Philippines Events – Top 10 Events to Follow in the Philippines in 2017

You will never run out of thing to do in the Philippines. With its rich culture and citizens who intrinsically like to have fun, the country is a treasure trove of festivals and celebrations. Filipinos always find a reason to celebrate even the smallest things: good movies, folk dances, delicious food, among others. There are so many Philippines events happening this year, and they cater to everyone: foodies, art lovers, political enthusiasts, or someone who just wants to have some fun.

These fun events in the Philippines are also spread all over the country, so these also present a good opportunity to explore the different beautiful places with unique cultures.

Philippines Events 2017

Here is a list of the top 10 events to follow in the Philippines in 2017. This list also specifies when and where these Philippines events are happening, and what you can expect to see and experience once you attend them.

1. Wanderland Music and Arts Festival

An exciting Philippine events happening in 2017 is Wanderland Music and Arts Festival, to be held on March 4 at the Filinvest City Event Grounds in Alabang, located in the southern part of Metro Manila. This annual event is basically a celebration of the music of both well-known local and foreign indie artists. This music festival has also already established a loyal following year after year, and promises to satisfy all music tastes. This year, the Wanderland Music Festival will feature foreign acts like The Tender Trap, The Ting Tings, Purity Ring and Explosions in the Sky.

Local artists such as Banna Harbera, Mickey Sulit, Jappy Agoncillo and Gab and John from the famous band Urbandub will also perform during this event. For the music lovers who want to be part of this event, the ticket cost P5,500. Visit www.wanderlandfestival.com for more details about this event.

2. Indak Filipinas: Festival of Philippine Folkloric Dance and Music

If you want to discover Philippine heritage through folk dance and music, this is the Philippine event that you certainly must attend. This festival, to be held in 2017, from March 7 to 9 at the Cultural Center of the Philippines, features performances from the best dance troupes in the country. These groups include the Bayanihan National Folk Dance Company, the Ramon Obusan Folkloric Group, and the Kaloob Phil Music and Dance Ministry. Prepare to be wowed by the richness and grace of Philippine folk dance. Ticket prices for this cultural event in the Philippines range from P309 to P618.

3. Madrid Fusion Manila

For all the foodies around the world, all roads must lead to the SMX Convention Center in Pasig City for Madrid Fusion Manila, which is happening from April 6 to 8. World-renowned chefs who have earned prestigious Michelin stars will gather in Manila for this annual international gastronomy event—the biggest of its kind. Among the chefs who will fly to the Philippines this year to participate in Madrid Fusion are Regis Marcon, Gert de Mangeleer and Rodrigo de la Calle.

Local chefs like Jordy Navarra and Robby Goco will also showcase some Filipino food in this Philippine event. For more information on the chefs and how to attend the event, visit www.madridfusionmanila.com.

4. Southeast Asia Basketball Association Tournament

Even sports enthusiasts have a Philippine event to look forward to this year. A country that loves basketball, the Philippines will serve as host of the 2017 Southeast Asia Basketball Association Tournament. Expect an adoring crowd of Filipino fans actively cheering their national basketball team, Gilas Pilipinas, against the best teams from neighboring countries. This sports event will take place on April 23 to 30.

5. Association of Southeast Asian Nations Meeting (ASEAN) Summit

Political enthusiasts will also have a Philippines event to look forward in 2017. Top leaders from Southeast Asia will gather in Manila from April 26 to 29 to plan the direction this key region is going to take in the coming years, as their nations move more and more towards reintegration. Addressing poverty, regional security and the protecting migrant workers are among the topics that are expected to be discussed in high-level meetings.

6. Pahiyas Festival

Among the most festive 2017 Philippine events, the Pahiyas Festival will definitely make you feel how to celebrate, Filipino-style. This annual festivity, held every 15th of May, showcases the summer’s harvest, and when we say showcase, we mean it. Fruits and vegetables of all kinds are used to decorate houses and floats that are paraded on the streets. What’s even more enjoyable about this famous festival in Philippine is that you can freely go inside any house and eat the food that is served.

7. Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival

This is the event in the Philippines to attend in 2017 if you are a film buff. Scheduled this year from August 4 to 13, the Cinemalaya Film Festival is a showcase of independently-produced movies of various genres, mostly tackling pressing issues in the Philippines. This year, the films to be shown will take on topics like crime, poverty and migration. This annual movie festival is also known to be the training ground for budding directors, so you might just be watching the early work of the next big thing in the Philippine film industry.

8. Kadayawan Festival

Another festive Philippine event worth attending is the Kadayawan Festival, held in the city of Davao every third week of August. This festival in the southern Philippines takes pride in the rich culture of the different tribes in Mindanao. Expect some street dancing, colorful costumes and floats, and a lot of local fun.

9. Masskara Festival

This is arguably the happiest event in the Philippines in 2017. The main draw of this festival, held in the city of Bacolod during the third weekend of October, is a street party with people wearing masks with smiling faces, dancing in colorful costumes and to festive music. How much fun does that sound?

10. Giant Lantern Festival

Christmas is considered to be the most joyous and longest Philippine event, and it is even made more colorful by this festival in Pampanga. Every December, locals compete in making huge lanterns, which are particularly beautiful when lit at night.

It’s more fun in the Philippines, and these Philippine events prove just that. What are you waiting for? Mark these events in the Philippines on your calendar and join these upcoming happenings.

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Feature image credit: AJ Delos Santos