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the third week of January, on the island of
Panay in the Visayas. During the last three
days of this week-long festival, celebrants
partake in a very colourful, characteristic
complemented with the rich history and
culture of its inhabitants. Of particular
interest is the Katibawasan Falls, located
just five km southeast of Central Mamba-
jao. The 76 m-tall fall carries down with
it a clear, clean stream of cool water into
a green rock pool surrounded by natural
flora such as orchids, ferns, trees and
boulders, with the cool waters a perfect
respite from the tropical heat of the
Philippines. Allocate at least an hour for
journey time up to the falls. The locals
are very helpful with directions, and
you can try to get a multicab or Jeepney
from Mambajao. A negligible entrance
fee applies.
Discover
Intramuros, Manila
The oldest district of the city of Manila,
capital of the Philippines, Intramuros is
steeped in deep, rich history. The name
“Intramuros” is Latin for “within the
walls,” which is a reference to the almost
three-mile long circuit of stone walls and
fortifications constructed by Spanish
colonialists in the late 16th century to
protect the city from invaders along the
Manila Bay. There is plenty to see here,
and getting around is easy. You can
choose to sightsee by foot or on Calesa (a
horse-drawn carriage). Of notable interest
are Fort Santiago, a citadel located at the
mouth of the Pasig River, which runs
through Manila, and the San Augustin
Church (a UNESCOWorld Heritage site).
Kapurpurawan Rock Formations,
IllocosNorte
Nature enthusiasts and photographers
might find the Kapurpurawan Rock
Formations of particular interest. Located
on the rocky coast of Burgos, a city in
Ilocos Norte, the picturesque location is
popular and admired for its lush, creamy,
off white limestone formations, which are
naturally sculpted by powerful oceanic
and weather forces over the centuries.
The city of Burgos is also home to the
second and largest wind farm in the Phil-
ippines, the Burgos Wind Farm as well as
the historic Cape Bojeador Lighthouse
(also, Burgos Lighthouse), established
during the Spanish inquisition.
Culture
Ati-AtihanFestival, Visayas
The
Ati-Atihan
is a festival in honour of
the
Santo Niño
(Spanish for Holy Child
and a reference to Jesus), celebrated in
parade. Painted faces and bodies decked
in flashy outfits are commonplace and
dancing, music and merry making is
reminiscent of the Rio carnival in Brazil.
Many festivals may be similar to the
Ati-Atihan festival of Panay as cities have
evolved their own versions of this festival.
Ilo-Ilo City celebrates the
Dinagyang
fes-
tival, whereas Cebu City people celebrate
the popular
Sinulog
, and in Antique,
they have the
Binirayan
and
Handugan
festivals.
Kapurpurawan Rock Formations, Ilocos Norte
A
Calesa
ride at Intramuros
A performer at the
Ati-Atihan
Festival
Burgos Wind Farm, Ilocos Norte