ABOVE: Calamba, the birthplace of Dr. Jose Rizal in 1861, celebrates the Buhayani Festival—officially recognized through City Ordinance No. 575—as a vibrant tribute to his legacy, held annually alongside a special non-working holiday on June 9 designated by Republic Act No. 11144, while also marking its Cityhood Anniversary every April 21, all of which reflect the city’s deep pride in its heritage, its people, and its most iconic son
Calamba, Laguna
Buhayani Festival
Celebrating the Hero’s Legacy in Calamba
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- Calamba, Laguna
The Buhayani Festival, held every June 19 in Calamba, Laguna, honors the life and heroism of Dr. José Rizal, the city’s most celebrated son. First launched in 2014 by Mayor Justin Mark Chipeco, the festival’s name combines “buhay” (life) and “bayani” (hero), symbolizing both living heroes and Rizal’s legacy. Anchored by Republic Act No. 11144 and City Ordinance No. 575, it features cultural shows, boat races, kite contests, and community activities involving all 54 barangays. Recognized nationally for excellence in tourism, the festival was rebranded in 2023 as the Calambagong Buhayani Festival, reaffirming Calamba’s pride in its heritage and ongoing celebration of heroism.
Explore the Philippines through my lens as we venture into Buhayani Festival with Point of View (POV) photography. Using a body cam, I’ll guide you on an interactive tour, revealing the behind-the-scenes of capturing the shots shared here. Let’s dive into this visual journey together and uncover the wonders through my lens!
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Every June 19, the vibrant town of Calamba in Laguna, Philippines, comes alive with the Buhayani Festival, a grand celebration honoring the life and heroism of Dr. José Rizal, the national hero of the Philippines. This festival, known officially as the Calambagong Buhayani Festival, was inaugurated in 2014 by Mayor Justin Mark Chipeco to mark Rizal‘s 153rd birth anniversary. The event’s name is a fusion of “buhay” (life) and “bayani” (hero), symbolizing both “Living Heroes” and “A Hero’s Life.”
Check out the video for more highlights. See what I’ve captured through my lens with Point of View (POV) photography. Using a body cam, I’ll take you on an interactive tour, showing you behind-the-scenes moments of capturing the shots shared here.
Check out the video below for additional features. Explore what I’ve captured through my lens in this cinematic slideshow.
Calamba, the birthplace of Rizal in 1861, proudly observes this festival along with a special non-working holiday on June 9 each year, designated by Republic Act No. 11144 as “Araw ng Kapanganakan ni Dr. Jose P. Rizal.” This holiday, approved on November 9, 2018, by President Rodrigo Duterte, reflects the city’s commitment to honoring its most famous son. In addition, Calamba celebrates its Cityhood Anniversary every April 21, adding to the rich tapestry of local traditions.
ABOVE: Every June 19, Calamba, Laguna bursts into celebration with the Buhayani Festival—officially the Calambagong Buhayani Festival—launched in 2014 by Mayor Justin Mark Chipeco to honor Dr. José Rizal’s 153rd birth anniversary, with its name blending buhay (life) and bayani (hero) to symbolize both “Living Heroes” and “A Hero’s Life.
ABOVE: Every June 19, Calamba, Laguna bursts into celebration with the Buhayani Festival—officially the Calambagong Buhayani Festival—launched in 2014 by Mayor Justin Mark Chipeco to honor Dr. José Rizal’s 153rd birth anniversary, with its name blending buhay (life) and bayani (hero) to symbolize both “Living Heroes” and “A Hero’s Life.
The Buhayani Festival, officially enshrined in City Ordinance No. 575, has become an integral part of Calamba‘s cultural calendar. Its official hymn, composed by Vehnee Saturno in 2014, sets the tone for the festivities. The festival not only commemorates Rizal’s contributions but also aims to nurture local talent, promote heroism in everyday life, and celebrate Calambeños‘ achievements.
The festival is a grand spectacle involving all 54 barangays of Calamba, with active participation from the private sector, educational institutions, government agencies, and non-governmental organizations. The events range from the exhilarating CalamBangka boat race and the Saranggolahan ni Pepe kite contest to vibrant street dance competitions and talent shows. Other activities include seminars, workshops, museum visits, food festivals, job fairs, and cultural presentations, all designed to enhance community engagement and skill development.
Buhayani Festival has garnered recognition for its excellence in tourism, clinching first place in the Pearl Award Best Tourism Event-Festival City Category in 2016 and securing third place in 2017 and 2018. In 2023, the festival was rebranded as the Calambagong Buhayani Festival, reflecting its evolving role in celebrating the legacy of Rizal and the spirit of Calamba.
As Calamba continues to honor its rich history and vibrant culture, the Buhayani Festival stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of José Rizal and the spirited community that celebrates him.
ABOVE: Calamba, the birthplace of Dr. Jose Rizal in 1861, celebrates the Buhayani Festival—officially recognized through City Ordinance No. 575—as a vibrant tribute to his legacy, held annually alongside a special non-working holiday on June 9 designated by Republic Act No. 11144, while also marking its Cityhood Anniversary every April 21, all of which reflect the city’s deep pride in its heritage, its people, and its most iconic son
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ABOVE: The Calambagong Buhayani Festival brings together all 54 barangays of Calamba with support from various sectors, featuring boat races, kite contests, street dances, and cultural events that celebrate Rizal’s legacy; it was recognized with top honors at the Pearl Awards and rebranded in 2023 to reflect its evolving spirit.
ABOVE: The Calambagong Buhayani Festival brings together all 54 barangays of Calamba with support from various sectors, featuring boat races, kite contests, street dances, and cultural events that celebrate Rizal’s legacy; it was recognized with top honors at the Pearl Awards and rebranded in 2023 to reflect its evolving spirit.
ABOVE: Held every June 19 in Calamba, Laguna, the Calambagong Buhayani Festival is a city-wide celebration honoring the life and heroism of Dr. José Rizal, blending tradition, talent, and community pride since its launch in 2014.
ABOVE: Held every June 19 in Calamba, Laguna, the Calambagong Buhayani Festival is a city-wide celebration honoring the life and heroism of Dr. José Rizal, blending tradition, talent, and community pride since its launch in 2014.
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