Established on th 22nd of September in 2012, We are FUNtastic Philippines is a group composed of fun-loving Filipinos living worldwide. Assisted by friends from different countries whose primary objctive is to showcase the beauty of th Philippines and invite visitors to visit it's 7,107 islands and experience the culture and hospitality of the Filipinos. https://www.facebook.com/groups/we.are.funtastic.philippines/
The group's primary purpose is to promote Philippine tourism through the collection of photos taken all over the Philippines. The group is also responsible for creating awareness locally through the organization of FUNLakwatsa events. A photowalk event that focuses on the highlights of a particular tourist spot or festival.
Just recently, WAFP (short term for We are FUNtastic Philippines) have celebrated it's first year of existence.
With now 35 administrators and more than 74 thousands members, our advocacy will continue.
The Philippines, with it's dot-like shape on th map, is an island of great and rich culture. The flag's 8 sunrays and the three stars represent the noble deeds of the country's people and the bright culture it holds. The changes that happened in the land are not just the results from years of invasion but also the drive of it's people to make the Filipinos rise above all. The skills and talents that the natives have acquired are prerogatives, but there's one distinctive mark that the land is known for, th celebration of festivals at it's very best.
People all over the 7,107 islands of the Philippines celebrates festivals all year round. Religious feast are often celebrated in honor of a saint; while cultural festivals focus more on the unique aspect of the place or historical events; and a seasonal festival is a mere celebration of a bountiful harvest. Each festival is highly anticipated by the locals and tourist alike, as they look forward to watching great scenes along the streets, to move as dancers enliven one’s spirit through the beat of the drums, to gaze upon the product of man’s creative minds and hands through the costumes, display of masks or the creation of the giants, to be entertained by the synchronize movements of the colourful costumes worn by the street dancers, to be amazed by the parades of giant colourful flowers as they give pleasure to one’s eye. The crowds also await and pave the way for the parade of Philippine animals dressed like humans as they perform in the streets.
Festivals
are part of our culture, it uplifts the spirit of every Filipino and it is a
great manifestation of unique talents. Filipinos love to celebrate even life’s
simplicity. They laugh in the midst of a calamity thus there’s no reason for
them not to celebrate life’s goodness. For them almost everything calls for a
celebration and festival is a tool for unity and togetherness, a cultural
aspect that is being passed on from generation to generation.
Article written by Nelson Gonzales, a high school
teacher at Colegio de San Lorenzo in Pampanga, a hobbyist photographer of
landscape, street photography and festivals, and is one of the Administrator
of We are FUNtastic Philippines
WAFP FUNLakwatsa group recently experienced the dazzling display of costumes in Pahiyas Quezon, the most energetic performance of Dinagyang Iloilo, the colorful parade of Ibon-Ebon Pampanga, the excitement of Hot Air Balloon, the exquisite cuisine and most especially the hospitality and merriment that these festival offers. Other festivals worth experiencing are Sinulog in Cebu, , Maskara Festival in Bacolod, Morions in Marinduque, Pintados in Tacloban, Panagbenga in Baguio, Higantes in Angono Rizal, Kadayawan in Davao and more! For more information on Philippine Festivals, join us at https://www.facebook.com/groups/we.are.funtastic.philippines/
Article published on Sept 2013 for HKLife Newspaper in Hong Kong Filipino Community
