2013 Awesome Calendar of the Philippines: Breakout Year in Travel for the Philippines! #GetOutMore

FEBRUARY 2013
The Love Month!

2 FEAST OF OUR LADY OF CANDLES | Saturday (Every 2nd of Feb) | Jaro, Iloilo
Western Visayas celebrates the Patroness of their region.

9 CHINESE NEW YEAR’S EVE CELEBRATIONS | Saturday
The Chinese community celebrates the Chinese New Year with pomp & color through a dragon dance.

Related Blog Posts: 
Binondo Chinese New Year and Kiong Hee Huat Tsai is Happy New Year in Binondo

10 CHINESE NEW YEAR – YEAR OF THE WATER SNAKE | Sunday 

11 FEAST DAY OF OUR LADY OF LOURDES |  Monday (Every 11th of February) 
Celebration of the Our Lady of Lourdes’ Apparitions to  Saint Bernadette Soubirous in Lourdes, France 

13 ASH WEDNESDAY | Philippines
The First Day of Lenten Season in the Philippines

14 HAPPY VALENTINES’ DAY! | Thursday (Every 14th of Feb) | Philippines
Filipino lover’s most romantic event of the year!

21-24 HOT AIR BALLOON FIESTA | Thursday to Sunday  | Clark, Angeles, Pampanga
Watch the awesome hot air balloons fly out as the sun rises in the horizon.

Official Website: http://www.PhilBalloonFest.net/

24 PANAGBENGA – BAGUIO FLOWER FESTIVAL 2013 |Sunday | Baguio City
Also known as the Baguio Flower Festival which showcases the City of Baguio as a City of Flowers. 

Facebook: I Love Panagbenga! (Baguio Flower Festival)

25 EDSA REVOLUTION ANNIVERSARY | Saturday (Every 25th of February) 
Special Holiday (for all Schools). Commemorates the 1986 EDSA People Power Revolution that Filipinos came to known for.

 

TRAVEL+LEISURE | Hottest Travel Destinations of 2013
“Philippines. Boracay hogs the spotlight, but there are thousands of other islands to lure beach lovers. At Eskaya Beach Resort & Spa ($$$$), on Panglao, thatched-roof villas face the sea. Palawan, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, now hasEl Nido Resorts Pangulasian Island ($$$$). Groups can reserve Ariara ($$$), a 125-acre private isle.”  (Read More:  Hottest Travel Destinations of 2013)

 

MARCH 2013
Best Time to go watch and shoot the awesome Manila sunset!

1-3 Malasimbo Music & Arts Festival 2013 | Friday to Sunday | Puerto Galera
The festival is held outdoors in a natural amphitheater at the foot of Mount Malasimbo overlooking Puerto Galera Bay, a member of the “Most Beautiful Bays in the World” club.

Facebook: Malasimbo Festival | Official Website: http://www.MalasimboFestival.com/
Related Blog Post: Malasimbo Time!

23 EARTH HOUR 2013 | Saturday 8.30pm-9.30pm | Philippines
Cities and towns all over the world will switch off their lights for one hour—EARTH HOUR—sending a powerful global message that it is possible to take action on global warming. 

Official Website: http://www.EarthHour.org/
Related Blog Post: Earth Hour 2008 – See The Difference You Can Make

25 FEAST OF THE ANNUNCIATION | Monday (Every 25th of March)
Feast commemorating the announcement of Angel Gabriel to Virgin Mary that she would conceive and become the mother of Jesus the Son of God.  This is celebrated 9 full months before Christmas.

28 MAUNDY THURSDAY | Thursday | Philippines
Regular Holiday. Commemorates the Last Supper of Jesus Christ with the Apostles.

29 GOOD FRIDAY | Friday | Philippines
Regular Holiday. Commemorates the crucifixion and death of Jesus at Calvary.

29 MORIONES FESTIVAL | Friday | Marinduque
Re-enact the story of Longinus, a Roman centurion who speared the crucified body of Jesus Christ.

29 CUTUD CRUXIFIXIONS | Friday | Pampanga
The old tradition of dramatizing the passion and death of Jesus Christ (called Via Crusis) was played out on the streets leading to the crucifixion site before the 1pm Crucifixion. 

Related Blog Post: Cutud Crucifixions: Good Friday Traditions of San Fernando, Pampanga

30 BLACK SATURDAY | Saturday | Philippines
Special Non Working Day. 

31 EASTER SUNDAY | Sunday | Philippines
Celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ

 

LONELY PLANET | Best places to do something new
“To spot one, head to the misty Sierra Madre mountains on the Philippines island of Luzon and cross your fingers – the secretive tree-dwelling lizards only spend about 20 minutes a day on the ground.” (Read More: Best places to do something new)

 

APRIL 2013
The Peak Time in Boracay.

