Sinulog Festival, Cebu, Philippines

 

The Sinulog Festival in Cebu, Philippines has a long history. It is held in memory of the statue of the Santo Nino (Child Jesus) given to Rajah Humabon of Cebu by the Portuguese explorer Magellan in 1521. The statue is kept at the Basilica Minore del Santo Nino in Cebu. The religious festival takes place each year in January and is considered the biggest and most famous of the country, attracting millions of visitors. Typical for the Sinulog Festival is the Sinulog dance accompanied by drums, two steps forward and one backward with swaying body movements, simulating the current of the waters.

Besides the Grand Street Parade there are also numerous street parties and fun events hosted in the days before and after the actual festival.

Isn't it a fun fact of this postcard collecting hobby, how a single postcard makes us doing research and learning about history, culture and so many things more.

Thank you very much Rose !!!

Palawan Mapcard. Philippines

Great mapcard of Palawan. Philippines, for my collection. It was sent by Christine for the Postcrossing March Round Robin.

Bohol Mapcard, Philippines

A great new mapcard for my collection. It was sent by Rod Eime and shows the island province Bohol in the Philippines. The island is a popular tourist spot with beautiful beaches. The main attraction are the famous limestone formations called the Chocolate Hills.

Philippine Military Academy, Fort del Pilar, Baguio City

This card was sent by Romina Mislang for the WiP November General Swap. It is a great addtion to my military collection and shows cadets of the Philippine Military Academy in Fort Del Pilar.

Leyte, Palo, Philippines

This monument commemorates the Leyte Landing of Genral McArthur on October 20, 1944, the start of the liberation campaingn for the Philippines and parts of Asia from the Japanese occupation and as the fulfillment of is promise "I shall return".
This great card was sent by teleclem for the Postcrossing Favourites Tag.

Batanes Islands, Philippines

Batanes lies on the northernmost part of the Philippines, located between the Babuyan Islands and Taiwan. It is known for its steep cliffs, rolling hills and deep canyons. But the most noticeable feature of the Batanes Islands is the architecture of the houses, - stone walled and thick thatched roofs.
This great card was sent by Romina Mislang for the WiP February General Swap

St. Paul Subterranean Park, Palawan, Philippines

A wonderful view of the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River. It is located near Puerto Princesa in the Palawan district. It was inscribed into the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1999.
This great postcard was sent by Steffi Knapp for the WiP Heart's Desire Swap.

Taoist Temple, Cebu City, Philippines

A beautiful view of the Taoist Temple in Cebu City, Philippines sent by Romina Mislang for the WiP June General Swap.
It was built by the Chinese citizens of Cebu City in 1972.

Palosebo Game, Philippines

Palosebo is a popular fiesta game. The goal is to climb for the prize sitting atop the heavily greased bamboo pole.
This great card came from Romina Mislang for the WiP Unusual Swap.

Hundred Islands National Park, Philippines

The Hundred Islands National Park covers a land area of 1,884 hectares with the islands scattered along Lingayen Gulf. At high tide there are only 23 islands, at low tide 123.  Diving, snorkeling, island hopping, swimming and fishing are some of the popular activities in the park.
This beautiful postcard was sent by Romina Mislang for the WiP April General swap.

Sinulog Festival, Philippines

Wonderful postcard showing dancers at the Sinulog Festival. It is one of the largest and grandest annual festivals held in the Philippines. It happens every third Sunday of January in honour of Sto. Nino.
The card was sent by Romina Mislang for the WiP 3 Things to know about ... my country swap.

Taal Volcano, Philippines

The Taal Volcano is locatedon the Philippine Island of Luzon, about 50 km south of Manila. It had some violent eruptions in the past killing thousands of people living in the surroundings. Since 1977 it has been quiet but there have been signs of activity since 1991 now.
This beautifully coloured card was sent by Romina Misland for the WiP ABC Swap.

University of Sto. Tomas, Manila, Philippines

The University of Sto. Tomas was founded on April 28, 1611 by the archbishop of Manila, Miguel de Benavides, and thus is the oldest existing University in Asia. It is a private Roman Catholic University run by the Order of Preachers.
The beautiful card was sent by Romina Mislang for the WiP Letter U Swap.

Lahos Island, Caramoan Peninsula, Philippines

This amazing postcard was sent by Romina Mislang for the WiP Landscape swap.
Caramoan Peninsula is a hilly area with carves, deep gorges and even an underground river. The white beaches are inviting for tourists. Sure a place to put on a "Wish to see List".

Sagada, Hanging Coffins, Philippines

This card shows a traditional burial place with hanging coffins in Echo Valley near Sagada in the Mountain Province, Philippines. The tribe that buried its dead that way was never conquered and thus was able to maintain their culture throughout time. They still keep some of their old traditions till today.
This unusual card was sent by Romina Mislang for the WiP ABC Letter S swap.

Magellan's Cross, Cebu City. Philippines

Magellan's Cross can be found in a small chapel close to the Basilica Minore del Santo Nino, Cebu City, Philippines. It was planted by Portuguese and Spanish explorers upon arriving in Cebu, Philippines on April, 1521.
The card was sent by Ruby Ricafrente for the WiP Historical Landmark Swap.

Bohol is one the most popular tourist destinations in the Philippines. Bohol is an island province consisting of Bohol as the main island and 75 smaller islands. On the card you can see the Chocolate Hills, which is a rather interesting geological formation. There are over 1200 such hills all covered with green grass that turns brown during the dry season, hence the name.  Below are pictures of the Tarsier, the world's smallest monkeys, Sagbayan Park, a mountain resort and recreational center that offers a great view of the Chocolate Hills and finally Loboc River, wich has a lot of floating restaurants.
Ruby Ricafrente sent me this card for the WiP August General Swap.

Batad Rice Terraces, Banaue, Philippines (UNESCO)

Great view of the Batad Rice Terraces sent by Romina Mislang for the WiP UNESCO Swap. The terraces were carved into the mountains by the ancestors of indigenious pleople about 2000 years ago. They are fed by an ancient irigation system, channelling water from the rainforests. Locals still plant rice and vegetables on the terraces.

Mines View Park, Baguio City, Philippines

Nice multiview card from Romina for the WiP December General Swap. Mines View Park is one of the most popular places in Baguio City. From the observation deck the visitor has a spectacular panoramic view of the gold and copper mines as well as the surrounding landscape and mountains.

Prayer before Meal by Vicente Manansala, Philippines

Great card sent by Romina for the WiP ABC Letter P swap showing the Painting Prayer before Meal by Vicente Manansala, a Philippine cubist painter and illustrator.