogon United, 2010). “The word padaraw is a Bicol term commonly used by the fishermen. The root word “daraw” refers to the groups or schools of fish which converge at a certain single point in the sea” (The Pinay Solo Backpacker, 2015). “This “daraw” becomes a convergence point for the fishermen to make their catch for the day. Padaraw therefore means unity” (PIA, n.d.).

During the festival, the Bulaneños gather together to exhibit their unity and strength despite the struggles in life. “They showcase their colorful costumes fashioned from abaca fibers in the grand presentation of ethnic music and impressive street dancing competition” (PIA, n.d.).

3. Bulusan

AGINGAY FESTIVAL

The Agingay festival is a yearly celebration in Bulusan every 19^th day of July as part of the festivities during the town fiesta (PIA, n.d.). “It depicts the love story of Bulusan and his fight with Mampak, a big bird that has captured his lady love Agingay. There are various activities as part of the festival but the highlight is the street dancing competition and exhibition” (Bulusanruralvagabond, 2015).

4. Casiguran 

GUGURANG FESTIVAL

This festival is celebrated every 7^th day of October along with the celebration of Casiguran’s patroness, Our Lady of the Holy Rosary. Gugurang means elderly, and Gugurang festival means the feast of the elderly. It also speaks of the wisdom of the ages that explains for Casiguran as the oldest town in the province of Sorsogon. Various activities like sports fest and street dancing competitions are held during the Gugurang festival, and people from neighboring municipalities and even from distant places come and celebrate with the Casiguran locals (PIA, n.d.).

5. Castilla 

UNOD FESTIVAL

“The Unod festival is a celebration of thanksgiving of the people of Castilla for the bountiful harvest of root crops and the appreciation of the people’s diligence and hard work along with the feast day of their patron every October 1 to 7. Unod is a Bicol term for different root crops like camote, ube, cassava, gabi and uraro” (PIA, n.d.). Hence, Unod festival is a “celebration of these abundance derived from the land and their effort to offer gratitude” (Castilla Sorsogon, n.d.). This tradition is popularly called as “tinagba” or offering, which is a thanksgiving practice wherein the people choose their best harvest to be offered in the Mass and the priest blesses them. Moreover, the other exhibited root crops outside the church are also blessed including the community and then the products are distributed or sold to the people in a very affordable price to give a little help to the hardworking farmers (Guhit, 2011; Castilla Sorsogon, n.d.).

“There are various activities in the festival but the highlight is the Grand Street Presentation showcasing the different products and root crops found abundant in the area.  Other activities include cultural show, agri-trade fair, float parade, drum and bugle competition, Search for Talentadong Castillano, Civic Military Parade among others” (Castilla Sorsogon, n.d.).

“The Unod Festival is just a means to propel Castilla’s agricultural potential as a town and ultimately become a statement of development where the people of Castilla will be able to live a better quality of life out of the land they till and these produce they will share to the national and hopefully to the global markets as health foods are now the trend” (Mayor Bermillio).

In 2017, the date for Unod festival was revised and changed its date to December 5-15 through the Ordinance no.08-2017, to give sufficient time to the growth of the root crops which are the highlight of the celebration (Castilla Sorsogon, n.d.).

6. Donsol

BUTANDING FESTIVAL

During the month of May, “the Butanding festival is held in Donsol that ushers in the Butanding (Whaleshark) Season as well as a thanksgiving for the blessings that the Butanding’s presence has given to the people of Donsol.  This festival, which is both solemn and festive, is held in conjunction with the feast of Donsol’s patron, St Joseph the Worker” (Sorsogon City, 2012). Butanding festival “welcomes the return of the butandings which come in droves at the onset of summer, signaling the start of an adventure filled Butanding Interaction season. The highlight of the festival is a long fluvial procession at the mouth of Donsol River where large schools of butandings usually converge, and a parade in the streets of the town with replicas and mascots of the whale sharks. The butandings are known as the biggest fish in the world and now declared as a global tourism destination for whale shark interaction and watching” (PIA, n.d.). 

