I find this Filipino habit of describing a place in the Philippines by comparing it with something found outside it to be depressing. For example, the tourism motto of the Municipality of Kibungan used to describe its mountains as the Switzerland of Benguet; the Tinuy-an Falls in Bislig City is often captioned as the Niagara … More Philippine tourism and the sin of originality
There was a vile and persistent rumor that swung among the towering coconut trees in the sprawling hillside property of the d’Abovilles: that this would be the last Malasimbo Music and Arts Festival. The signs were ominous as they were obvious: gate attendance has been waning over the last few years, and on the Sunday … More Have we seen the last of Malasimbo?
I identify with a religion that doesn’t have festivals, although as I understand it, the modern fiesta is more pagan in origin than Catholic. If you look at the history of the most famous festivals in honor of the child Christ, for example, the street dancing evolved into its current form when “natives” celebrated their conversion … More The excesses of Ibajay: religious festivals as protest
I went to Sagada to celebrate New Year’s Eve on a whim.
Random Ruminations 