A Look Back at the Charming Higantes Festival and More!

This is a very late post! I've been very busy these past few months and when I get home, I just relax my tired body by just watching the good 'ol boob tube. But let me tell you something, l'm so glad for 2012. I've had the opportunity to go to 3 festivals and those experiences were amazing!

But for this post, the Higantes Festival is the "bida". This event is usually celebrated during the third week of November in the quaint yet artistic town of Angono, Rizal.

For the longest time, I have longed to go to this festival in hope of seeing the mestizo & mestiza, moreno & morena looking giant effigies, usually at 10 to 12 feet in height, that was made before of paper mache but since modernity seeped in, it was replaced with plaster of Paris and resin. Parading of these giants is the way of joyously honoring the patron saint of fishermen, San Clemente.

So now, these are my beloved photos that I took during the motorcade which, because of work, we were able to join in. So thankful!

Each Higantes is sponsored. Very enterprising! 

BDO's Higantes waiting for their cue to join in the long queue of effigies just waiting to be shown off in all their tall glory! 

Looks like xmas colors! =)

This Higante is funny-looking..pucker up! 

Spectators lined up the streets. It was such a happy sight knowing that these people supports and appreciates our festivals.

A proof that the people of Angono are really a creative and artistic bunch.. their streets, every few meters, is decorated  with these stuff made out of recycled materials such as straws and CDs. 

Lady Liberty in Angono??! Yup, it is her! More fun in the Philippines, that's what she said. 

There's the power couple now! 

Me and my officemate and friend, Jo, firmly seated at the top of our sponsored truck. It was hot alright but  I enjoyed every minute of it.  

Banderitas filled the main roads!

Si Malakas at si Maganda

Gotcha, kuya! Resting for a few minutes while the parade stopped because of the traffic. 

Doña Aurora Street in Barangay Poblacion Itaas used to be the street address of National Artist for Painting, Carlos "Botong" Francisco. Murals were made in his memory. These street murals are based on his actual masterpieces.  

Festivals are all about street foods too, this I really love seeing..and eating!

Nighttime came and we are still at it! Exploring and exploring still.

The San Clemente Church

We chanced upon an art exhibit and I really loved their paintings! Love the vibrancy of the colors.

Angono, Rizal is known as the "Arts Capital of the Philippines" and they truly deserve this title. There are many art galleries here that one can get lost in as they take a look at these fine creations. A must-try also is the famous Balaw-balaw Restaurant where they serve folk food dishes. And of course, do visit the Petroglyphs for a touch of history that existed long before we were conquered by the Spaniards. =)