April in the Philippines is peak travel season and as to be expected, it’s going to get a little crowded. While the ice is still starting to thaw in some countries in the western world, summer is in full blast in the tropics. This alone provides the perfect excuse to pack your suitcases and fly to the Philippines!
Aside from lounging by the beach and working on your tan, you may want to plan out-of-the-box itineraries and decide to experience events and festivals the Filipino way. Here are some dates to watch out for if you’re spending the summer month of April in the Philippines:
Pangalipay sa Babay
April 1 – May 31
Puerto Princesa City
Watch out for fireworks displays, grand parades, singing competitions, pageants, boxing tournaments and traditional cock fighting. All these are happening close to the beautiful baywalk area of Puerto Princesa City.
Banana Festival
April 1-5
La Castellana, Negros Occidental
Join the friendly La Castellana locals as they celebrate a bountiful harvest of their number one product. Watch out for parades, pageants, cook fests and other exciting activities.
Visit Davao Fun Sale
April 3 – May 17
Davao City
As an offshoot of the very sucessful Big Davao Fun Sale of 2014, Davao City offers another one of the biggest sales in the country, not just in shopping but also in travel, tours and food! Stakeholders in the city including malls, tour providers, hotels and restaurants are set to provide huge discounts and excellent deals to all participants.
Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor)
April 9
Nationwide
This is in remembrance of the courageous Filipino and American soldiers who fought against the Japanese forces during World War II. A lot of war veterans are given credit during ceremonies all over the country.
Bataan Day
April 9
Bataan
Still in commemoration of the soldiers who defended the Philippines during the Second World War, Bataan Day is a gathering of war veterans and their families on Mount Samat. This would be good opportunity to meet actual people who have survived the war, something interesting for the traveling history buff.
Panaad sa Negros
April 13-19
This is a showcase of everything that is good about Negros: talents, sports, beauty, culture, products and tourist destinations. You will get to experience the best of Negros all in one place!
Seafood Festival
Third Week of April
If you love seafood and you can’t enough of them, the best place to go would be Palawan. The entire region prepares the freshest catch into sumptuous banquets to be enjoyed by food enthusiasts and even random tourists looking for excellent food. It’s not for free but it will be worth every peso, that for sure!
Earth Day
April 22
Nationwide
Don’t be surprised if the city where you’re at suddenly goes pitch dark. Almost everyone gives back to the environment by putting out their lights for a full hour. Don’t worry, light will be back up as soon as the 60 minutes are up and you can resume whatever it is that you are doing.
Aliwan Fiesta
April 23-25
Cultural Center of the Philippines Complex, Metro Manila
Tagged as the Mother of All Fiestas, this even is a convergence of the biggest festival from all over the Philippines. Contingents from all over the country gather in a spectacular showcase of cultural dances, trade fairs and pageantry. If you’d like to experience some of the grandest festivals in the Philippines without having to travel to each city, Aliwan Fiesta is the answer!
9th Boracay International Dragon Boat Festival
April 23 – 25
Whether or not you are a huge fan of boat races and strong athletes maneuvering a boat to the beat of a drum, you will certainly love a reason to the shore of one of the best islands in the world! Come to watch the race, share the fun or just frolic in the sand. After all, that’s what Boracay Island is for!