7. Gubat

GINUBAT FESTIVAL

“Ginubat festival, celebrated in June 11 and 12 along with the town fiesta, is based on the roots of the town of which its name was derived. It features various activities including cultural street parade, exhibits, sailboat race, beauty pageant, fiesta celebration and the Balik-Gubat which is the highlight of the festival. Gubat (gu-bát – stress on the second syllable) is a Bicol term for “raid” that draws its meaning from its history of being frequently raided by the Moros. Oral tradition says that when Moros were coming through the sea, the sentinels shouted loudly the word ‘gubat’ meaning raid to warn the community. Gubat festival reenacts this historical event that has been handed from generation to generation. Gubat festival is a religious, historical and cultural presentation of the town’s past and future aspirations. Gubat is now considered as one of the emerging progressive municipalities in the province of Sorsogon” (PIA, n.d.).

8. Irosin

PARAY FESTIVAL

“Paray festival is a commemoration of the feast day of the town’s patron, St. Michael the Archangel, and at the same time a rediscovery of the town’s cultural heritage. The festival traces the struggles of the people of Irosin at various stages of its history and aims to renew the enthusiasm in community building. Various activities include the Mardi Gras, which depicts the victory of the Archangels over the Black Angel, cultural show, agro-trade fair, beauty pageant, food festival, and others” (PIA, n.d.).

Paray festival, which is celebrated every September, is previously known as Hinay-ay festival. “Hinay-ay is the old name of the municipality of Irosin. The change of name from Hinay-ay to Paray (rice) festival is to emphasize the municipality as the rice producing town and to highlight farming as the basic occupation of the locals” (PIA, n.d.).

9. Juban

GUJUBAN FESTIVAL

“The Gujuban festival, which is held every June, is a celebration of cultural heritage of the people of Juban as their way of giving thanks to God through their patron, St. Anthony of Padua. The word gujuban means ‘to groove’ or ‘etch with a sharp instrument’ while others believed that the name gujub comes from name of a juice extracted from Milipili tree growing in the locality. This was then used by the natives called jubangnons as a kindling material” (Go Juban, 2015). The persons doing the work is paraguhob and the place then is called Guhoban. When the Spaniards came, they introduced their alphabet with letter ‘J’ and then replaced the name with ‘Juban’ (Go Juban, 2015). 

The very first Guhuban festival was held in 2014. “Since then, Guhuban festival has evolved and became one of the exciting events in the province of Sorsogon. Various activities are held and one of the highlights is the street dancing presentation and the exhibitions where the contingents display the rich cultural heritage of the locals. Juban, Sorsogon is very rich in culture and tradition. Structures here serve as mirrors of the past which can be seen in the way they preserved the old houses (bahay na bato) built along Maharlika highway” (Go Juban, 2015). 

10. Magallanes

MAGALLEONES FESTIVAL

“The Magalleones festival is a celebration of Magallanes as a beautiful, peaceful and charming place which is rich in cultural and historical heritage. Its celebration focuses on revisiting the past, its history, the struggles and the role of its people in the galleon making times of the Spanish colonial period when in the nearby Bagatao Island was regarded as the biggest shipyard in the Bicol region. It was called the Royal Astillero of Bagatao where the grandest, largest, costliest, swiftest and much celebrated galleon that ever plied the Pacific during the Manila-Acapulco trade was built. That galleon was christened Santissima Trinidad y Señora del Buen Fin” (Arambulo, n.d.).

“The festivities do not only honor the town’s patron saint, the Lady of Mount Carmel, but also commemorates the beauty of the town of Magallanes in the times of the galleon-making frenzy when the place was abundant with an excellent hardwood known as “parina”. It was highly in demand for galleon making due to its solid and tough quality for it could withstand the punitive trash of the high seas as well as the cannon ball hits of the enemy. Furthermore, the commemoration includes the introduction of the Catholic faith when the Augustinian Friar Fray Alonzon Jimenez celebrated the first Christian Mass in the main island of Luzon and baptized natives in the settlement now called Gibalon” (Arambulo, n.d.).

“The Magalleones festival has the following objectives: raise awareness and educate the people of Magallanes of its history, culture and tradition, revisit the town’s historical roots and origin thereby rekindling the people’s sense of pride in their cultural heritage; bolster the people’s enthusiasm for a sustained active involvement in community building activities thereby making them a significant part of the municipality’s economic progress; encourage favorable conditions for tourism activities that suits the physical, cultural and geographical characteristics of Magallanes and in so doing, open up various economic opportunities that will help improve the economic condition of the municipality; promote religious and cultural tourism not only as an economic enabler but also a tool for communal harmony and peace; and make the festival as a tool for entertainment, cultural promotion, and development of the locals’ skills and talents” (Arambulo, n.d.).

