Fiesta Fair at Greenhills

MANILA, Philippines - There’s a plethora of cultural and religious festivals in the Philippines with Filipinos having a penchant to celebrate fiestas, anniversaries, commemorations and other social events.

Among the most popular festivals are the Sinulog, Ati-Atihan, Moriones, Masskara, Flores de Mayo, Carabao and Carroza and Peñafrancia. Festivals attract both local and foreign spectators.

For the month of January, festivals led by Cebu’s Sinulog are celebrated in honor of the Sto. Niño. Another festival is the procession of the Black Nazarene in Quiapo, which draws thousands of pilgrims and devotees.

Tourists who want to have a feel of the fiesta mood can visit the Greenhills Shopping Complex’s 21st Fiesta Fair Manila which runs until Feb. 3.

Meanwhile, tourists who are fish hobbyists can swing by the Las Farolas fish world complex on Frontera Verde beside Tiendesitas in Ortigas Ave., Pasig City, which has been capturing many a visitor’s fancy by offering a unique experience. Las Farolas is one kind in the world. It is only found in the Philippines.

According to Bernie Repalbor, Las Farolas COO, Las Farolas is a different adventure. It showcases rare and monstrous species from the freshwater habitat.

Although the “river monsters” are not entirely endemic, as most of them have been acquired from breeding farms overseas, Las Farolas is a testament to what is 100-percent Filipino because the “concept and design reflect much of the Philippines in terms of history, culture and heritage,” adds Repalbor.

The 50-percent off the entrance fee is until Feb. 20. Las Farolas is open until midnight until Jan. 31.