Plan Your Philippine Festivals Itinerary For January 2018

Cross off another bucket list entry in 2018 and celebrate your favorite Philippine festivals in person!

Here is all you need to know about the biggest festivals happening in January to start planning your trip.

*All prices as of January 5, 2018.

Sinulog Festival
Cebu City, January 7 to 28, 2018

Sinulog is a month-long celebration in honor of the Sto. Niño statue given to the Rajah of Cebu by Ferdinand Magellan after the locals’ conversion to Christianity. The festival is action-packed, with masses, cultural shows, and concerts happening in the span of three weeks. Click here to see the list of activities.

It ends with the iconic Grand Parade, where performers in multi-colored costumes do the traditional sinulog dance. (Sinulog literally means “like a water current.”)

Photo courtesy of Cebu Tours

Where to stay:

Maayo Hotel in Mandaue, Cebu
About 7 km away from City Center, Maayo Hotel offers rooms that will cost P8,400 for three days.
Southpole Hotel in Brgy. Kamagayan, Cebu
Located near the city center where most of the activities happen, Southpole Hotel is a good place to catch all the Sinulog action. A three-day weekend will cost roughly P9,000.
Alpa City Suites Hotel in Mandaue, Cebu
Conveniently located near one of the biggest malls in the city, Alpa City Suites Hotel will set you back around P9,300 for a three-night stay.

Ati-Atihan Festival
Kalibo, Aklan, January 15 to 21, 2018

Ati-Atihan is a nine-day celebration of both the Sto. Niño and the culture of the aboriginal Ati tribe who were the original settlers of the Panay area.

In the tradition of making like Atis, performers paint their faces with soot and dance in colorful tribal costumes, while shouting “Hala bira! Pwera pasma!” and “Viva Señor Sto. Nino!“

Some of the activities include a parade of floats, a street party, and the popular never-ending snake dance. Check out the complete list of activities here.

Photo courtesy of Jane Dacumos via Vigattintouris

Where to stay

Hotel Metro in Kalibo, Aklan
Located a short distance away from the airport, Hotel Metro has large family rooms that can accommodate a group of six.
LM Lodge in Kalibo, Aklan
Get a room in LM Lodge, which is near the city center and is a ride away from the most popular sights in Kalibo.

Dinagyang Festival
Iloilo City, January 26 to 28, 2018

Dinagyang is Iloilo’s local celebration of the Sto. Niño through traditional and modern dances.

Dance is viewed by the locals as a release from the routines of everyday life, and the various tribes of the area compete to outperform each other during the culminating Ati Ati Grand Parade.

Expect a grand celebration this year as the city is celebrating the festival’s 50th anniversary. There is a float parade of lights, a concelebrated high mass, and an Ati Tribes competition. Here’s the full list of activities.

Photo courtesy of Emaho Magazine

Where to stay:

Guesthouse Homey in Jaro, Iloilo
The guesthouse is an affordable option when staying in Iloilo, with triple-sharing rooms and shared bathrooms that you can book for larger barkadas.
The Mansion
The Mansion offers a higher-end stay in the city, with an Olympic-size pool and fitness center. The hotel also offers tour services for its visitors.
Bearland Paradise Resort in Tigbauan, Iloilo City
Groups traveling with small children will find more things to do at this resort, with outdoor pools and gardens for families to enjoy together.

Book lodgings for your trips at www.booking.com/paymaya with your Maya VISA Card and get up to 40% OFF for participating accommodations!

Offer is good from January 8 to February 8, 2018.

No Maya yet? Download the free app here: