The Philippines is a country that offers many attractions and activities for tourists and locals alike during the summer season. Some of the most popular ones are enjoying the sandy beaches, exploring the mountain trails, and experiencing the underwater wonders through snorkeling or diving.
However, summer is not only about nature and adventure in the Philippines. It is also a time when various festivals and celebrations take place in different regions of the country. One of these regions is Soccskargen, also known as SOX, which consists of four provinces and one city in Mindanao. SOX has a rich and diverse culture that is reflected in its colorful and lively events that people look forward to every summer.
This summer, tourists and residents alike are looking forward to these major festivals since they are entertaining and provide a unique experience for all who attend.
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| Mixing of giant halo-halo | photo by Ping Zerrudo |
Halo-halo Festival in Esperanza, Sultan Kudarat (April 24-26, 2023)
For the past six years, the Halo-halo Festival gained popularity because of its various presentation of halo-halo. The event primarily promotes the Municipality of Esperanza as the “Halo-halo capital of Soccsksargen.”
It was launched on April 7, 2017, and features activities such as the giant halo-halo eating, halo-halo eat-all-you-can, WOW halo-halo stall contest, and brain freeze challenge, among others. The festival is usually held at Esperanza Public Market where there are at least 32 stalls that serve halo-halo.
Halo-halo is a popular Filipino dessert that has shaved ice, milk, and different toppings like fruits, beans, jellies, and ice cream. The name means "mix-mix" in Tagalog, because you have to mix everything well before you eat it. It is usually in a big glass or a bowl with a long spoon.
Esperanza has a different version of halo-halo. For instance, instead of putting ice cream, they add crushed peanuts as toppings on their halo-halo.
The 4th Halo-halo Festival will be on April 24-26, 2023.
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Irish Eneldas showcased a 7-kilo
giant coconut displayed in the Agri-Trade Fair Exhibit on May 30, 2022 | photo
by Sarangani PIO |
Binuyugan Festival in Maitum, Sarangani Province (May 1-7, 2023)
Aside from its famous Bangsi Festival, Maitum also has the Binuyugan Festival – a thanksgiving celebration and the commemoration of Maitum’s founding anniversary that takes place every month of May.
The festival name is derived from the Ilocano word "buyog" which means "accompanied by or coupled with". The festival highlights the rich culture and abundant harvest of the people of Maitum, which is composed of the settlers (Ilocanos, Cebuanos, and the like), Moros, and the Indigenous People. The festival includes activities such as an agri-trade fair exhibit, street dancing competition, cultural presentations, and sports events.
The 22nd Binuyugan Festival and 64th Foundation Anniversary of the Municipality of Maitum will be held on May 1-7, 2023.
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| Educating the public about birds | photo by Mike Lu |
Bird Festival in Tacurong City, Sultan Kudarat (May 12-13, 2023)
The Tacurong Bird Festival is an annual event that celebrates the diversity and beauty of migratory and endemic birds in Tacurong City, Sultan Kudarat. The festival features various activities such as bird watching and photography, lectures, exhibits, and cultural performances. It also features the Baras Bird Sanctuary, a 2.5-hectare peppercorn farm that is home to more than 20,000 birds of different species.
LGU Tacurong hosts the event and aims to promote wildlife conservation and preservation measures, highlighting the importance of birds in the ecosystem.
The 7th Tacurong Bird Festival will be held on May 12-13, 2023.
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| Party at night | photo from SarBay FB page |
Sarangani Bay Festival in Glan, Sarangani Province (May 25-27, 2023)
Sarangani Bay Festival is considered the largest beach festival in the Philippines that happens every last week of May in Gumasa, Glan, Sarangani Province. The festival aims to highlight the beauty of Sarangani Bay, a protected seascape that is abundant in marine resources and a popular diving spot. The festival also has various activities such as sports, concerts, foam parties, sand sculptures, a beauty pageant, and environmental advocacy.
The SarBay Festival will be held on May 25-27, 2023.
(P.S. The Municipality of Glan also has a summer festival called Mahin Festival which runs from April 20-22, 2023.)
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