“The Magalleones festival was launched on July 10, 2014 through the Municipal Ordinance No. 01-2014 entitled “An Ordinance Institutionalizing the Magalleones Festival in the Municipality of Magallanes, Sorsogon to be celebrated on July 9-15 Every Year, Appropriating Funds Thereof and for Other Purposes” duly approved by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan on May 19, 2014. Mayor Augusto Manuel M. Ragragio and his Sanggunian Bayan members were very instrumental for the festival’s launching. The seal of the festival was unveiled to the public after the street dancing exhibition at the Rizal Park, with the presence of the Provincial Tourism Officer of the province of Sorsogon as part of the grand opening celebration accompanied by pomp, gaiety and fireworks display” (Arambulo, n.d.).

“The Seal, featuring a galleon symbolizes love, unity and cooperation, the cross and the sun symbolizes the role of Christianity in the history of Magallanes where the first Christian mass in the island of Luzon was celebrated in 1569, the two light houses are the Parolang Dakula (located in Bagatao Island facing Ticao Pass) and Parolang Saday (located on the other side of Bagatao island, in Barangay Biga facing the coast of the Municipality of Castilla), the helm or the ship’s steering wheel and the anchor symbolizes the town’s role in the galleon-making and trade during the Spanish colonial period, the image of a woman symbolizes beauty, the lively colors used symbolizes gaiety and the term Magayagaya and the people in it represent the community of Magallanes working together in harmony and cooperation in propelling the municipality further towards brighter development horizons” (Arambulo, n.d.).

11. Matnog

MATUNOG FESTIVAL

“The Matunog festival is held in the month of May in conjunction with the town’s celebration of the parish fiesta in honor of the Holy Infant Jesus. The word matunog comes from the name of the place which means sound making” (Recebido, 2011). Various activities are held during Matunog festival and it highlights the street dancing competition.

12. Pilar

PARAU FESTIVAL

“This Parau festival, which is held every 12^th day of October, showcases the culture and heritage of Pilar. It is held in conjunction with the town fiesta in honor of its patroness, the Our Lady of the Pillar” (Pilar Sorsogon, 2013). “Parau is a Visayan name for 10 to 16-meter long boat and the only Spanish-Philippine sail craft with outriggers used by fishermen in town and its bountiful marine life” (PIA, n.d.). The Parau festival usually showcases the following events: “Gipaw sa Pag-omaw, Festival Parade, Inter-High School Sportfest, Gabi ng Parau, Parau Trade Fair, Launching of Eco-tourism, Teacher’s Day, Sibidan Race, Birisangan Challenge, Palarong Pinoy, Senior Citizens’ Day, Bible Quiz, Parau Bingo, Beer Plaza, Street Dancing Competition, Mutya ng Parau, Civic and Military Parade, DLC Competition, Grand Procession of Our Lady of the Pillar, Parau Disco and Grand Ballroom” (Pilar Sorsogon, 2013).

“The Parau festival, which was started in 2002 through the initiative of the Parish Pastoral Council of the Parish of Our Lady of the Pillar, was conceived to showcase the municipality’s rich cultural heritage, the aspiration of its people and to provide an opportunity to promote its socio-economic potential in general” (Parau Souvenir Program, 2005).  It was realized through the collaborative effort of the Local Government Unit, the Pilar Heritage and Tourism Council with inter-faith membership, the schools (both private and public primary and secondary schools), and the Association of Barangay Captains (Becoolandfun, 2014; Parau Souvenir Program, 2005). 

13. Prieto Diaz

KALIGAY FESTIVAL

“The Kaligay festival, which is celebrated every 9^th day of October, is derived from the indigenous sea shell abundantly found in the municipality Prieto Diaz known as the ‘kaligay’. This festival is created to depict the rich culture of Prieto Diaz focused on its marine diversity” (PIA, n.d.).

14. Santa Magdalena

BUSAINGAN FESTIVAL

The Busaingan festival that highlights the municipality’s tradition and culture since 2004 is held in the month of July during the feast day of the town’s patroness, Sta. Magdalena. “One of the main events of the Busaingan festival is the “Parada Busaingan: Parada san mga Imahen sa Alamat ni Busaingan” wherein people parade in the streets wearing masks and costumes to portray the mythic creatures of Busaingan” (Choose Philippines, 2015).

