Merry-making In Tattoos And Masks

From Aparri to Jolo, the country has an array of fascinating merry-making that tourists should never miss. Why? Because these high-energy activities are a fun way to learn about the culture of Filipinos.  Any of these celebrations are worth the attention of every holiday-maker.

The Visayan region is no exception. Its dynamic festivals have drawn countless visitors, both local and foreign alike to the area that these are now acclaimed worldwide as major Philippine tourist attractions. Here are just two of them:

1. Pintados-Kasadyahan Festival

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Tacloban City takes pride in this important cultural-religious celebration that commemorates the Spaniards' perception of the natives when they first set foot in the place – weapon-clad warriors having bodies decorated with tattoos all over.  Their armors were said to have been previously heated in open fire.

The festival got its name from the very same people whose bodies were totally covered in tattoos – they were called the 'pintados'. The month-long event starts from the feast day of Señor Santo Niño and culminates on the 29th day of June. The inclusion of the Leyte Kasadyaan Festival of Festivals, Pintados Festival Ritual Dance Presentation, and the Pagrayhak Grand Parade add to the merry-making, color, pomp and pageantry of the event.

2. MassKara Festival

Bacolod City has its own Festival of Smiles taken from its own nickname as the City of Smiles. Literally a Festival of Masks, this is a joyous celebration of music, food and wine, held every year on the week closest to October 19th, the Charter Inauguration Anniversary of the city of Bacolod.

Holiday-makers from all sectors of society join the masquerade party wearing smiling-faced masks, colorful costumes, with matching peculiar accessories. They dance on the streets to the infectious rhythm of the Latin musical beat in an impressive display of coordination, gaiety, mastery, and endurance.

Featured in the activity are street carnivals, food feasts, sports and music events, various competitions,  garden and agricultural shows, among others, as well as the much-awaited search for the Festival Queen.

The numerous islands of the Visayas play host to an assortment of festivals that are noteworthy to all travelers. Apart from that, the region is likewise teeming with stunning Philippine beach holidays that are at par with the world's best.

Places to Go in Southeast Asia: 5 Must-See Picks

If you're thinking of visiting Southeast Asia but aren't sure where to start, it can be tempting to follow the crowd. Whether the crowd is small or large, there are places you can go where you and your family or friends will really enjoy hitting that one beach. Here are a few of those vacation spots to add to your list.

1. Tubbataha Reef, Philippines. One of the top Philippine tourist attractions for divers and nature-lovers, this World Heritage Site boasts a stunningly high number of marine species. One of its islets even serves as a nesting site for birds and turtles.

Try to catch a glimpse of he hammerhead and white-tip reef sharks there, among other marine animals.

2. Mount Kinabalu, Malaysia. Another World Heritage Site, the 20th most prominent mountain in the world towers more than 4,000 meters above sea level. You don't need any special training in mountain climbing to try and scale the peak. The thinning air as you reach the top might slow you down some, though.

Asia's 3rd highest mountain boasts a biological diversity greater than that of Europe and North America combined, where plant life is concerned. Furry critters include three kinds of deer, the Oriental Small-Clawed Otter, and the Bornean ferret-badger.

3. Bagan, Myanmar. The sheer number of temples found here can make you think that they just popped up out of the ground. This counterpart to the Angkor Wat provides just as breathtaking a view, especially when viewed from the air via hot air balloon ride.

This is sure to be the highlight of activities while you're in the area, for kids and adults alike. Make sure to ride that hot air balloon at dawn or at dusk; it's hard to beat the hazy, gentle sunlight washing over these majestic stone structures surrounded by verdant nature.

4. Angkor Wat, Cambodia. What trip to Southeast Asia would be complete without a visit to this renowned archaeological site? It's part of the Angkor Archaeological Park, the sheer size of which leaves plenty of room for the hordes of visitors to explore.

5. Vigan City, Philippines. If you're on a Philippine vacation, be sure to stop by this beautifully well-preserved Spanish colonial town. It's best to explore the city on foot, with it's cobblestone streets and European architecture.