Jeepney: The Undisputed King of the Road

Jeepney: The Undisputed King of the Road

Jeepneys are the most popular means of public transportation in the Philippines. They were originally made from US military jeeps left over from World War II[ and are well known for their flamboyant decoration and crowded seating. They have also become a symbol of Philippine culture.

When American troops began to leave the Philippines at the end of World War II, hundreds of surplus jeeps were sold or given to local Filipinos. Locals stripped down the jeeps to accommodate several passengers, added metal roofs for shade, and decorated the vehicles with vibrant colors and bright chrome hood ornaments.

The jeepney rapidly emerged as a popular and creative way to reestablish inexpensive public transportation, which had been virtually destroyed during World War II. Recognizing the widespread use of these vehicles, the Philippine government began to place restrictions on their use. Drivers now must have specialized licenses, regular routes, and reasonably fixed fares. Due to recent fuel price increases the Metro Manila fixed fare has increased from 5 pesos to 7.50 pesos (currently about 10 to fifteen cents American.)

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FEASTS & FESTIVALS IN THE PHILIPPINES

FEAST OF THE BLACK NAZARENE January 9th - Quiapo, ManilaA grand Fiesta, this festivalcenters on the image of the Black Nazarene which was transported by galleon from Mexico to Manila in the 17th century. The festival is marked by an afternoon procession by thousands of devotees.

ATI-ATIHAN January 16-22 - Kalibo, AklanOne of the most popular of the Philippine festivals, the Ati-atihan is a celebration in honor of the Sto. Niño. Revelers don colorful costumes and paint their bodies black and dance to the distictive beat of "Hala bira!" around the town.
PASUNGAYEvery 2nd Saturday of January - San Joaquin, IloiloA festival of bulls on the hillsides of San Joaquin. Prized bulls from the town and neighboring areas fight amidst wild cheering from spectators.

SINULOG Every third weekend of January - Cebu City, CebuThe Feast of the Sto. Niño is celebrated in Cebu with a procession, street dancing competition and a fluvial parade. Much like the Ati-atihan, the Sinulog Festival is marked by frenzied reverly to the chant of "Pit Senor!"

DINAGYANG Every fourth weekend of January - Iloilo City, IloiloSpectacle characterized by a frenetic stomping of feet and hypnotic drumbeating. It is a colorful whirl of thousands of people dressed in unique costumes dancing and chanting all day and night.

ZAMBULAWAN Every third Sunday of January - Pagadian City, Zamboanga del SurThe founding of Pagadian City showcases the Subanon tribe's rich cultural heritage by way of songs, dances and exhibits of musical instruments.

FEAST OF OUR LADY OF CANDLES February 2 - Jara, Iloilo CityThe biggest and most opulent religiuos pageanty in Western Visayas. The blessing of candles and the yearly procession of the patroness, the Nuestra Senora de Candelaria is followed by the fiesta queen and her court which highlights the celebration.

PARAW REGATTA First Sunday of March - Iloilo CityAn exciting race among native outriggers in the strait between Guimaras Island and Iloilo City. This is an activity every summer hedged with rules, umpires and kibitzers.

EID-EL-FITR March 9 - Region XIIA worldwide Muslim festival celebrating the end of the month-long fasting period of the Holy Month of Ramadam by the Muslims.

VIA CRUSIS April 1 - Cebu CityA lenten activity where devotees from Cebu City and its neighboring cities and towns do their penitential procession through cities the Station of the Cross built on 12 hectares of rolling hills. the life-size statues of the 14 Stations of the Cross have been patterned after the Way of the Cross in Lourdes, France.

PAK'KAAT KALLO Holy Week - Magpet, CotabatoAn anuual feast of the Manobo tribal community of Magpet in celebration of a bountiful harvest.

MORIONES FESTIVAL Holy Week - Boac,Magpoc, MarinduqueOne of the most famous of Philippine festivals. Colorfully garbed and masked as Roman soldiers and centurions, locals reenact the life of Longinus culminating in his beheading. The entire towns of Boac, Morpog and Gasan are virtually converted into huge stages as the story as Longinus unfolds.

TURUMBA Good Friday - Pakil, LagunaA procession of the centuries-old image of the Virgin Mary through the streets, procession, singing and dancing to the Turumba.

ANG PAGTALTAL SA GUIMARAS Good Friday - Jordan, GuimarasLenten presentation on the hillside of Jordan with locals as actors. This ala-Oberrammergou event has been attracting hundreds of foreign and domestic tourists: Local devotees' visit usually culminates in the trek to "Balaan Bukid" or Holy Mountain where a huge cross is planted by the chapel overlooking Guimaras Strait and Iloilo City.

