Festivals are events that you shouldn't miss if you're around the place, especially in the Philippines. They are celebrated in municipalities and cities in different ways, showcasing the culture and traditions of Filipino.

In Puerto Princesa, Palawan, there is an annual fiesta called Balayong Festival. Balayong Festival was derived from a Balayong Tree (which is locally known as Cuyuno) but mostly known as the Palawan Cherry Tree. It is a tree that is likely similar to Japan's Cherry Blossom. The City First Lady, Ellen Hagedon has the idea to retrieve the Palawan Cherry Blossom tree to bloom again in the city.

On the first festival in 2005, the government planted thousands of trees in the nature park and became successful. In between February and March, the tree beautifully blooms. The tree is a symbol of feminine dominance, female beauty, and love in the language of herbs. Anyone who loves mother nature will definitely treasure the moment you see this tree presenting its light pink flowers.

The City Government hosts various activities such as street dancing, singing contest, sports competition, quiz bee and parades. Street dancers came from different municipalities and gave their best to bring home the bacon! Some locals from other municipalities bring their products and sell or trade them during the festival. Sometimes, there are also trade fairs and job fairs. The Balayong Festival is celebrated along with the founding anniversary of the City. Under Republic Act 7684, March 4 was declared to be a non-special holiday in the city.

Aside from the Balayong Festival, there is also the Karagatan Festival (Ocean Festival) held in the City in the first week of May and might be crowded since it's summer. This Festival focuses on the ocean. The government is doing their best to protect and preserve marine life and encourage locals to help them.

We cannot deny the fact that there are people who don't take responsibility for their waste and simply throw or dump it in the sand beaches or in the sea water. In order to minimize this, the government implemented coastal-clean up as one of the things to do during the festival. This event is held on a beach located at the west coast in the city. They also have activities such as: sand sculpture, beach football and volleyball, boat sailing, banca race, mountain bike race, tug of war, trekking, sea trekking, kite flying and film showing.

The Karagatan Festival started on May 1, 1998. It was led by Mr. Buch Chase, and former Barangay Captain Manuel Macasaet and celebrated every year.

Wouldn't it be great to be part of the festivities?

Aside from this festivals, there are events in the city. This are: the Love Affair with Nature (February 14), Pangalipay sa Baybay (1st week of April), Pista Y Cagueban (June 4), Sports Fair (February-July), Eco-Tourism Adventure (August-September), Coastal Clean-up (3rd Saturday of September) and Pista Na, Pasko Pa (December).

Visiting places or tourist spots doesn't just end there right? Knowing every culture in the municipalities or cities is a great add on for a whole trip! You should also taste their traditional foods or native delicacies during your stay then bring souvenirs on the way back home.