Festivals for tourists, foreign guests at Greenhills

MANILA, Philippines - There are many festivals in the Philippines. Among them are the Feast of the Black Nazarene, Sinulog, Ati-atihan, Moriones, Pahiyas, Flores de Mayo, Carabao Carroza, Festial, Kadayawan sa Davao, Masskara, Obando fertility rites, Peñafrancia Festival, Panagbenga and Pahimis.

The Philippines is the only Christian country in Asia, being colonized by Spain for almost 400 years. The Spaniards introduced Roman Catholicism and thus majority of the Filipinos are Catholics. The religion has taught Filipinos rituals and practices that Filipinos celebrate. In most cases, we can see these rituals and practices in festivals.

Festivals attract local and foreign tourists who enjoy festivities. They dance, sing, jump and imitate what the local folks do.

For the month of January, there are fiestas Filipinos can offer to tourists and guests. The procession of the Black Nazarene in Quiapo attracts more than a million pilgrims and devotees join in the procession. The procession starts after the Mass at the Quirino Grandstand and ends early in the morning of the following day.

Tourists and guests who want to feel the fiesta atmosphere can visit the Greenhills Shopping Complex during the 21st Telecommunication & Accessories Bazaar to start June 13.

At Greenhills, tourists and foreign guests can join local shoppers looking for goods and products they can bring home.

Here, tourists looking for world-class products like furniture and native cuisine and tropical fruits can feel at home with Filipinos who are warm and hospitable and can speak English and Spanish.

Greenhills features a department store where one can find the latest local and imported brands, beauty shops, newly-renovated Music Museum, a vibrant food strip, a badminton court, multi-level parking spaces and more business establishments.