NCCA officers and heritage advocates gather at the opening of National Heritage Month (photo: Teddy Pelaez)
The National Heritage Month, or Pambansang Buwan ng Pamana, is a month-long celebration held every May in the Philippines. It honors the country’s rich cultural heritage and diverse traditions. Throughout the entire month, various events, programs, and activities will be held across the country to celebrate and showcase the richness of Philippine heritage and culture.This observance serves to preserve and promote Filipino culture, raise public awareness about its importance, and inspire every Filipino to take pride in their identity and shared history.
On May 10, the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), in partnership with the Municipality of Angono, the Angono Tourism Office, and the Commission for Cultural Heritage and the Arts of the Diocesan Shrine and Parish of Saint Clement. kicked off the festive opening ceremonies at the 7-hectare Loyola Retreat House - Spirituality and Art Center atop Hieves Hills in Angono.
It was just fitting that Angono, the “Art Capital of the Philippines” was this year's venue for the opening ceremony of the of the 2026 National Heritage Month.
Famous for being the hometown of two National Artists: Carlos "Botong" Francisco (painting) and Prof. Lucio San Pedro (music), Angono is also celebrated for its rich cultural heritage, including the prehistoric Angono Petroglyphs, the vibrant Higantes Festival, numerous art galleries, and street murals.
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| NCCA Chairman Eric B. Zerrudo (photo: George Buid) |
In his keynote address, NCCA Chairman and Executive Director Eric B. Zerrudo, Phd. said that “it is vital to celebrate National Heritage Month as it highlights the resilience deeply embedded in Filipino heritage and gives people a sense of hope,” reflecting this year's theme “Roots and Horizons: Our Shared Heritage, Our Collective Future."
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| Torch lighting ceremony (photo: Teddy Pelaez) |
The festivities opened with a torch-lighting ceremony at the monumental Kaagapay Monument, a massive representation of the ancient Angono-Binangonan Petroglyphs, created in 2025 by renown Mindanawon artist Kublai Millan.
This was followed by a parade, showcasing Angono’s iconic 10 to 12-foot high papier-mache puppets (higantes), a Sayaw sa Patio at the Chapel of the Risen Lord and the Petros Group Art Exhibit (which showcases artwork from the Petros Group and local art galleries) opening at the Pedro Calungsod Hall. The Holy Trinity Garden served as the venue of the program.
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| Angono street dancers in their native wooden bakya (photo: George Buid) |
The commemorative stamps of National Heritage Month were unveiled during the event led by Philpost Postmaster-General Maximo C. Sta. Maria III.
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| Unveiling of commemorative stamps (photo: Teddy Pelaez) |
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| Angono Mayor Gerardo Calderon (photo: Teddy Pelaez) |
Welcome remarks were delivered by Angono Mayor Gerardo V. Calderon, opening remarks by Mr. Ivan Anthony S. Henares (Commissioner, Subcommission on Cultural Heritage) and special messages were given by Rizal Governor Nina Ricci A. Ynares, Fr. Rene Pio Javellana, SJ (Vice-President, Loyola Retreat House - Spirituality and Art Center Angono) and Most Rev. Ruperto C. Santos, DD, Bishop of Antipolo (delivered by Fr. Peter Ymari C. Balatbat, Executive Director, Diocesan Commission for Cultural Heritage of the Church, Diocese of Antipolo).
Pres. Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. also sent a message delivered by former NCCA chairman and Angono native Victorino “Ino” Mapa Manalo.
Musical entertainment were provided by the the Angono Chorale Ensemble and the Angono National Symphonic Band.
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| Sayaw ng Bati (photo: Teddy Pelaez) |
The most applauded part of the evening was the Sayaw ng Bati (Dance of Greeting), a traditional Philippine Easter Sunday dance. It is usually led by two main dancers – the tenyenta (lieutenant, Ms. Daphne F. Pundamiera) and a kapitana (captain, Ms. Marie Immacon “Icon” C. Reyes). These two ladies, wearing grand Filipiniana gowns with full skirts, bent their torsos to the side as they spun and turned to the waltzing tune played by Angono's famed band.
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| Filipino actor turned politician Jestoni Alarcon, currently a member of Rizal Provincial Board, joined the parade featuring the Higantes and the formal opening of San Pedro Culungsod Hall (photos: George Buid) |
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Acknowledgment of participants and awarding of certificates was done by Ms. Sabina Joy V. Cruz (Executive Council Member, National Committee on Art Galleries) while the closing remarks were delivered by Ms. Maria Teresa B. Rayos del Sol (Vice-Head, Subcommission on Cultural Heritage). The evening ended with a sumptuous feast for dinner at the LRH Main Dining Hall.
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| Our media group which covered the event in support of the NCCA. Thank you, Ms. Anne Cabrera for inviting us! (photo: Teddy Pelaez) |
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| The author (right) had the opportunity for a photo of with Rizal Province Board Member Jestoni Alarcon along with Negosentro's Cris Gabion (photo: Teddy Pelaez) |
The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) is located at 633 General Luna St., Intramuros, Manila, 1002. It can be reached via Tel: (632) 8527-2192. E-mail: info@ncca.gov.ph. Website: www.ncca.gov.ph.
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| Facade of Loyola Retreat House (photo: George Buir) and the brief history displayed at the hallway near the entrance (above) |
The Loyola Retreat House - Spirituality and Art Center Angono, atop Nieves Hills, is located at Carnation St., Brgy. San Isidro, Angono, Rizal. Tel: +63 8651-0191. Mobile number: (0962) 472-2175. E-mail: loyolaretreathouseinc@gmail.com.
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