Image courtesy NCCA

The Philippines will host the galleon Andalucía - a replica of a 16th/17th century Manila Galleon. Berthing at Manila Harbor, guests and visitors will be able to board the ship and walk through history. With the exception of two diesel engines (for times when there is no wind) and minimal other modern navigation & communications technology, the galleon Andalucía is sailed in almost exactly the same way as the famed Manila Galleons of four hundred years ago.

In this first UNESCO-endorsed Día del Galeón Festival year, the Philippines will reclaim its rightful place as one of the centers of global trade and cultural transmission.

Image courtesy NCCA

The Día del Galeón Festival celebrates the unique journey of the Manila galleons and their place in maritime history - spanning the globe and linking the Philippines with Mexico and Spain. For 250 years (from 1565 – 1815) the Manila galleons were a conduit for global trade and cultural exchange between Europe, the New World and Asia.

In October 2009 UNESCO recognized the unique part the Manila galleons played in the globalization of trade and cultural exchange by declaring 8th October as the international “Día del Galeón” (day of the galleon). Motivated by Senator Edgardo Angara, the Philippine National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), in conjunction with the embassies of Spain and Mexico, spearheaded the creation of a month-long series of events that will span the traditional galleon trade route through the Philippines.

Image courtesy Davao Del Norte Tourism

The Kadagayaan Festival & Exposition 2010, Davao del Norte, is one of the highlights of the commemoration of the 43rd Founding Anniversary celebration of the Province of Davao del Norte. The four-day annual celebration embodies the culture and traditions of the Dabaonons through street dancing, lighted float parade, agri-trade fair and the Kalimudan tribal celebration.

The Kadagayaan Festival starts with the Indigenous Peoples & Immigrants thanksgiving rituals at the Kalimudan sa Davao del Norte (cultural village), on 28 June: the indigenous Ata-Manobo tribe shall bless the success of the Kadagayaan Festival & Exposition with celebration and merry–making; and, the Muslim K’gan tribe offer their cultural and traditional performances.

Image courtesy Martyn Willes

The Paniki Festival (Bat Festival) celebrates the World’s largest colony of fruit bats that inhabit the Monfort Bat Cave on Samal Island, Davao del Norte. Guinness World Records have this year recognised the uniqueness of Samal Island’s Monfort Bat Cave and have accorded it due certification (see previous Samal Island Fruit Bats Into Guinness World Records story)

As many as 1.8 million Geoffroy’s Rousette fruit bats (Rousettus amplexicaudatus) occupy the Monfort Bat Cave (to a density of 645 bats per square meter!) and leave their bat cave on Samal Island every evening in a veritable cacophony of skin flapping, to forage for wild fruits across the expanse of the provinces adjoining the Davao Gulf.

Image courtesy Martyn Willes

The Biniray Festival in Bulalacao, Or. Mindoro, is probably the most colourful festival in Mindoro Island. The two-day Biniray Festival celebrates the bounty of the sea, rivers & land, and indigenous culture with parades, dancing, feasts and displays.

Starting with the parade of boats, the Biniray Festival, takes visitors on a tour of the history and culture of southeast Mindoro, without ever leaving Bulalacao town. The boats are decorated each year according to a theme proposed by the fishermans’ association and almost every fishing boat in the community participates in a parade around Bulalacao Bay; upon returning to the town pier a feast of freshly caught seafood is offered along with dancing and merriment.

Photo courtesy Bamboo Organ Foundation

International Bamboo Organ Festivals have been held at in Las Piñas Church, for more than three decades, using the church’s unique organ with pipes made from bamboo. The 2009 Bamboo Organ Festival celebrates its 34th annual series of concerts by commemorating several important events in the music world, from 19/02/2009 through to 27/02/2009. The festival also provides a classic example of cultural travel and tourism incentives at its best.

Every evening of the International Bamboo Organ Festival, at Las Pinas Church, starts at 8.00pm and a musical event of significance will be celebrated by local and international artists.