“The word “Busaingan” was the original name of Sta. Magdalena. It connotes “water breakers” of the place where sea waters smash. It is said that the earliest settlers in Busaingan must have been the tribe of Datu Dumaguil. During the arrival of the first Spanish explorers, most of the natives were converted to Christianity. The name of the town was changed from Busaingan to Sta. Magdalena in honor of St. Mary Magdalene and the feast day was changed from October 4 to July 22” (Choose Philippines, 2015).

15. Sorsogon City

PILI FESTIVAL 

“The Pili festival is a celebration of joy and thanksgiving held in conjunction with the celebration of the town fiesta in honor of Sts. Peter and Paul from 20^th to 29^th days of June” (Hotels Philippines, n.d.). “Pili is an indigenous crop of the Bicol region, particularly Sorsogon. The festival showcases Pili, known as the local almond and considered as the “majestic Tree” because of its myriad commercial and nutritional value. A street dance presentation, a highlight of the festival, presents the three growth stages of the Pili, from green (young fruit) to violet (half-mature) to black (mature). The Pili nut is being processed into different kinds of sweet delicacies” (PIA, n.d.).

Of all the municipalities in Sorsogon, Barcelona is the only town without official festival yet. However, as the local Tourism Office said, there was an irregular celebration of Lakatan festival but it was short-lived. Barcelona is still conceptualizing its festival that will reflect the cultural characteristics of its people.

Categories of the different festivals in ALMASOR

As mentioned at the outset of this study, the categories of festivals are divided into religious (which is in conjunction with the celebration of the community’s patron or patroness or something related to religion and worship), and civic (any celebration of festivals that are organized by the Local Government Unit). Civic festivals may be about art, food and drinks, and seasonal and harvest. Usually, festivals in the Philippines highlight the community’s agricultural and marine products or products distinct to a particular community. Despite being agricultural or marine product presentation, if a festival is held along with the celebration of town fiesta, in this study, that festival will be categorized as religious. This is because almost all the festivals celebrated along with the town fiesta, is also a celebration in honor of the patron saint. Below are the categories of the collected festivals in ALMASOR.

ALBAY

In the province of Albay, all the municipalities have their official festival. Some of them have more than one festival in their municipality.

Based on the data gathered, 70% of the festivals in Albay are religious festivals, while 30% of them are civic. The Karagumoy, Pinangat, Longganisa, Quipia, Paroy, Sunflower, Lubid, Alinao, Nito-talahib, Himoloan, Lambat, Pulang Angui, Layag, and Coron festivals all belong to religious festivals. Although some of them are organized by the Local Government Unit, their nature remains religious. On the other hand, the nature of Kadagatan, Cagsawa, Ibalong, Sarung Banggi, Tabak, and Magayon festivals is civic. 

MASBATE

In the province of Masbate, seven (7) municipalities (33% have their official festival while the other 14 municipalities (66%) do not have a regular festival. Some of them have festival conducted occasionally, but the records are non-existent during the conduct of this study. Municipalities like Balud, Batuan, Mandaon, Placer, San Jacinto and San Pascual were able to provide data about their festival. However, municipalities like Aroroy, Baleno, Cataingan, Claveria, Dimasalang, Milagros, Mobo, Monreal, Palanas, San Fernando, and Uson do not have the available materials regarding their festival, although key informants said that they have festival. For instance, there is Pagdulang in Aroroy, Lumbaleno in Baleno, Cataihan in Cataingan, Coco in Claveria, Naro in Dimasalang, Pansit in Esperanza, Pagdangan in Milagros, Panesito in Mobo, Uma Doma in Palanas, Kasalinggayahan in San Fernando, and Panugway in Uson. But the records about these festivals were not available during the conduct of this study. On the other hand, the municipalities of Cawayan and Pio V. Corpuz do not have festival yet, although according to the key informant, Cawayan had already held a Tikab festival several years ago. 

In the province of Masbate, the researchers added the Lapay Bantigue, Pagdayao and Rodeo festivals for Masbate City, Diocese of Masbate, and Masbate province, respectively. They are also big celebrations in the province, especially the Rodeo festival. 

