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F E S T I V A L S E A S O N
Moriones
Moriones is celebrated in the small
island of Marinduque during Holy Week.
It features men dressed up as Roman
centurions, who roam around the towns
performing their antics. They do this to
recall the centurion Longinus, who thrust
a spear into Christ’s side and witnessed
the Resurrection.
It’s all about re-enactment at the
Moriones: there’s the Passion of Christ
oral tradition, the beheading of Longinus
and the Via Crucis (or Way of the Cross),
which depicts Christ’s suffering. On Good
Friday, some men flagellate their backs
as penitence — definitely not for the faint
of heart. But the friendly people and the
lovely island make up for it.
Panagbenga
Panagbenga transforms Baguio City into a
veritable sea of flowers every year in February.
If the cool mountain air, fresh strawberries, lush
blooms and large crowds do it for you, then you
cannot miss this annual flower festival.
The annual Market Encounter displays the
best flower and flower-related products from
Baguio and surrounding areas. There are also
lectures and floral competitions. Busy main
thoroughfare Session Road is closed to traffic
and Burnham Park is decked out for romantic
Valentine strolls. Watch out for the street
parade, which features indigenous dancing and
floral costumes. Of course, the main event is
the Float Parade, where thousands of flowers
are used to create the breathtaking floats.