Gilingan Festival: Celebrating Siniloan’s Rich Heritage and Foundation
Siniloan’s Gilingan Festival is a vibrant and meaningful celebration that serves as a living tribute to the town’s rich history, cultural heritage, and the industrious
Mabitac, Laguna
Three Kings Festival
Celebrating Tradition and Community in Mabitac, Laguna
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- Mabitac, Laguna
The Three Kings Festival in Mabitac, Laguna, encapsulates the spirit of community, tradition, and celebration, bringing together people from all walks of life to honor age-old customs and create cherished memories.
Explore the Philippines through my lens as we venture into Three Kings 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!
Let’s explore the PHILIPPINES through my lens as we journey on a photo slideshow to Three Kings Festival. Join me in this visual adventure and discover the wonders captured through my lens! Check out the shared slideshow here.
In Mabitac, Laguna, the celebration has been embraced wholeheartedly, particularly intertwining it with the town’s founding anniversary to create a grand town festival. It has become a significant event in the area. The Three Kings Festival, also known as the Feast of the Epiphany, holds a special place in the hearts of Filipino Catholics, observed annually on January 6th. It’s not just another date on the calendar; rather, it’s a cherished event that unites communities in joyful celebration.
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.
Picture families gathering around tables adorned with delectable dishes, the air filled with laughter as loved ones come together, and the anticipation of exchanging thoughtful gifts. This celebration signifies more than just revelry; it symbolizes the culmination of the Christmas season in the Philippines. As the festivities draw to a close, it’s a time for reflection on the season of giving and sharing, and a hopeful gaze toward the new year.
ABOVE: In Mabitac, Laguna, the Three Kings Festival—also known as the Feast of the Epiphany and celebrated every January 6th—has become a cherished and unifying tradition among Filipino Catholics, embraced wholeheartedly by the town as it coincides with its founding anniversary, turning the occasion into a grand and significant local festival.
ABOVE: In Mabitac, Laguna, the Three Kings Festival—also known as the Feast of the Epiphany and celebrated every January 6th—has become a cherished and unifying tradition among Filipino Catholics, embraced wholeheartedly by the town as it coincides with its founding anniversary, turning the occasion into a grand and significant local festival.
One of the most captivating aspects of the celebration is the presence of the Traditional Cabesillas, consisting of four ladies, alongside three children dressed as the Three Kings. They adorn striking costumes and ride horses, creating a splendid spectacle.
During the Pasabog ng Pera, local officials and guests go all out, tossing coins and bills into the crowd. It’s an absolute delight and a unique experience found only in Mabitac.
Beyond the festivities lies deeper meaning. In the Philippines, this occasion is also referred to as Pasko ng Matatanda, meaning the Feast of the Elderly. It’s a beautiful tribute to the wisdom and experience of the older generation, emphasizing their indispensable role within the community. During this period, respect and gratitude are bestowed upon the seniors, strengthening the bonds of family and community.
ABOVE: One of the most captivating parts of the celebration in Mabitac is the vibrant presence of the Traditional Cabesillas—four elegantly dressed ladies accompanied by three children portraying the Three Kings—riding horses in full costume, followed by the lively Pasabog ng Pera, where local officials and guests enthusiastically toss coins and bills into the crowd, turning the moment into a thrilling and uniquely Mabitac experience.
ABOVE: One of the most captivating parts of the celebration in Mabitac is the vibrant presence of the Traditional Cabesillas—four elegantly dressed ladies accompanied by three children portraying the Three Kings—riding horses in full costume, followed by the lively Pasabog ng Pera, where local officials and guests enthusiastically toss coins and bills into the crowd, turning the moment into a thrilling and uniquely Mabitac experience.
Mabitac, located in the province of Laguna, Philippines, is classified as a fifth class municipality. According to the 2010 census, it was inhabited by 18,618 individuals, spanning an area of approximately 80.76 square kilometers (31.18 sq mi).
Centuries ago, Mabitac was renowned as a prime hunting ground for wild animals. Local hunters utilized various traps known as “bitag” to capture their prey, hence earning the area its name, “Mabitag,” which means “a place with many traps.”
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ABOVE: Beyond the festivities, the occasion—known in the Philippines as Pasko ng Matatanda or the Feast of the Elderly—serves as a heartfelt tribute to the wisdom and experience of the older generation, honoring their vital role in the community and deepening family and communal ties through expressions of respect and gratitude.
ABOVE: Beyond the festivities, the occasion—known in the Philippines as Pasko ng Matatanda or the Feast of the Elderly—serves as a heartfelt tribute to the wisdom and experience of the older generation, honoring their vital role in the community and deepening family and communal ties through expressions of respect and gratitude.
Situated on the eastern side of Laguna province, Mabitac is roughly 88 kilometers (55 mi) from Manila. Accessible via a winding road through Rizal Province or a journey of 123 kilometers (76 mi) through the South Luzon Expressway, passing through Calamba and Santa Cruz, Laguna.
ABOVE: Mabitac, a fifth class municipality in Laguna, Philippines, with a 2010 population of 18,618 across roughly 80.76 square kilometers, was once known centuries ago as a prime hunting ground where locals set numerous “bitag” or traps—giving rise to its name, “Mabitag,” meaning “a place with many traps.”
ABOVE: Mabitac, a fifth class municipality in Laguna, Philippines, with a 2010 population of 18,618 across roughly 80.76 square kilometers, was once known centuries ago as a prime hunting ground where locals set numerous “bitag” or traps—giving rise to its name, “Mabitag,” meaning “a place with many traps.”
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