Turumba Festival: Devotion and Dance in Pakil, Laguna
The Turumba Festival in Pakil, Laguna, centered around the veneration of Our Lady of Sorrows of Turumba, continues to unite locals and attract visitors, showcasing
Mabitac, Laguna
Three Kings Festival
Mabitac’s Colorful Epiphany Celebration
Share
Tweet
Email
- Mabitac, Laguna
Experiencing the Three Kings Festival in Mabitac is like stepping into a vibrant story of faith and community. Streets come alive with horse processions, elaborately dressed children portraying the Three Kings, and the joyful chaos of Pasabog ng Pera, where money rains over the crowd in a uniquely Filipino gesture of generosity. Beyond the spectacle, the festival reflects deep respect for elders, family reunions, and the continuity of local traditions that bind this Laguna town together.
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.
What the Three Kings Festival Is
The Three Kings Festival in Mabitac, Laguna is a vivid local celebration held every January 6 in honor of the Feast of the Epiphany. While the Christian observance marks the journey of the Three Wise Men to the newborn Jesus, in Mabitac it takes on a uniquely Filipino character that blends religious devotion, family gatherings, and communal festivities. Locally, the day is also called “Pasko ng Matatanda,” a time to honor elders through reunions, meals, and blessings, embedding gratitude and continuity into the celebrations.
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.
Mabitac’s Signature Traditions
What makes Mabitac’s celebration stand out is the procession of the Three Kings themselves. Children portraying Gaspar, Melchor, and Balthazar ride through the streets, accompanied by the “Traditional Cabesillas,” elegantly dressed women who add grace and ceremonial presence. The streets fill with color, music, and an atmosphere of joyful anticipation. Adding a uniquely local twist, the Pasabog ng Pera turns the festival into a playful display of generosity. Officials and invited guests toss coins and bills into the crowd, creating a scene that is both festive and symbolic of communal sharing.
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.
The festival also doubles as a tribute to elders. Families gather for reunions and special meals, emphasizing the deep respect embedded in Filipino culture. This combination of pageantry, devotion, and family celebration illustrates how Mabitac transforms a religious feast into a full-bodied cultural expression that strengthens local identity.
Historical and Cultural Context
The Feast of the Epiphany, celebrated on January 6, marks the biblical visit of the Magi who offered gold, frankincense, and myrrh to the infant Jesus. In the Philippines, observances vary by town, but the blending of social, cultural, and religious activity is a constant. In some regions, local “kingdoms” form for the occasion, combining costume, feasting, and street festivities. Mabitac’s version uniquely balances spirituality with communal celebration, reflecting both Catholic devotion and the joy of shared traditions.
Three Kings Festival and Anilag Festival
In 2024, Mabitac’s Three Kings Festival gained wider exposure through its participation in the Anilag Festival, Laguna’s annual provincial celebration of harvest, culture, and creative arts. During Anilag, municipalities like Mabitac were given additional resources to showcase their traditions, from street parades to cultural exhibits. This platform amplified the visibility of the town’s Three Kings festivities, including its distinctive Pasabog ng Pera, traditional costumes, and family-oriented ceremonies, helping tourists and locals alike appreciate its cultural richness and tourism potential.
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.
Why the Three Kings Festival Matters
The Three Kings Festival encapsulates key aspects of Filipino life: living faith expressed through devotion, a strong sense of local identity, intergenerational bonding, and the promotion of cultural tourism. It is both a religious and civic occasion that highlights how small towns like Mabitac weave spiritual observance into community pride. The festival’s energy, colors, and family-centered activities provide a window into the rhythms of local life while connecting participants to a broader Philippine festive tradition.
RELATED STORIES
Itik Festival: A Colorful Tribute to Victoria’s Duck-Raising Heritage
Origins and Cultural Significance If you wander Victoria during the festival, it’s immediately clear that the Itik Festival is more than a celebration—it’s a living
Kesong Puti Festival: Culinary Heritage Alive in Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz, a first-class urban municipality and the capital of Laguna province in the Philippines, is a place where tradition, culture, and culinary delights converge.
Pinya Festival: Celebrating Pineapple and Culture in Calauan
A Sweet Harvest in Motion: Calauan’s Pinya Festival Walking through Calauan in early May, you immediately feel the energy of a community united in celebration.
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.
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.”
