Republic of the Philippines - Stamps & Postal History

RP Issues of 2016

2016, April 27. Fiestas in the Philippines

Litho Offset, Amstar Company, Inc., Perf 14

Se-tenant Strips of 4, Miniature Sheets of 16

Se-tenant Strips of Four (25,250)

15p Sinulog Festival (Type 2 - Without Red)

15p Panagbenga Festival (Type 1 - With Red)

15p Pahiyas Festival (Type 1 - With Red)

15p Higantes Festival (Type 1 - With Red)

Miniature Sheets of 16 (Four Strips of 4) (6,312.50)

First Day Covers: Manila





Type 2



Fiestas in the Philippines

SINULOG FESTIVAL. Sinulog is a dance ritual in honor of the miraculous image of the Santo Nino. The dance moves to the sound of the drums and this resembles the current (Sinulog) of what was then known as Cebu's Pahina River. Thus, in Cebuano, they say it's Sinulog. Historical accounts say that before Portuguese navigator Ferdinand Magellan came to Cebu on April 7, 1521 to plant the cross on its shore and claim the country for the King of Spain, Sinulog was already danced by the natives in honor of their wooden idols and anitos. Then Magellan came and introduced Christianity. He gave the Santo Nino (image of the Child Jesus) as baptismal gift to Hara Amihan, wife of Cebu's Rajah Humabon who was later named Queen Juana. At that time, not only the rulers were baptized but also about 800 of their subjects. Unfortunately, however, shortly after the conversion, Magellan went into a reckless adventure by fighting the reigning ruler of Mactan, Rajah Lapulapu, with only a handful of men. He died in the encounter. That was on April 27, 1521.

http://www.sinulog.ph/index.php/home/history-of-sinulog-festival

PANAGBENGA FLOWER FESTIVAL. Panagbenga is an annual flower festival celebrated every February which takes place in Baguio City, Philippines. The term “Panagbenga” comes from a Kankanaey term meaning “season of blooming”. This festival reflects the history, traditions and values of Baguio and the Cordilleras. It lasts over a month long and flourishes through community spirit involvement. The Baguio Flower Festival Foundation Inc. (BFFFI) operates, organizes and manages the Panagbenga Festival to boost the tourism of Baguio and the rest of the Cordilleras through showcasing various events, exhibitions and activities that promote the history, traditions and values of Baguio and the Cordilleras which is sustained in an earth-friendly manner.

http://panagbengaflowerfestival.com/about-panagbenga/

PAHIYAS FESTIVAL. A colorful feast celebrated every 15th of May by the people of Lucban, Quezon in honor of San Isidro Labrador. It is the farmers' thanksgiving for a bountiful harvest with a grand display of colorful rice wafers, fruits, vegetables, and handicrafts adorning every house in the town. The festival's name comes from the Filipino terms hiyas (jewel) and pahiyas (precious offering). This feast is an ancient farmers' harvest celebration that dates back to the 16th century. According to legend, San Isidro Labrador magically plowed the field whenever he went out of the church. The highlight of the festival is a procession along the streets of the image of San Isidro Labrador, to ensure the people's bountiful harvest in the coming seasons.

http://en.wikipilipinas.org/index.php/Pahiyas_Festival

HIGANTES FESTIVAL. Also known as the Feast of San Clemente, is celebrated every November 23 in the town of Angono, Rizal. This is a major festival in honor of San Clemente, the patron saint of fishermen. His image is carried by male devotees during a procession accompanied by "pahadores" (devotees dressed in colorful local costumes or fishermen's clothes, wearing wooden shoes and carrying boat paddles, fish nets, traps, etc.) and "higantes" (paper-mâché giants measuring 10-12 feet in height and 4-5 feet in diameter). This street event ends in a procession to Laguna de Bay until the image is brought back to its sanctuary.

http://en.wikipilipinas.org/index.php/Higantes_Festival

TOPICAL CATEGORIES

Festivals

Articles by Dr. Ngo Tiong Tak

Back to the Top

Home

Issues of 2016