LAMI-LAMIHAN FESTIVAL 2nd or 3rd Week of april - Lamitan, BasilanA yearly festival coinciding with the founding of Lamitan Municipality; showcases the traditional Yakan customs and traditions, music and dances, and traditional crafts.

MANAOAG PILGRIMAGE 2nd Week of April - PangasinanAnnual pilgrimage to the Shrine of Our Lady of Manaoag. Known to local pilgrims / tourists as miraculous, the Virgin's image has become one of Manaoag's main attractions. Pilgrims' vehicles are blessed every Saturday.

PISTA'Y DAYAT May 1 - Lingayen, PangasinanA day of thanksgiving for bountiful harvests and abundant fishing observed all over Pangasinan traditional with mass offering on beautiful beaches and fluvial parade.

SANTACRUZAN May 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 - NationwideThe Santacruzan is a procession commemmorating St. Helena's finding the "True Cross"; preceded bya nine-day Novena in honor of the Holy Cross. On the ninth day, usually on a weekend, the Santacruzan is held. The Reina Elena, accompanied by a little boy representing King Constantine, and the other sagalas representing biblical characters and the attributes of the Blessed Virgin, walk under gaily decorated arches.

CARABAO FESTIVAL May 14 - Angono, RizalFarmers pay tribute to their patron saints; a procession of carabao carts bearing a myriad local produce is held; prizes are awarded to the strongest and most beautifully decorated carabaos.

PULILAN CARABAO May 14 - Pulilan, BulacanHundreds of festively adorned carabaos are paraded by theis farmer-owners on the street leading to the church; there they are made to kneel down homage to San Isidro de Labrado, the patron saint of farmers.

PAHIYAS SA QUEZON May 15 - Sariaya, Lucban, Tayabas, QuezonHomes are decked with kiping (multi-colored paper thin, leaf-shaped rice kropeck) and harvested vegetables; trade fair; civic parades, procession and other activities.

OBANDO FERTILITY RITES May 17 to 19 - Obando, BulacanA three day fiesta celebration in honor of San Pascual, Baylon, Sta. Clara and Nuestra Senora de Salambao. Childless couples, thankful parents, grateful farmers and fishermen dance along the streets together with colorfully customed women to pray for children and a good harvest.

TAPUSAN SA KAWIT May 30 - Kawit, CaviteA procession of gaily decorated floats decked with flowers of Maytime honors the Blessed Virgin. The participation of the town's most beautiful young ladies symbolizes the purity and innocence of the Blessed Mother.

ANTIPOLO PILGRIMAGE May - Antipolo, RizalA month-long celebration that brings devotees and pilgrims to venerate the Lady of Peace and Good Voyage enshrined in Antipolo Church and afterwards, picnic to nearby Hinulugang Taktak.

INDEPENDENCE DAY June 12 - Kawit, CaviteIndependence Day Celebration, marked by a flag raising ceremony on the balcony of the Emilio Aguinaldo Shrine, where the first Philippine flag was unfurled.

PARADA NG LECHON June 24 - Balayan, BatangasThe parading on the Feast of St. John the Baptist of "dressed" and decorated "lechons" (roasted pigs) around town. Revelers partake of the lechons after the parade.

PINTADOS FESTIVAL June 29 - Tacloban CityStreet pageantry and contest focusing on the Leyteños' old custom of tattooing that signifies courage and status in the community.

PAAWAY SA KABAYO (Horsefight) July 25 and December 25 - Tanjay, Negros OrrientalAn exciting, thrilling and oftentimes bloody fight among studs for supremacy over a female horse. More than 100 horses have been trained solely for this twice a year event.

BOCAUE RIVER FESTIVAL First Sunday of July - Bocaue, BulacanA famous river festival held in honor of the miraculous Cross of Bocaue (Krus ng Wawa). During the fluvial procession, devotees ride in the "pagoda" and douse each other with water.

RAJAH BAGUINDA FESTIVAL 2nd Week of August - Jolo, SuluA three-day cultural show and festivites commemorating the arrival of Rajah Baguinda who was responsible for the spread of Islam and reinforcing the Sultanate Government in the Sulu Archipelago.

KADAYAWAN SA DABAW 3rd Week of August - Davao CityA celebration of the bountiful harvests of fruits and orchids during the season. Activities include fruit and flower show, trade fair, tribal/civic/military parade, traditional sports activities, horsefight, Search for B'yaneng Kadayawan and street dancing.

