May is said to be the national historical month in the Philippines. It is that time of year when people come home to be with their loved ones and friends to not only revisit historical sites but more importantly commemorate the culture-rich tradition that they share as one community. It is no wonder why the month is filled with festivals like Dumangas Town Fiesta, Carabao Carroza Festival, and Tubong-tubong Festival in Iloilo.
But in addition to these traditions, the new generation of Ilonggos also has a different way of spending May. K-fans will have Luce Celestiale: Under the Seven Stars, technopreneurs will have a lifestyle vlogging workshop, and lovers of country music will be serenaded in The Invisible Tour. To help you check which events you’d love to attend, Here’s a full list of the happenings in Iloilo May 2018!
1. Dumangas Town Fiesta 2018
When:May 1 to 5
Where:Municipality of Dumangas
Experience the vibrant local culture in the Dumangas Town Fiesta this May 1-5, 2018.
Image: Inbound Dumangas
One of the grandest town festivals in Iloilo, the Dumangas Town Fiesta happens every first week of May. This May 1-5, a purely traditional Filipiniana fiesta celebration will take place. The reigning 2018 Dumangas Fiesta Queen and King Consort, Miss Christel Marie Dimzon Layson and Paul del Rosario Yap, respectively, will also be present at the event. The town fiesta expects tourists coming from various places since the Port of Dumangas receives daily visitors coming to and fro Panay Island.
Those who wish to have their tables reserved during the grand coronation night on May 5 may pay the reservation fee of PhP1500.
2. Carabao Carroza Festival
When:May 3
Where:Pavia
The carabao and its queen parade along the major streets of Pavia, Iloilo as part of the great festival.
Image: Carabao Carroza Festival
The third of May is the time when the people of Pavia in Iloilo showcase their enthusiasm and creativity with a festival known as the Carabao Carroza Festival. First celebrated in 1973, the festival showcases the ingenuity of Pavianhons and how they flourished as indigenous peoples. The said festival is the highlight of the municipal town fiesta, and is participated in by the 18 barangays of the town. There are three major events that attract a large gathering of foreign and local tourists: the Carabao Carroza Parade, Carabao Carroza Race and the Search for Carabao Carroza Queen.
Carrabao Carroza Festival is the longest-running festival celebration in Iloilo, and with all the festivity it embodies, it isn’t showing any signs of waning in the years to come.
Eight districts of Tubungan participate in the tribal presentation.
Image: Tubungan Official Website
Every May 1, Tubungan in Iloilo showcases the rich and colorful culture of the province through the many festivities that comprise their Tubong-tubong Festival. Tubong-tubong, which means “to chip in,” was first held with the goal of promoting and preserving the cultural and artistic heritage of the people of Tubungan. It is named based on the long-standing tradition of Bayanihan in Filipino customs.
Annually, tribal presentations are done by the young Tubunganons. Each presentation, in itself, is a special moment of socialization for the young generation as well as those who came before them. It is a great opportunity as well for the tourists and outside performers to get to know the history of the town, and discover how they progress as a community.
4. The Invisible Tour: Joee & I, Ian Penn Live in Iloilo City
When:May 6, 6:00 PM
Where:The Mango Tree Restaurant, Mandurriao
The Invisible Tour in Iloilo City this promises to deliver a soothing serenade that will surely captivate the audience.
Image: The Invisible Tour - Joee & I, Ian Penn Live in Iloilo City
This May 6, The Invisible Tour: Joee & I, Ian Penn will be live in Iloilo City, as part of their Philippine Tour 2018. The music of Ian Penn is described to have such heart-tugging lyrics over lush folk and alt-country instrumentation, which reminds people of the simplicity of life. Ian Penn is a singer-songwriter from Mt. Arayat, while Joee & I is a vivacious avant-pop electronica solo project of Joee Mejias, a musician and video artist from Manila.
The young artists, a couple of old souls in heart and music, are expected to gather around The Mango Tree Restaurant in Mandurriao at 6:00 PM for their intimate concert.
5. Lifestyle Vlogging Workshop from Passion to Career
When:May 19, 9:00 AM
Where:Bonds Coworking Space, Diversion Road, Cuartero, Jaro
Get to know how to make the most out of your passion for vlogging.
Image: Clever Filipina
Happening at Bonds Coworking Space in Diversion Road, Cuartero, Jaro is the Lifestyle Vlogging Workshop: From Passion to Career. The event will be on May 19 at 9:00 AM.
The lifestyle vlogging workshop will introduce the basics of videography as an avenue to showcase the participants’ passion, and challenge them to make a career out of it. For just PhP550, participants will learn to overcome their fear of getting out into the online world, to create a winning brand, and to monetize their passion.
Hosted by The Clever Filipina, the event also looks to build a network with brands for participants with an online media kit, the first step into investing on others who delve in the same craft.
6. Luce Celestiale: Under the Seven Stars Iloilo
When:May 26, 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Where:City Time Square Iloilo, Gaisano City Center, Mandurriao
K-lovers will unite and mingle with fellow fans at City Time Square-Iloilo for Luce Celestiale.
Image: ARMY GUILD
Presented by the Army Guild, the fan gathering of Luce Celestiale: Under the Seven Stars will take place at City Time Square Iloilo, Gaisano City Center in Mandurriao. Aside from the fan gathering set on May 26, the same ticket holders are also entitled to see the exhibit. The event will run from 11:00 AM until 8:00 PM.
Tickets are sold at PhP1000 (Sole), PhP600 (Luna), and PhP400 (Caeli). Other than the exhibit, there will also be raffles, fansite-nims, competitions, performances, merchandise concessionaires, as well as gayo and run games. This is set to be one of the largest gatherings of K-pop fans in Western Visayas, so don’t miss out!
Coming to the City of Love, you’re surely have the time of your life and will love every minute of your stay. Which one of these happenings in Iloilo this May 2018 are you most excited to attend? Tell us in the comment section below!
About Hyacinth Bangero
She is a young broadcast journalism professor and marketing officer of the University of San Agustin. She's a proud volunteer of the Girl Scouts of the Philippines. Hyacinth is geared to educate, experience, and explore.
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