I’m looking forward to the stories and images leaving a lasting positive impression on you, just as they have on me. Stay connected with us on social media for a weekly exploration of travel assignments and breathtaking visuals. Our focus is on championing local tourism, showcasing small businesses, and honoring the magnificence of the Philippines through the content we curate. Join us in spreading the word by clicking the ‘share’ buttons below. Your support means the world to us.
BROWSE BY REGION
- metro MANILA
- abra
- albay
- baguio city
- BATAAN
- batangas
- Benguet
- bulacan
- cagayan
- cavite
- cebu
- cotabato
- davao oriental
- Guimaras
- ilocos norte
- ilocos sur
- Iloilo
- Isabela
- laguna
- lanao del norte
- maguindanao
- negros occidental
- nueva vizcaya
- Pampanga
- pangasinan
- QUEZON
- rizal
- Samar
- sarangani
- Tarlac
- zambales
- zamboanga city
EXPLORE MORE about
Nagcarlan Underground Cemetery: Exploring Laguna’s Hidden Colonial Heritage
The Nagcarlan Underground Cemetery in Barangay Bambang, Nagcarlan, Laguna stands as one of the most unique historical sites in the Philippines. Unlike typical cemeteries, this
Bañamos Festival: Where Hot Springs Meet Festive Street Parades
What the Bañamos Festival Is About The Bañamos Festival is the signature cultural and tourism celebration of the Municipality of Los Baños, Laguna, commemorating the
Gilingan Festival: The Story That Shaped Siniloan
A Festival Rooted in a Name Standing in Siniloan during festival season, you begin to notice how one object keeps appearing—in costumes, in floats, in
Sambalilo Festival: Celebrating Cavinti’s Iconic Pandan Weaving and Culture
Understanding the Sambalilo Festival The Sambalilo Festival is the signature cultural celebration of Cavinti, a municipality in Laguna. Traditionally held during the first week of
Buhayani Festival: Calamba’s Tribute to Rizal Through Parade and Performance
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
Laguna de Bay: Exploring the Philippines’ Largest Lake and Cultural Hub
Laguna de Bay, or Laguna Lake, is much more than the Philippines’ largest freshwater lake. Covering approximately 900 km² with a 220 km shoreline, it stretches across
Turumba Festival: Devotion and Dance in Pakil, Laguna
The Turumba Festival in Pakil, Laguna, centered around the veneration of Our Lady of Sorrows of Turumba, continues to unite locals and attract visitors, showcasing
Alligator Lake: Tadlac’s Quiet Crater of Laguna
Tucked into Barangay Tadlac in Los Baños, Alligator Lake stands apart from Laguna’s more bustling attractions. While many flock to the town’s famed hot springs,
Itik Festival: A Colorful Tribute to Victoria’s Duck-Raising Heritage
Origins and Cultural Significance If you wander Victoria during the festival, it’s immediately clear that the Itik Festival is more than a celebration—it’s a living
Enchanted Kingdom: Why EK Remains the Top Theme Park Destination in the Philippines
Enchanted Kingdom, often simply called EK, stands as the Philippines’ first and only world-class theme park in 2012. Located in San Lorenzo South, Santa Rosa
Ana Kalang Festival: Where Kalang-Kalang and Street Dancing Meet Tradition
Nagcarlan Awakens: The Spirit of Ana Kalang Visiting Nagcarlan, Laguna in the third week of April, you immediately sense the town has transformed. The Ana
Burdang Lumban Festival: Laguna’s Living Tapestry of Heritage
Lumban, recognized as the “Embroidery Capital of the Philippines,” comes alive every third week of September with its vibrant Burdang Lumban Festival, a celebration of
Pinya Festival: Celebrating Pineapple and Culture in Calauan
A Sweet Harvest in Motion: Calauan’s Pinya Festival Walking through Calauan in early May, you immediately feel the energy of a community united in celebration.
Kesong Puti Festival: Culinary Heritage Alive in Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz, a first-class urban municipality and the capital of Laguna province in the Philippines, is a place where tradition, culture, and culinary delights converge.
Majayjay Church: Exploring Laguna’s Ancient Sanctuary of Faith and History
Tucked high on Mt. Banahaw and overlooking verdant valleys, Majayjay Church, formally known as the Saint Gregory the Great Parish Church, stands as one of