7 FEAST OF THE DIVINE MERCY | Sunday | Plenary Indulgence Divine Mercy Sunday
The soul that will go to confession and receive holy communion shall obtain complete forgiveness of sins and punishment!

Related Blog Posts: Falling In Love with His Divine Mercy and Now Is The Time Of Mercy 

7 ST. JOHN BAPTIST DE LA SALLE FEAST DAY | Sunday (Every 7th of April) 
Celebration of the feast day of the Patron Saint of Teachers and Founder of Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools. 

9 BATAAN DAY (ARAW NG KAGITINGAN) | Tuesday (Every 9th of April)
Regular Holiday. Araw ng Kagitingan

22 EARTH DAY 2013 | Monday (Every 22nd of April) | Philippines 
A day designed to inspire awareness and appreciation for the Earth’s environment

 

LONELY PLANET | The best beaches of the Philippines
“The Philippines are generating a buzz as a less-discovered alternative to southeast Asian beach hotspots like Bali and southern Thailand. It’s not hard to see why. The country has more than 7000 islands, most boasting at least an idyllic beach or two. It’s easy to navigate (English is widely spoken) and increasingly affordable to get to, as regional budget airlines add Manila to their route maps.”
(Read More: The best beaches of the Philippines)

 

MAY 2013
National-wide celebration of Flores de Mayo / Santacruzan.

1 LABOR DAY | Wednesday (Every 1st of May) | Philippines 
Regular Holiday. National Labor Day!

12 HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY! | 2nd Sunday of May | Philippines
An annual celebration to pay tribute to all the awesome mothers!

13 PHILIPPINE GENERAL MID-TERM ELECTION | Monday

15 PAHIYAS 2013 | Wednesday (Every 15th of May) | Lucban, Quezon
An annual celebration held to usher in a bountiful harvest and smashing good times.

Related Blog Posts:

• PAHIYAS FESTIVAL: Don’t Miss the FUN in Lucban!
• PAHIYAS: 8 Tips for an Awesome San Isidro Labrador Fiesta!
• Pahiyas, Lucban – 8 Things We Love About Pahiyas

17-19 OBANDO FERTILITY RITES 2013 | Friday-Sunday (Every 17th for St. Paschal, 18th for St. Clare, 19th of May for the Our Lady of Salambao) | Obando, Bulacan
Massive numbers of men and women dance towards the town church praying for a wife, husband or a child. 

28 NATIONAL FLAG DAY | Tuesday (Every 28th of May) | Manila
Start of the designated flag days where all government offices, business establishments, and private homes are also encouraged to display the flag.

 

LONELY PLANET | Island adventures in the Philippines
“The Philippines are justifiably known for their beaches, but the country isn’t just about finding an isolated patch of sand and sinking into a sun-kissed stupor. The 7000-plus islands of the Philippines offer an array of more adventurous pursuits that can raise any adrenaline junkie’s pulse. Here are a half-dozen ideas to find the right island for your adventure.” (Read More: Island adventures in the Philippines) 

 

JUNE 2013
Time to show your love for the Philippines by putting a flag on your home, car, and shirts.

12 PHILIPPINE’S INDEPENDENCE DAY | Wednesday (Every 12th of June) 
Regular Holiday. Commemorates the Independence Day of the Philippines from the Spaniards

16 HAPPY FATHER’S DAY! | 3rd Sunday of June 
An annual celebration to pay tribute to all the awesome fathers! 

19 DR. JOSE RIZAL BIRTH ANNIVERSARY | Wednesday (Every 19th of June) 

24 FEAST DAY OF ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST | Monday (Every 24th of June) 
Feast of St. John the Baptist where it is celebrated with showering people with water

24 PARADA NG LECHON FESTIVAL  | Monday (Every 24th of June) | Balayan, Batangas.  A Lechon Parade celebrating the Feast of St. John the Baptist in Balayan Batangas

29 PINTADOS/ KASADYAAN FESTIVAL 2013 | Saturday(Every 29th of June) | Tacloban. Feast of the Señor Santo Niño de Leyte 

Related Blog Post: Tacloban Fiesta

 

IVAN ABOUT TOWN | Philippines is highly-recommended destination by travel magazines for 2013 “The Philippines is the destination to visit for 2013! That’s according to three popular international travel publishers. And they have nothing but good words about our island paradise.” (Read More:  Philippines is highly-recommended destination by travel magazines for 2013)

 

JULY 2013
Start of the Rainy Season in the Philippines.