LEMLUNAY (T'BOLI TRIBAL FESTIVAL) Septermber 16-18 - Lake Sebu, South CotabatoAn annual authentic T'boli tribal festival staged at Lake Sebu. Features tribal rituals that start at early down amidst sounds of gongs and native music, culminating at the town plaza where cultural dances and ethic sports like horsefight are held.

FEAST OF NUESTRA SEÑORA DE PEÑAFRANCIA, 3rd Saturday of September - Naga City, Camarines SurA religious festival held in hornor of the Feast of Our Lady of Peñafrancia. Bicol's most revered patrones highlighted by the fluvial procession of the Lady's image down the Bicol river. The week-long-celebration includes civic-military parade, sportsfests, exhibits, cultural shows, beauty pageants and colorful competitions.

MASSKARA FESTIVAL October 19 - Bacolod City, Negros OccidentalThe biggest annual event that reflects the Bacoleños love for fun and gaiety. Coinciding with Bacolod City's charter day celebration, the festival features sports competitions, cultural programs, carnivals, beauty contest and a long Mardi grasstyle costumed and masked street dancers.

IBALONG FESTIVAL October 19-22 - Legaspi CityA celebration depicting Bicol's early beginnings as portrayed in the "Ibalong" epic that tells of super heroes Handiong, Batlog and Oryol and villains and wild animals that roamed in the ancient times. In music and dances, revelers parade on the main streets wearing masks of these heroes and villains. Festival activities include tours, trade fairs, exhibits and beauty pageants.

LA NAVAL DE MANILA 2nd Sunday of October - Sto. Domingo, Quezon CityA festival revolving around the image of the Blessed Virgin Mary of La Naval carved in 1533 and given as a gift to the Dominican Fathers. Borne on an elaborately decorated and well-lit carriage in the form of a ship, the venerated image is brought out of the church preceded by a dozen or so images of Dominican saints. The procession goes around the main streets of Sto. Domingo parish and then returns to the church amidst applause until it reaches the altar pedestal.

FEAST OF SAN CLEMENTE / HIGANTES FESTIVAL November 22-23 - Angono, RizalAngono's joyous fiesta in honor of San Clemente whose image, resplendent in papal vestment, is borne by male devotees during a procession accompanied by "pahadores (devotees dressed in colorful local costumes, wooden shoes and carrying boat paddles) and higantes" (giant paper mache effigies) The street event culminates in a fluvial procession in Laguna de Bay amidst revelry that continues until the image is brought back to its sanctuary.

GRAND CORDILLERA FESTIVAL November - Baguio CityOne of the region's major events held annualy featuring the gathering of tribes in a week-long event to "celebrate life" marked by tribal dancing and performances of thanksgiving rituals.

MARIAN PROCESSION December 8 - Intramuros, ManilaA revival of religious tradition with more than 60 images of the Blessed Virgin Mary from various parishes and provinces paraded.
PAGDIDIWATADecember 8 - Puerto Princessa, PalawanA thanks giving celebration by the Tagbanua natives of Palawan in ritual dances and food offerings to their deities and souls of departed kin.

FEAST OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPCION December 8 - Intramuros, ManilaAn Eucharistic celebrabration of the Feast Day of the La Immaculada, patroness of Intramuros, capped by a grand procession of more than 50 Marian images from all over the country and participated in by thousands of devotees.

BIKOL PASTORES December 18 - Legazpi City, AlbayA unique Christmas celebration believed to have originated in the province where "pastores" - young men and women dressed in colorful shepherd costumes - joyfully dance and sing "Pastores a Belen" through the city streets.

SAN FERNANDO GIANT LANTERN FESTIVAL December - Ermita, ManilaA fiesta in honor of one of the oldest Marian images in the country (it was found by Legazpi's soldiers amidst the foliage of a pandan shrub on the shores of Ermita in 1571) - the La Nuestra Señora de Guia, patroness of seafarers and also known as Our Lady of Expectations. The main event of the fiesta is the Bota de Flores, a reenactment of a select group of young ladies and their escorts in sailor costumes of the procession returning the La Nuestra Señora de Guia to its reconstructed shrine in 1918.

BINIRAYAN FESTIVAL December 28-30 - San Jose, AntiqueA festive commemoration of an episode in the history of the Filipino race through colorful pageants acted on the beaches of Maybato in San Jose and Malandog in Hamtik. Particularly interesting is the drama of the first Malay settlement at malandog which runs for several days and nights. Binirayan is also an occasion of reunion with families, relatives and friends of homecoming Antiqueno expatriates.

