TRECE MARTIRES CITY, Cavite – The month of June beckons both local and foreign tourists the chance to re-discover why Cavite is known as the “Historical Capital of the Philippines” as the province will be staging three biggest events showcasing its rich historical and cultural heritage in the backdrop.
First, Cavite will be one of the highlights in the country’s “Independence Day” celebration through a re-enactment of the raising of the country’s Flag and commemorative rites for the Proclamation of Philippine Independence at the Aguinaldo Shrine in Kawit, Cavite on June 12.
Second is the annual “Regada Water Festival” of Cavite City while the third big event is the 1st International Marching Band Competition in the City of Bacoor.
All roads lead to Kawit on June 12 for the 120th celebration of the declaration of Philippine Independence in Kawit town where the First Republican President General Emilio Aguinaldo proclaimed the country’s sovereignty and independence from Spanish colonization on June 12, 1898, before a huge crowd at his mansion, now known as the historic Aguinaldo Shrine – a National Shrine of the Philippines.
A national event and one of the country’s regular holidays, this event commemorates that momentous occasion when the Philippine National Flag, sewn in Hongkong by Marcela Agoncillo was officially hoisted and the Philippine National March was played to the public for the first time.
The National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP), in partnership with the provincial government of Cavite, the local government of Kawit, and their respective Tourism offices have lined up day-long activities, where the commemoration formalities, from flag raising, oath to flag, wreath-laying and program, happen in the morning.
The invited guest-of-honor (GOH) will lead the Art Exhibit opening by Pito Pito Art Group before the morning’s closing ceremonies.
The afternoon’s activities include a musical play, on-the-spot poster making contest, and cultural dance competition.
The fun in the province continues with Cavite City’s annual “Regada” Festival from June 16 to 24 where people of different ages and social status join in the fun not only because of its festive mood but also of the ecological implication and spiritual bonding that they experience.
The city’s “wet” festival which started in 1996 and now an annual revelry coincides with the feast of St. John the Baptist and is marked with street dancing and parade, fun games, highlighted with the splashing of water everywhere.
This year’s celebration, dubbed as “Paulan: The Biggest “goli” (an urban slang for bathing) in Town” kicks off with a coastal clean-up activity on June 16 and ends with various activities where one can experience a unique and simultaneous “goli” experience on June 24.
Lastly, the ‘Marching Band Capital of the Philippines’ Bacoor City will be the center stage of the grandest and first international marching band competition in the country with the Bacoor International Music Championships from June 22 to 24.
Organizers said that this is the first collaboration of its kind between the cities of Bacoor and Manila and promises to be not just an avenue for cultural expressions but a venue where young people are given the opportunity to pursue their passions and interests and grow up to become highly motivated individuals.
The province of Cavite is known in history as the home of the country’s First President and where the Philippine Independence from Spanish colonizers was declared.
Cavite’s tourism, historical and cultural office said the province is also a ‘centerstage’ for numerous revolts which triumphs and historical events are commemorated each year to constantly remind the people, especially the young ones, of our forefather’s gallantry and extreme love for country which led to the country’s freedom which we all enjoy today. (PNA)