11 FEAST DAY OF ST. BENEDICT | Thursday (Every 11th day of July) 
Celebration of the feast day of the Patron Saint of Europe and the Students, and the Father of Western Monasticism. 

26 FEAST DAY OF SAINT ANNE | Friday (Every 26th of July) 
Celebration of the feast day of the Mother of Mama Mary

27 BOHOL SANDUGO FESTIVAL 2013 | Tagbilaran, Bohol
This festival commemorates the treaty of friendship between Datu Sikatuna, a native chieftain and the Spanish conquistador, Miguel López de Legazpi, representing the king of Spain.

31 FEAST DAY OF ST. IGNATIUS OF LOYOLA | Wednesday (Every 31st of July) 
Celebration of the feast day of the Father General of the Jesuits. A 30-day retreat follows the celebration.

 

LONELY PLANET | Best in Travel 2013 – Top 10 regions
“8. Palawan, the Philippines. The ultimate archipelago for adventurers”
(Read More: Best in Travel 2013 – Top 10 regions)

 

AUGUST 2013
The Best Time to go on a wild river ride.

9 EID’L FITR | Friday
A Muslim holiday celebrating the end of Ramadan. 
(Calculated date for 2013 pending proclamation)

15 ASCENCION OF MOTHER MARY INTO HEAVEN | Thursday (Every 15th of August)

18 KADAYAWAN SA DABAW 2013 | Sunday | Davao City
This festival gives thanks to the bounty of fruits and flowers as the waling-waling orchid blooms.

21 NINOY AQUINO DAY | Wednesday (Every 21st of August)
Special (non-working) Holiday. Commemorating the Death of Ninoy Aquino

26 NATIONAL HEROES’ DAY | Last Monday of August
Regular Holiday. Commemorates the “Cry of Pugad Lawin” by Filipino revolutionaries called the Katipunan

28 KAGAY-AN FESTIVAL – FEAST DAY OF ST. AUGUSTINE | Wednesday (Every 28th of August) | Cagayan de Oro City. Feast of St. Augustine in Cagayan de Oro City 

 

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC TRAVEL | 20 Best Trips of 2011
“On the main island (also named Palawan) near Sabang, hike the three-mile (five-kilometer) Monkey Trail to Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park’s navigable underground river. The five-mile (eight-kilometer) coastal rain forest route is home to long-tailed macaques, blue-naped parrots, and other indigenous wildlife.” (Read More: 20 Best Trips of 2011)

 

SEPTEMBER 2013
The Best Time to go to Divisoria for Christmas shopping and preparations.

8 MOTHER MARY’S BIRTHDAY | Sunday (Every 8th of September) 

8 HAPPY GRANDPARENT’S DAY! | Sunday (Every 2nd Sunday of September)
An annual celebration to pay tribute to all the awesome grandparents!  

14 FEAST OF THE TRIUMPH OF THE HOLY CROSS | Saturday (Every 14th of September) 
Public exposition and Veneration of the RELIC OF THE TRUE CROSS OF CHRIST at the Servants of the Risen Christ Monastery in Tarlac.

21 PENAFRANCIA VIVA LA VIRGEN 2013 | Saturday (Every 3rd Saturday of September) | Naga City
Bicol Region’s biggest celebration is highlighted by a fluvial parade of Lady of Penafrancia carried through the river aglow with floating candles.

23 FEAST DAY OF PADRE PIO | Monday (Every 23th of September) 
Feast of Padre Pio of Pietrelcina

29 ILIGAN FIESTA – FEAST DAY OF ST. MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL |  Sunday (Every 29th of September) | Iligan City
Feast of St. Michael the Archangel Celebration in Iligan City

Related Blog Post: The Best of Iligan

 

CNN TRAVEL | Insider guide: Best of Manila
“The best of Manila is most easily found in its confluence of identities. It’s urban yet still developing. The city has world-class hotels and amenities, but no shortage of places for those on an adventure budget. Then there’s the food. The Manila table reflects the country’s history, with Spanish, Chinese, Japanese and American influences.” (Read More: Insider guide: Best of Manila)

 

OCTOBER 2013
Surfing Season in the Philippines.