THE PHILIPPINE MAP & Brief Details.....

The Philippines (Filipino: Pilipinas), officially the Republic of the Philippines (Republika ng Pilipinas; RP), is an archipelagic nation located in Southeast Asia, with Manila as its capital city. The Philippine archipelago comprises 7,107 islands in the western Pacific Ocean bordering countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia, Palau and the Republic of China, although it is the only Southeast Asian country to share no land borders with its neighbors. The Philippines is the world's 12th most populous country with a population approaching 90 million people. Its national economy is the 47th largest in the world with a 2006 gross domestic product (GDP) of over US$117.562 billion.

The Philippines was formerly a Spanish then an American colony. The Philippine Revolution was an attempt to gain independence from Spain, and later from the U.S. in the Philippine-American War. The Philippines ultimately gained its independence from the United States on July 4, 1946 after the Pacific War (the Second World War) via the Treaty of Manila. The Philippines then became a fledgling democracy until the authoritarian rule of Ferdinand Marcos led to his overthrow in the People Power Revolution of 1986. Political upheavals alternated with peaceful transition of power on the period that followed.

Today, the Philippines has many affinities with the Western world, derived mainly from the cultures of Spain, Latin America, and the United States. Roman Catholicism became the predominant religion, although pre-Hispanic indigenous religious practices still exist. There are also followers of Islam. The two official languages of the Philippines are Filipino and English.

Know Philippine History (3)

Changes in the American period

Consequences of the American colonial rule

During the Spanish period the Spaniards had given enormous land properties to the Catholic church. One of the first things the Americans did was to take care for the redistribution of these land properties. To do so they first had to pay an amount of US $7.2 million to the Vatican in 1904. The small farmers or tenants didn't get any land however. The land became property of some large landowners. Most of the small farmers couldn't pay the asked price or couldn't prove that they were the former owners of the land.
The economic development during the 'American period' was rather typical colonial. The Philippine economy was strongly related to and depending on the United States. The Philippine economy was focused on mining and exporting crops. Industrial growth didn't take place.

Quezon, the first Philippine president

The Philippines was controlled by the Americans from
1900-1942. In 1934 an act was established, which made
it possible that the Philippines could have a
"Commonwealth of the Philippines".
The first president of this Commonwealth was Manuel Quezon. The first president was given certain power
for some internal affairs.


The Japanese occupation

The Americans were still in the Philippines when the next
foreign ruler came. Japan. The Japanese army and rulers
occupied the Philippines from 1942 - 1944.


President Quezon

The first step to liberation

In October 1944 the American general Douglas Mac Arthur landed with his troops at the east coast of Leyte, one of the bigger islands in the central part of the Philippines.

This was the first step in the total liberation of the country. With 700 vessels and 174,000 army and navy servicemen, McArthur arrived in the Philippines. In December 1944, the islands of
Leyte and Mindoro were cleared of the Japanese army.

Many casualties

The casualties of the Americans in this operation is estimated 4000 - 6000.
Filipino casualties: estimated about one million!

Freedom at last!

The Philippines was granted it's independence in 1946. Freedom at last, 148 years later than the freedom which was written down by Julian Felipe in the Philippine anthem called "Lupang Hinirang".
The Republic of the Philippines was proclaimed on July 4, 1946.

Know Philippine History (2)

The Spanish colonial period

Resistance of the locals

Wall of Intramuros in Manila, a remnant of the Spanish colonial period

After the Spaniards succeeded in 1556 to break the last good organized resistance, a long period of Spanish influence followed. The Spaniards ruled the country, brought the Christian religion to the country and were responsible for a lot of colonial and religious buildings throughout the country.
The results can still be seen in places as for instance Cebu City and Manila.
Revolts against the colonizers.

The Spanish colonial period wasn't without resistance of the Filipinos. On the contrary. There was a succession of revolts against the European colonizers. Aguinaldo was the great leader of the big revolt of 1896. However, the Filipino rebels didn't succeed to defeat the armed Spaniards at that time. A helping hand came a few years later from the Americans.

Liberty, brought by the Americans?

At the end of the nineteenth century, on April 25,1898, the United States declared war on Spain. The main reason was that Spain possessed several colonies and the United States wanted the independency of these regions. The American navy decided to attack the Spanish fleet in the Philippine waters. The battle took place in Manila Bay. On May 1 in 1898 the Spanish fleet was destroyed. After 327 years under Spanish rule, the Philippine people thought that they won independence at last. The Americans however, thought quit different about that at that time.

