Padul-Ong Festival
Introduction
Padul-Ong Festival: A Celebration of Faith and Heritage in Borongan City
The Padul-Ong Festival is an annual religious and cultural celebration held in Borongan City, Eastern Samar, Philippines. It is a week-long festival that culminates on September 8th, the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the city’s patroness. The festival is a colorful and vibrant display of Filipino faith, culture, and tradition.
A Journey Through Religious Devotion
At the heart of the Padul-Ong Festival lies a deep devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. The festival commemorates the miraculous arrival of a small image of the Virgin Mary from Portugal to Borongan City in the 17th century. According to legend, the image was found floating in the sea off the coast of Borongan. The people of Borongan City took the image as a sign of divine favor and have been venerating her ever since.
The Padul-Ong Festival is a way for the people of Borongan City to express their gratitude to the Blessed Virgin Mary for her protection and blessings. The festival is also a time for people to come together and strengthen their faith.
A Showcase of Filipino Culture and Tradition
The Padul-Ong Festival is not just a religious celebration; it is also a showcase of Filipino culture and tradition. The festival features a variety of cultural events, including:
- Street parades: Colorful street parades wind their way through the streets of Borongan City, featuring traditional Filipino dances, music, and costumes.
Religious processions: Devout Catholics carry the image of the Blessed Virgin Mary in a solemn procession through the city streets.
Cultural performances: Traditional Filipino dances, such as the tinikling and the caracoles, are performed by local groups.
Culinary delights: A variety of Filipino culinary delights are available for sale at food stalls throughout the festival grounds.
A Celebration of Community and Unity
The Padul-Ong Festival is a time for the people of Borongan City to come together and celebrate their community. The festival is a reminder of the shared values and traditions that bind the people of Borongan City together.
The festival is also a time for people from all over the Philippines and the world to come and experience the rich culture and hospitality of Borongan City. The Padul-Ong Festival is a truly unique and special event that is not to be missed.
Date, Days
The festival begins on September 8th.
Please refer to the button below for the exact date.
(This is the starting date of the festival or the date on when the festival is being held.)
Location
How to get there
By Air
The nearest airport to Borongan City is the Tacloban Airport (TAC), which is located about 100 kilometers (62 miles) from the city. Several airlines offer direct flights to Tacloban from Manila, Cebu, and Davao. From the airport, you can take a taxi, van, or bus to Borongan City.
By Bus
There are several bus companies that operate regular bus services from Manila, Cebu, and other major cities in the Philippines to Tacloban City. From Tacloban City, you can take a local bus or van to Borongan City.
By Ferry
There are several ferry companies that operate routes to Leyte from Cebu, Iloilo, and Mindanao. The closest ferry port to Borongan City is the Guiuan Port, which is located about 40 kilometers (25 miles) from the city. From the port, you can take a taxi, van, or bus to Borongan City.
