Official Schedule of Kadayawan Festival 2013


The official schedule of activities for Kadayawan Festival 2013 is finally released by the City Government of Davao. Below is the list of events updated as of July 30, 2013:

Jump to: Kadayawan Festival 2014

Ramadan 2013 Celebration in ARMM


The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), through the Department of Tourism ARMM, is once again holding the month-long Ramadan Fair at the ARMM Compound (ORG Complex) in Cotabato City. At the core of the Ramadan 2013 activities is the Ramadan Food & Trade Fair which showcases the rich culture of the ARMM through its diverse culinary specialties and handicrafts. Food and non-Food stalls dressed in the colorful Maguindanaoan style are such a treat for the sight and add to the festive atmosphere of the venue. The events run from July 8 to August 10, 2013.

The Pink Mosque of Maguindanao

Pink Mosque or Masjid Dimaukom of Maguindanao
The Pink Mosque or Masjid Dimaukom of Maguindanao

The Pink Mosque, officially called Masjid Dimaukom, is the set to be the new face that will represent the province of Maguindanao. Mayor Samsudin Dimaukom of the town of Datu Saudi Ampatuan spearheaded the initiative to change the image of Maguindanao. Construction of the mosque is financed by Mayor Dimaukom himself and stands on a piece of land donated by his family.

Pancit Marilao soon to be offered at Pancit Center

Pancit Marilao


Pancit Marilao originated from the town of Marilao, Bulacan. It is essentially a variant of pancit palabok but what makes it different are its toppings. Pancit Marilao is topped with Bulacan okoy (shrimp fritters) and instead of calamansi, it is garnished with slices of kamias as pampaasim. We are big fans of pancit palabok and Pancit Marilao has truly captured our taste buds.

Dinner at The Oriental Leyte's Jasmine Restaurant


The Jasmine Restraurant at The Oriental Leyte, the only first-class hotel in Eastern Visayas, celebrates international and local cuisines through their scrumptious culinary creations, putting a twist to our all-time favorite dishes. The Jasmine, located at the ground floor of the hotel, is becoming a favorite venue for functions and receptions in the region. Its stylish interiors, matched by a stellar menu of mouth-watering dishes, The Jasmine will surely make any small gathering or grandiose event a memorable one. Here is a preview of what to expect at The Jasmine Resturant at The Oriental Leyte.

Get Ready for Masskara Festival 2013


Masskara Festival 2013 is now fast approaching, and now is the best time to plan your trip to Bacolod City and experience one of the most colorful and vibrant festivals in the Philippines.

Schedule of Masskara Festival 2013 (Updated August 29, 2013)

Masskara 2013 is slated to happen on the long weekend of October 18-20, 2013. The highlights of the festival are the streetdance competitions happening on October 18 (Friday) at 2:00pm for the School Category and on October 20 (Sunday) at 9:00am for the Barangay Category. Check the Official Schedule of MassKara Festival 2013 for more details. In the meantime, see our photos from Masskara Festival 2012.

Bicol's Best Toasted Siopao now available in Pasig City

Bicol's Best Toasted Siopao
Bicol's Best Toasted Siopao
Here's great news to many Bicolanos in Pasig City and neighboring cities in Metro Manila. 3N Bakery opened its second branch in Pasig City last July 8, 2013 right at the busy Pasig Rotonda area. Their specialty is no other than the famous Bicolano delicacy, the toasted siopao.

Ramadan Mubarak 2013

Ramadan 2013

The Holy Month of Ramadan officially starts tomorrow, 10 July 2013, with the sighting of the crescent moon this evening. For thirty days, Muslims would wake up early in the morning (about 3 AM), everyday and eat Shuhur: foods prepared before the beginning of fasting. The official fasting wherein no foods and drinks—even water—are allowed begins at the break of dawn until the sun sets.


We wish our Muslim brothers and sisters a Blessed Ramadan full of Peace and Happiness

The adhan (call for prayer) during Maghrib or dusk prayer marks the end of one fasting day. As the call for prayer: “Allahu akbar! Allahu Akbar! Allahu akbar!” is recited in the masjids, the Muslims at same time would break their fast with light foods (iftar) before going to prayer. After prayers, dinner will be served. Read more about Ramadan for Non-Muslims in the Philippines and Ethics During Ramadan: a Guide for Non-Muslims.

Isabela City, Basilan Celebrates Fiesta Santa Isabel 2013

Sta. Isabel de Portugal Cathedral in Isabela City Basilan
Sta. Isabel Cathedral of Isabela City, Basilan
Happy Fiesta to the people of Isabela City, capital of the Province of Basilan, as they celebrate today, July 8, 2013, their town fiesta in honor of their patron saint, Sta. Isabel de Portgal. We wish you a more peaceful and progressive Isabela City under the leadership of Mayor Cherrylyn Santos-Akbar.

Basic Waray Phrases for Travel

Buyogan Festival

Waray-Waray, or Waray in short, is spoken in the provinces of Leyte, Samar, Eastern Samar, Northern Samar and Biliran. When traveling to these provinces in Eastern Visayas, it really helps a lot if you will learn some basic Waray phrases. When riding the jeepney or tricycle, buying food or pasalubong, or simply greeting your local friends, knowledge of some Waray phrases will help you get around easier and will surely make your visit more fun. Here is a list of useful Waray phrases essential for tourists and travelers.

Find, Discover and Share at Choose Philippines


Mark you calendars as Choose Philippines launches it new website on July 9, 2013. Last May, we got a sneak preview of Choose Philippines version 2 and we are very excited that you, our readers, get to experience this new website yourselves. We support Choose Philippines because we share the same advocacy, to promote the Philippines as a travel destination and to showcase to the world the beauty of our country. 

Ethics During Ramadan: a Guide for Non-Muslims

Ramadan 2013

Ramadan 2013 is expected to begin next week, 9 July 2013, and Muslims around the world are now preparing (spiritually and physically) for the celebration. The Holy Month of Ramadan is a very special time for Muslims, and like most special occasions, participating in the celebration of Ramadan is a great opportunity to strengthen personal relationships. Ramadan is the month of fasting for Muslims, and there are certain rules that govern what Muslims are allowed and not allowed to do during Ramadan. It is during this time when a Muslim would need spiritual and moral support from a relative or a friend.