Culture, adventure and nature come together as the municipality of Montalban, Rizal government celebrates the Montalban Festival to mark its monthlong 153rd founding anniversary.
Themed “Makasaysayang Bayan; Makabagong Karanasan, Silayan Bagong Montalban”, the festivity is a thrilling mixture of legend, indigenous culture, vibrant colors, rhythmic dances, and nature-oriented adventures.
“From showcasing our rich cultural heritage to embracing the spirit of unity and camaraderie, this year’s festival promises an unforgettable experience for all,” says municipal mayor Ronnie Evangelista.
The local chief executive said that the four-week celebration is the most ideal time to visit the town to conquer its mountains, bathe in its cool rivers and waterfalls, immerse with the Dumagat tribal communities, and feel the thrill of an inexpensive getaway just at the doorstep of Metro Manila.
Daily activities include Agri-Trade Tourism Fair which features local agricultural produce and the Music & Busking in the Park featuring home-grown musical and entertainment talents.
Action picks up with the Canicross Offroad and the Open Martial Arts Tournament on April 20, the Grand Off-Road Adventure Fest which features mountain biking, trail running, hiking, and paramotor sky adventure at the Pamitinan Protected Landscape, and the Run Against Illegal Drugs Color-RAID on April 21.
The town’s heritage spots take center stage with the unveiling of the National Museum’s Important Cultural Property marker at the Wawa Dam Complex on April 12 and the Battle of Mt. Puray National Historical Commission marker on April 25.
The iconic Wawa Dam, an American-era reservoir, is the core of the Pamitinan Protected Landscape which is home to the legend of Filipino giant Bernardo Carpio, and whose cave is the site of the Katipunan’s first cry of independence from Spain in 1895. Mt. Puray is the site of a significant battle of the Philippine Revolution in June 1897 when Filipino freedom fighters led by generals Emilio Aguinaldo and Licerio Geronimo defeated a much bigger Spanish force.
Rediscover the time-honored delicacies in the Heirloom “Himagas” Cooking Contest, listen to the Ulat sa Bayan, and crown the ambassadors of goodwill in the Ginoo and Binibining Montalban Coronation Night on April 26.
Capping the festivities on April 28 are the Pasayo (Grand Parade) featuring the float and effigy of mythical titan Bernardo Carpio, and the street dance competition interpreting the legend of Montalban.
Montalban was established as a pueblo in 1871 as part of the Spanish-era Manila province and later incorporated in 1901 into the newly-created Rizal province, and reorganized as a municipality in 1909. It was renamed “Rodriguez” in 1982 after Sen. Eulogio “Amang” Rodriguez Sr., one of its most illustrious sons.
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