The result shows that 60% of the collected festivals in the province of Masbate are religious festivals, while 40% are civic. The Pamasayan of Mandaon, Lapay Bantigue of Masbate City, Himag-ulaw of Placer, Dayaw Dalan of San Jacinto, and Isla Rancho of San Pascual are the festivals in Masbate under religious category. On the other hand, under civic category are Pangumagat of Balud, Bakhawan of Batuan, Pasa-Pasa of Monreal, and Rodeo of Masbate provincial office. 

SORSOGON

In the province of Sorsogon, except the municipality of Barcelona, all the municipalities have their official festival. Although, Barcelona has already celebrated Lakatan festival, many of the locals say that it is not an official festival of Barcelona. Moreover, the festival of the province, which is the Kasanggayahan, is added to the list.

The result presents that 93% of festivals in Sorsogon fall under the religious category, while 7% is under the civic category. Religious festivals in Sorsogon are Padaraw of Bulan, Agingay of Bulusan, Gugurang of Casiguran, Unod of Castilla, Butanding of Donsol, Ginubat of Gubat, Paray of Irosin, Gujuban of Juban, Magalleones of Magallanes, Matunog of Matnog, Parau of Pilar, Kaligay of Prieto Diaz, Busaingan of Santa Magdalena, and Pili of Sorsogon City. On the other hand, the civic festival is the Kasanggayahan organized and managed by the provincial government of Sorsogon which serves as the festival of festivals in the province. 

Considering all the forty-five (45) collected festivals in ALMASOR, thirty-four of them or 76% of those festivals fall under the religious category, while eleven (11) of them, or 24% of those festivals fall under the civic category.

Analysis and synthesis of festivals in ALMASOR

This part uses two levels of analysis using Durkheim’s theory of social fact (1982), and the local, national, and international directives regarding the preservation of cultural heritage. 

Sociologists believe that society can be studied objectively through social facts. Social facts are not limited to institutions, religion, values, norms, structures, and social activities. They also include culture and everything that has to do with it. UNESCO defines culture as that “complex whole which includes knowledge, beliefs, arts, morals, laws, customs, and any other capabilities and habits acquired by a human as a member of society” (UNESCO, n.d.). Community’s customs include social practices like “habitual rituals and festive events…. They are significant because they reaffirm the identity of those who practice them as a group or as a society” (UNESCO, n.d.). 

Festivals, that are part of social practices of Bicolanos, communicate a wide array of a community’s life. The festivals in ALMASOR, which 76% of them are religious festivals, manifest the absence of demarcation line between the social life and religious life of Bikolanos. It resonates their belief in the co-existence of sacred and profane, of material and spiritual. Festival shows the creativity of Bikolanos in expressing their “deep religiosity” (Andres, 2005) outside Church’s activities. And one of those expressions is the colorful festival that depicts the impressive blend of faith and socio-economic activities of a town.

For instance, the Unod and Padaraw festivals of Sorsogon and the Pamasayan and Dayaw Dalan festivals of Masbate, and the Sunflower and Karagumoy festivals of Albay, beautifully reflect the inseparability of social and religious festivities of Bicolanos. Festivals become a platform for Bikolanos to present to the community and to the world the social and ecological issues they are experiencing. Everything has been Christianized and everything is seen from the perspective of faith in their celebration of festivals. The activities incorporated in their festivals are considered forms of thanksgiving celebrations that usually culminate in the celebration of the Holy Mass during the feast day of their patron or patroness. This religious-orientedness of Bikolanos affects almost all aspects of their lives

Andres (2005) explains that this religiosity affects greatly the Bicolanos’ attitude in life, for instance their attitude towards natural calamities. They have patiently suffered the ravages of natural calamities such as typhoons, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions. These three are regular destructive visitors of the region. Not only do they patiently suffer these calamities but even find in them spiritual significance which draw them to greater pious and charitable works. In fact, there is a revered practice in the region that a male of every family must enter the seminary or priesthood (Andres, 2005).

In their festivals, like that of Cagsawa festival in Albay, Bicolanos’ tragic experiences of natural calamities and the stories of healing, recovery and restoration are depicted and transmitted to the present generation. Not only the Cagsawa festival, but the rest of Bicol’s festivals portray the act of gratitude for all the blessings received by the community. In a way, festivals become platforms for communicating the community’s identity and passing on their rich cultural heritage.

