May 2 | Nabua, Camarines Sur, Philippines  The highlight of the affair is the re-enactment of the 13th century pagan rites which is enriched by colorful costumes. The rite is dramatic revival of the traditional boa feast during the pre-Spanish era where pagans believed that the chains of coconut embryos called "Boa" are offered to their old deities.  Source:Regional Development Council V

May | Parañaque, Metro Manila, Philippines.  Another theatrical drama which history dates back during the Spanish times. The theme centers on the animosity between Christians & Muslims in the beginning, and unity & brotherhood in the end. The presence of the vital elements in a drama like love, hate, war, religion and parental disputes make the Komedya spectacular not only because of the colorful costumes but also of the real and suggestive moments of the performers on stage. This traditional drama is usually performed during Barangay Fiestas. The origin of the Komedya is in Brgy. San Dionisio and is still a thriving cultural entertainment of Parañaque. Source:Visitmyphilippines.com

May 2| Alitagtag and Bauan, Batangas, Philippines  A festive celebration of meeting the Holy Cross of Bauan and the Holy Cross of Alitagtag at Binukalan Shrine at 8:00 am. The celebration is highlighted by a program and praises for the Holy Cross accompanied by street dancing and finally at 2:00 p.m., the Holy Cross of Bauan returns to the Parish Church of Bauan where the jubilation culminates.  Contact : Parish Churches of Alitagtag, Batangas/ Bauan, Batangas Telephone No. : (043)-772-0056/ (043)-727-1372  Source:Visitmyphilippines.com

May 3 | Canaman, Camarines Sur, Philippines  A May celebration in Canaman, Camarines Sur to honor the Sta. Cruz tradition. Women dance on the streets while chanting prayers to find the real cross. Source:Camarines Sur Website

May 3 | Naguilian, La Union, Philippines Objective of the event is to promote “basi”, a wine made from sugarcane. Activities include street dancing, sport events, agri-trade fair & other amusement games.  Source:TravelMart.net

May 3-5 | Sarrat, Ilocos Norte, Philippines. The Sarratenos call their fiesta which stands for liberty, courage, leadership, unity & brotherhood even in the most certain pain of death. Source:Exploreilocos.com

May 3 | Oton, Iloilo Katagman Festival is a yearly celebration in Oton, Iloilo which celebrates the ancient Ilonggo culture as Katagmans. Merrymakers in the Katagman Festival dancve to the beat of traditional instruments adorned with golden eye and nose piece or deathmask, a replica of the golden mask dug in Oton in 1973.  The mask is part of the ancient burial custom and was used to ward off and protect the deceased from evil spirits and for guidance in he afterlife. The original deathmask is currently enshrined at the National Museum in Manila.  The festival is celebrated with a theatrical dance competition as the highlight followed with minor events such as garden show, porma-balas, and motor boat race among others.  Read more on how the people of Oton celebrate the Katagman Festival.  

May 5 | Tayabas, Quezon, Philippines.  The clamor for suman and other pabitin as their sweat, strength and rivalry pervade in the air. Impelled by their yearly panata or sacrificial devotion to San Isidro, they participate in "Hagisan ng Suman" believing that the bounty gathered in their sacks heralds economic upliftment. It portends the amount of their next harvest or income for the year. Suman is the ritual gift of Hagisan. The Tayabasin cook it with great enthusiasm because Hagisan is an opportunity to share their prosperity. Bundles of suman are gaily tied in the pabitin, which is made out of a special kind of bamboo called bagakay. Pabitin is actually an installation art that is not simply exhibited . As soon as the image of San Isidro passes by, pabitin must be emptied of its colorful array of abundance, which, besides suman, includes banana, buko, pineapple and other summer fruits. Unstoppable is the outpouring of voices during the Hagisan ng Suman. Full of primeval joy for both the giver and the receiver, Hagisan has two inseparable gestures: Letting go for those who freely give, and openness for those who wish to receive. One is nourished by the other, and the experience graces, both with deep gratitude for a life of plenty.  Source:Tourism.qzn.ph

1st Week of May | Vigan, Ilocos Sur, Philippines  In an effort to increase public awareness of Vigan as a unique historic city to be conserved and protected, the Save Vigan Ancestral Homes Association, Inc. (SVAHAI), a local non-government organization involved in the conservation of Vigan Heritage, initiated the 1st Viva Vigan Festival of the Arts in May 1993. With the help of members of print and broadcast media, as well as Manila-based proponents of conservation, the first festival was a success.Encouraging public response has made festival a yearly activity. It has also proven to be a stimulus for the local tourism industry. Over the past years, the Viva Vigan Festival has become one of the biggest cultural events in the North, attracting domestic and foreign visitors who come to Vigan on a pilgrimage to our heritage.Viva Vigan is held every 1st week of May. It features a calesa parade, binatbatan street dancing, ramada games, religious rituals, santacruzan, bankathon, exhibits, trade/food fairs, abel-iloco fashion show and other exciting events.Source:Santa.gov.ph

May 7 | San Jose, Negros Oriental  Street dancing retells the origins of the town's former place name derived from INUKITAN, breed pickings. Source:Sidlakan Tours & Travel