The Pintados-Kasadyaan Festival of Festivals

The Pintados-Kasadyaan Festival of Festivals is held in Tacloban City every June 29th in honor of Sr. Santo Niño. The Pintados-Kasadyaan Festival is actually two festivals merged together to form one large and colorful celebration. Kasadyaan Festival represents the people from the various communities in Leyte that come together for the dance and celebration. Each community has their own theme that reflects the folklore, legends and reflects their pride in their community. The Pintados Festival is a cultural and religious festival commemorating the ancient warriors (Pintados). The ancient warriors were covered in tattoos as a symbol of courage and strength and this tradition is portrayed in the festival.


The most anticipated event of the Pintados festival is the festive dancers. They are painted from head to toe with designs intended to mimic the armor and tattoos of the warriors of old. With the sounds and beats of the native instruments filling the air men and woman file into the streets adorned in the colorful and often elaborate costumes and proceed to dance and parade through the streets of Tacloban City, Leyte. As you watch the colorful spectacle you can’t help but get feel for what it must have been like in the ancient times in Leyte. At the end of the parade a traditional Philippines Fiesta follows and all those in attendance are welcome to join in the celebration the is the Pintados festival.

In addition to the Pintados-Kasadyaan Festival in Tacloban City there are many additional Festivals in other Leyte communities providing you with additional options to join the celebration.

Pintados Kasadyaan Festival 2010 

Pintados-Kasadyaan Festival 2007

Parada ng Lechon Festival - Balayan, Batangas

Parada ng Lechon Festival is held every year on June 24^th. in Balayan, Batangas to honor their patron saint, St. John the Baptist. The highlight of the festival is the actual “Parada Ng Lechon” parade of pigs. Typically 50 or more Lechon are paraded through the streets. The pigs are decorated by members of the organizations providing them and might be wearing sunglasses, wigs or other humorous costumes. In a crazy parade like this you can most certainly expect some pranksters to be lurking and they are in abundance. People from the crowds will spray water and beer over the Lechons as they are paraded by. More than the pigs are hit by these pranksters. The attendants and the crowd also get showered. It’s all part of the fun though and celebrants laugh it off.  Occasionally someone will try and sneak a bite of the tasty Lechons as they pass by as well.

After the fiesta the Lechons are returned to the homes or businesses of their owners and another celebration begins. This one involves feasting and drinking. For many with a sharing attitude they will offer some to the visitors and parade goers as well. It’s an unusual fiesta, but one that is a lot of fun and will provide you with some great memories and plenty to talk about when you get home.

The Parada ng Lechon Festival isn’t only about the parade though. The celebration actually begins the night before when an Anniversary Ball is held at the town plaza. There they will choose and crown the   Queen of the festival. The next morning there is a mass held in honor of St. John at the Immaculate Conception Church. The pigs are gathered on the patio and blessed symbolizing the baptism of John the Baptist. Following the mass, the parade begins and the Fiesta kicks it in to high gear.

Roasted Pigs Parade (Parada ng Lechon) in Balayan, Philippines 

Parada ng Lechon: The Most Celebrated Festival in Batangas 

Tourism

The Philippines are one of Southeast Asia’s premier tourist destinations. Consisting of more than seven thousand islands and the largest concentration of animal species for its size in the world, it’s a nature lovers dream. The numerous coral reefs and white sand beaches are perfect for those looking to enjoy the warm tropical weather and go swimming, snorkeling, diving or just sit back and relax while you’re enjoying a nice cold drink on the beach.

 San Sebastian Cathedral  











The Philippines have a lot more to offer though. The Spanish settled here in 1565 and there are Cathedrals here dating back to the 16th century. These Cathedrals are still used today. Many old Spanish forts are still standing and there is the shrine on Mactan Island in Cebu to honor Ferdinand Magellan, the famous Portuguese explorer credited with being the first man to sail around the world. The Mactan shrine is a famous landmark here because it’s where the Filipinos first opposed the Spaniards led by Datu Lapu Lapu in 1521.

Filipino desert Halo Halo 












Hotel accommodations vary from the small to the luxurious hotels and beach resorts. Cottages are even available for those who want more intimate accommodations. There are plenty of tours are available and usually a short ferry ride can take you to a nearby island for some further adventures.

 Jeepney

There is no need for a pocket translator since English is a second language here and spoken in all the main establishments. Exchange of currency is not a problem either. There are plenty of outlets throughout the cities including the airports and hotels that you change your cash to the local currency. Visa is readily accepted at all the major businesses here as well. Transportation is readily available. You have your choice of a cab or if your feeling adventurous a Jeepney or tricycle to name a few.

 Coron Island

The people of the Philippines are some of the most friendly you well ever meet. They are quick to smile and always pleasant. They love the foreign visitors and will treat you with the utmost respect and do what they can for you so that you will enjoy your visit. If you’re looking for a vacation spot that will give you nearly endless possibilities of things to do in a beautiful place, then the Philippines may be just what you are looking for. With so much to do, the beauty of the islands and its people you can have a vacation that will offer you many great memories that will last a life time.

More fun in the Philippines 2012/2013 - Department of Tourism