Even the civic festivals, the 24% of the total collected festivals, still portray certain religiosity of Bikolanos. The Magayon festival of Albay is a celebration of gratitude to the great unknown ancestors of Bikolanos with a tribute to the legend of Magayon and Panganoron. The Kasangyahan festival of festivals of Sorsogon and the Rodeo festival of festivals of Masbate are free avenues for Sorsoganons and Masbateños to showcase their respective town’s festivals that are very religious in nature. In effect, these festivals of festivals still appear to be religious in the midst of civic celebrations.

On the other hand, there is a growing concern regarding the commercialization of festivals in Bicol. Organization and administration of parish festivals are being transferred to the Local Government Units in cooperation with the Arts, Culture and Tourism offices to better implement the programs and activities in the festivals. This may be advantageous for the LGUs since it may benefit them economically like boosting their tourism industry. However, there is a risk of losing the real essence of the festivals and their real purpose why in the first place they were created. There is a possibility that festivals may become one of the ordinary activities or projects of LGUs detached from its religious significance.

Regardless of the types of festivals, LGUs, with their respected concerned offices and in partnership with other non-government organizations and educational institutions, are mandated to conserve and save their cultural heritage, one of which is festival as part of socio-cultural activities. These cultural treasures that must be protected and promoted, as stipulated in the Philippine Constitution, Republic Act 10066, and UNESCO’s Constitution and the 1966 Declaration of the Principles of International Cultural Cooperation. 

The implementing rules and regulations of Republic Act 10066 states in Section 19 that “local government units shall document traditional and contemporary arts and crafts, including their processes and makers, and sustain the sources of their raw materials within their jurisdiction. The local government units shall encourage and sustain traditional arts and crafts as active and viable sources of income for the community” (RA 10066, 2009).

There are challenges however for the LGUs in Bicol (particularly in ALMASOR) in preserving their cultural heritages. Indicators of those challenges, observed during the conduct of this study, is the absence of people or offices that are in charge of the custody of their festivals. There were LGUs that had no active tourism officers or cultural workers. In some cases, there were tourism offices but for some reasons, files and records were nowhere to be found. In other instances, the tourism officers referred the researchers to the municipality’s parish office where documents and records are kept. 

In the course of this study, there emerged other research concerns that, when conducted, may be helpful in the study of festivals in the Bicol region. Some of them are the investigative study of challenges encountered by LGU’s tourism office, review of legislations concerning the preservation of cultural heritage, deeper phenomenological analysis of each festival in the region, and the like.

In bringing the discussion to a close, festivals in ALMASOR generally portray the following values of Bikolanos: love for celebration, hospitality, gratefulness, heroism, optimism, hard-work, resiliency, and spirit-orientedness. These values are captured in the Bikolanos’ happy dispositions and encapsulated in the Bikolanos’ deep-seated religiosity.

Conclusion

After substantial investigation of the festivals of ALMASOR, 76% or 34 of 45 collected festivals in ALMASOR fall under the religious category, while 24% or 11 of 45 collected festivals fall under the civic category. These festivals not only portray various ecological and social concerns of Bikolanos but also manifest their beautiful values like love for celebration, hospitality, gratefulness, heroism, optimism, hard work, resiliency, and spirit-orientedness. And these values are captured in their happy dispositions and encapsulated in their deep-seated religiosity expressed in their festivities.

Acknowledgement 

The researchers wish to thank the following: Fr. Gerald A. Morales (Parish Priest of St. Roche Parish in Esperanza, Masbate); Ate Cecil Dela Cruz (Parish Secretary in Milagros, Masbate); Madam Renita Candelario (Teacher in Milagros, Masbate); Ate Kris (Parish Secretary in Balud, Masbate); Ate Lea (Parish Secretary in Cawayan, Masbate); Sir Glenn Molato (Parish Secretary in Pio V. Corpuz); Entoy Tan (Parish Secretary in Placer, Masbate); Kuya Noan (Parish Personnel in Mandaon, Masbate); Roy Basas Jr. (Tourism Officer, Batuan, Masbate); Sir Erbill (Professional from Ticao Island); Ana Carolina Del Mundo (Tourism Officer of Monreal, Masbate); Jussel Ramirez (UST-Legazpi student/guide to Rapu-Rapu Island); Ms. Eva Echane (Parish Secretary in Rapu-Rapu); and Ms. Ariane C. Panelo (data encoder).

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