Summer fiesta in the Philippines is never complete without the colorful pageantry, merry-making, elaborate costumes, overflowing food and drinks, fluvial parades, loud music, and other exciting activities that last until midnight. The festivals are a great way to learn and experience the culture, traditions, and heritage of the Filipinos. They offer a unique experience for those who participate in the revelries and celebrations.
Do not let the unbearable heat wear you out this summer. Do not let it stop you from organizing a fun summer fiesta in the Philippines that your family and friends will surely enjoy and talk about. Looking at the bright side, Filipino fiesta should be enjoyed. Here are 8 tips to plan your summer fiesta getaway.
6 Tips for Organizing a Successful Filipino Fiesta this Summer
1. Determine Your Budget.
Before getting to the planning part, you have to determine your budget as it will affect most of your plans. Once your budget is identified, create a list of foreseeable expenses. Some of the most common expenses when organizing a summer fiesta are as follows:
- Venue
- Entertainment
- Food
- Staff
- Equipment rental
- Decorations
2. Be Creative with Your Theme.
The theme puts the tone and mood of the celebration. Usually, this depends on the type of celebration in a particular town or Province. Following the Fiesta’s theme wouldn’t limit your creativity at all. Every theme is unique, colorful, and meaningful.
Incorporate the theme to the decors you’ll use for the stage, public places, and even your home. The foods you’ll serve may also reflect your theme. Why not serve floral-shaped “kakanin” during Panagbenga Festival or create your own higantes-inspired utensils during Higantes Festival? You can also wear customized clothes to welcome guests and celebrate with them.
3. Plan Activities.
Usually, different activities are held during summer fiestas. Games for kids and adults are held during the day while different types of entertainment happen at night.
Simple activities and traditional Filipino games such as palo sebo, agawan buko, or pukpok palayok may be scheduled. Live bands, magicians, stand up comedians, and event hosts are usually booked to take charge of the entertainment at night.
4. Delegate.
Form your team so you can get extra hands to help you organize the event. You may seek volunteers who can do work with minimal fee if your budget is limited. In organizing a summer fiesta, the number of people in your team would depend on how big your event would be. You may also form committees to ensure that every important aspect of the event will be given sufficient attention.
Some of the committees you may form include:
- Finance
- Food
- Entertainment
- Venue
- Supplies
- Guests/Ushers
5. Book Suppliers Ahead of Time
It is better to search for suppliers early and book them ahead of time. Last-minute booking will cause stress and may lead to delays. Usually, it also costs more to book suppliers with little time left. Determine your needs and find suppliers that meet your requirements and budget. Don’t wait too long to pay the downpayment to secure your booking.
6. Choose a Professional Lights and Sounds Service Provider
Hire a professional lights and sounds system provider if you are hosting a summer fiesta. Lights and sounds are important as they set the mood of your event. Lighting can change the appeal and ambiance of the venue and you’d require more if your venue is big and most of the activities will be held at night. Aside from aesthetics, good lighting also creates a sense of safety.
Beauty pageants, singing competitions, and variety shows wouldn’t be as entertaining without good audio equipment. Choosing a professional provider will leave you worry-free knowing that the activities you planned will be properly executed. With more than 10 years in the industry, Red Damien is one of the most dependable providers of professional lights and sounds in Metro Manila. For your lights and sounds requirement, contact Red Damien now.
Summer Fiestas Near Metro Manila
While most summer fiestas in the Philippines are held in provinces away from Metro Manila, provinces near the metro such as Bulacan and Rizal do not run out of Fiesta celebrations. If you are from these provinces, here are some of the fiestas that should be under your radar.
List of Fiestas in Bulacan
- Linggo ng Bulacan – September 8 to 15 (Malolos)
- Obando Fertility Dance – May 17 to May 19 (Obando)
- Calumpit Libad Festival – June 23 (Calumpit)
- Feast of the Holy Cross of Wawa – every first Sunday of July (Bocaue)
- Flagellants and Lenten Rites – during Holy Week (Kapitangan, Paombong ) and Maundy Thursday and Good Friday (processions in Malolos, Plaridel and Pulilan)
- Sto. Nino Festival – last Sunday of January (Malolos)
- Baliuag Lenten Procession – every Good Friday (Baliuag)
- Santa Cruzan – date differs in various places. Some celebrate it on the first day of May, or 3rd of May (Feast of the Finding of the True Cross), or 4th of May (Liturgical Feast of St. Helena the Empress), or the last day of the month
- Plaridel Horse Festival – December 29 to 30 (Plaridel)
- Pulilan Carabao Festival – May 14 (Pulilan)
- Luyang Dilaw Festival – May 2 (Marilao)
List of Fiestas in Rizal
- Higantes Festival – November 22 to 23 (Angono)
- Maytime Festival – every first Tuesday of May and ends on the first Tuesday of July (Antipolo)
- Tromba Festival – May 1 (Baras)
- Binalayan Festival – October 21 (Binangonan)
- SumBingTik Festival – December 1 (Cainta)
- Kaluskos Festival – every first week of December (Cardona)
- D’dlaylay Festival – September 29 (Jalajala)
- Pamitinan Festival – December 17 to 23 (Rodriguez)
- Kakanin Festival – September 9 (San Mateo)
- Hane Festival – November 12 (Tanay)
- Rodeo Festival – every third week of January (Tanay)
ALSO READ: 10 Classic Fiesta Activities in the Philippines
Summer fiestas are a part of Filipino culture. People from all walks of life participate in this kind of event to celebrate and experience the tradition. If you are planning to organize a summer fiesta in the Philippines, take note of the essentials and follow the above-mentioned tips to stay guided.
Want to turn your ordinary events into extraordinary celebrations? Let Red Damien Studios do the trick. We offer state-of-the-art lights and sound equipment rental and sales. Send us a message today.