1 THE FEAST OF ST. THERESE OF CHILD JESUS | Tuesday (Every 1st of October). Feast of Saint Therese of the Little Flower.

4 THE FEAST OF ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI | Friday (Every 4th of October) 
Feast of Saint Francis of Assisi, the Patron Saint of Animals. Pet blessings are held to celebrate his feast. 

5 WORLD’S TEACHERS DAY | Saturday (Every 5th of October) 
Happy Teachers Day to honor the noble profession of teaching. 

15 EIDUL ADHA | Tuesday
Muslim Holiday celebrating Abraham’s obedience when he was willing to sacrifice his son Ishmael. (calculated date for 2013 pending proclamation) 

20 MASSKARA FESTIVAL 2013 | Sunday (3rd Weekend of October) |  Bacolod
The festival that made Bacolod famous began as an event to inspire the locals to face the hard times with a smiling face, thus masks with smiling faces are worn by revelers who join the parade. 

Official Website: http://www.themasskarafestival.com/

27 LANSONES FESTIVAL 2013 | Sunday (Last Weekend of October) | Camiguin
A grand celebration of the lanzones fruit in the island of Camiguin. 

 

Budget Travel | 25 Perfect Spots for Getting Away From It All
“Batanes, the unspoiled gem of the Philippines. The people are super nice, too.“
(Read More: 25 Perfect Spots for Getting Away From It All) 

NOVEMBER 2013
Halloween!

1 ALL SAINT’S DAY | Friday | Special (non-working) Holiday

2 ALL SOUL’S DAY | Saturday

3 DIWALI FESTIVAL | Sunday
Indian New Year Festival of Lights

23 HIGANTES FESTIVAL 2013 | Saturday (Every 23rd of November)  | Angono, Rizal
Male devotees carry the image of San Clemente in a procession that features parehadoras, clad in colorful garb and wooden shoes, and carrying boat paddles and higantes (giants) 10 feet tall papier mache puppets.

22-24 10th MAHARLIKA SUNRISE FESTIVAL | Friday-Sunday | Roving Festival
The Sunrise Festival is a celebration of arts for service and blessedness held annually in the different regions of Maharlika (Philippines).

28 HAPPY THANKSGIVING DAY! | Thursday (Every last Thursday of November)

23-24 KERYGMA CONFERENCE 2013 | Manila | Kerygma Conference
The Biggest Catholic Charismatic Event in the Country

30 BONIFACIO DAY | Saturday (Every 30th of November) | Philippines
Regular Holiday. Birth Anniversary of Andres Bonifacio 

30 EURO RACECAR NASCAR CHAMPIONSHIP | Saturday | Clark Field, Pampanga. The first-ever Euro Racecar NASCAR Championship in Asia!

 

New York Times | Philippines. A surfing and beach destination goes luxe
“Idyllic white sand beaches, secluded, little-known surf towns, and pristine reefs are among the natural draws of this country made up of over 7,000 tropical islands. Now in addition to the more upscale choices cropping up in former backpacking enclaves like Boracay, there is a new generation of luxury hotels opening even further afield.“
(Read More: Philippines. A surfing and beach destination goes luxe )

 

DECEMBER 2013
Christmas Season in the Philippines.

8 IMMACULATE CONCEPTION | Sunday (Every 8th of December) | HOLY DAY OF OBLIGATION

14 GIANT LANTERN FESTIVAL 2013 | Saturday | San Fernando, Pampanga
A Show-Off of Kapampangan Pride culminated with a display of Giant Lanterns measuring 18 feet in diameter.

16 SIMBANG GABI | Monday (9 days before Christmas)
Start of early morning vigil 9 days before Christmas

16 OBLATION RUN | Monday (Every 16th of December) | University of the Philippines
The annual naked run of the full-pledge members of Alpha Phi Omega society is a tradition that started in 1977 to protest the banning of the movie, “Hubad na Bayani,” which depicted human rights abuses in the martial law era. The date honors their international founding day on December 16th, 1925. 

24 CHRISTMAS EVE | Tuesday (Every 24th of December) 
Additional special (non-working) days

25 CHRISTMAS DAY | Wednesday (Every 25th of December) 
Regular Holiday. Celebrating the Birth of Jesus Christ. Holy Day of Obligation

30 RIZAL DAY | Monday
Commemorating the Death of Jose Rizal

31 NEW YEAR’S EVE  | Tuesday
Additional special (non-working) days

Live an Awesome Life,

 
Founder, www.OurAwesomePlanet.com
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If you have tips on awesome food and travel destinations, please email me at anton@diaz.ph.

P.S. The color of the year 2013 is green!