Aguinaldo
The Philippines, sold for a amount of less
than 20 million dollars

After the end of the American-Spanish war in 1898,
the Spaniards sold the Philippines and other colonial properties for 20 million dollar to the Americans. Aguinaldo didn't want to accept American rule and proclaimed the first Philippine Republic.
The Americans decided that the Filipinos were not
yet capable to be independent. A hostile period started. The United States needed more than 125.000 soldiers to subdue the Philippines. The Philippine rebels were forced to retreat and were driven into northern Luzon. From here they started a guerrilla. This "Philippine War of Independence" continued for two years and ended when Aguinaldo was captured on March 23, 1901.
Only sporadic resistance continued until 1903.

Know Philippine History (1)

The Philippines in earlier times......

The First Inhabitants 40.000 years ago.

It is thought that the earliest inhabitants of the Philippines lived some 40000 years ago. On Palawan, the long and small island in de western Visayas, human bones were found dating to about 22.000 years ago. Stone tools from ancient times were found too on Palawan. The age of the tools is estimated to be about 30.000 years old. A analyses showed that the tools have similar features as tools which were found on Kalimantan (Indonesia).

The original people of the Philippines were ancestors of the people known today as Negritos or Aeta. They are very small people with a dark skin and curly brown hair.
Picture: © University of Hohenheim

The Aeta came 13000 - 10000 years ago from the Asian continent. In earlier times they lived widespread throughout the Philippines. Today they are living in the remote highland areas of Luzon, Palawan, Panay, Negros and Mindanao. About 2300 years ago Malayan people arrived from the mainland in the Philippines and brought a more advanced culture; dairy, iron melting and production of iron tools, pottery techniques and the system of sawah's (rice fields).
In the tenth century Muslim traders come from Kalimantan (Indonesia) to the Philippines. A few centuries later, the Islam spread out in the southern part of the Philippines. Until now, the Islam is strong rooted on Mindanao and the other (smaller) islands of the southern part of the Philippines.

The arrival of the first Spaniards

In 1521 the Spanish period started with the arrival of a small fleet in the coastal waters of Mactan island, just east of Cebu island. It was Fernao de Magelhaes (Ferdinand Magellan), a Portuguese in service of the Spanish King. He claimed the country for the Spanish King.
Lapu Lapu, the national hero

There was great resistance of the local people. In the battle that took place that day, the locals with their leader Lapu Lapu succeeded in forcing the Spaniards to retreat to their ships, after their leader, Magellan, was killed by the spears of the Lapu Lapu warriors. Lapu Lapu became the first Filipino hero.

Philippines Festivals and other Cultural Events

Philippines is celebrating many festivals all year round. Every region, provinces and Cities has different kinds of festivities, events and schedule. On any given day, there is sure to be a festival in a town or city somewhere in the Philippines. People celebrate every festival with excitement, enthusiasm and high spirits. Filipinos enjoys every moment when celebrating the festival. The event or fiesta is characterized by the community to express the warm welcome of the harvest, express religious fervor, or commemorate a historic event. It is among the ties that blind, showing and strengthening the shared history, values, and experiences of a specific group of people.

Philippine celebrates many kinds of fiesta or festival. People paint their faces and even the whole body, dress in colorful costumes and do the street dancing with the beat of the drums. Street dancing is the most popular and highlight in the festival. Many Groups are preparing for this event not only to win the prize but also serves as an offering. The best months of the Philippine festivals are January, April, May, October and December.Many foriegn people around the world visit Philippines to witness the festivities that are being celebrated. They were how Filipinos celebrate the fiesta. The popular festivals are Sinulog in Cebu, Masskara in Bacolod, Ati-atihan in Aklan, Dinagyang in Iloilo, Moriones in Marinduque and many more. These festivals also portrays the culture that are handed down from generation. Visitors around the world feel the unifying power of the fiesta and the Filipino's irrepressibly festive spirit.

World Famous and Most Popular Philippine Festival or Fiestas :

Sinulog Festival - Ati-atihan Festival - MassKara Festival - Dinagyang Festival - Panagbenga Festival - Kinabayo Festival
Kadayawan sa Dabaw Festival - Moriones Festival - Feast of Black Nazarene - Sandugo Festival - Pahiyas Festival
Maradjao Karadjao Festival - - More Festivals

TRAVEL PILIPINAS

Welcome to the Philippine Island. Discover the beauty of the tropical country with fascinating landscapes, astounding cultural and historical background and offer you one of the most popular tourist destination. “MABUHAY”.