Fiesta Republica : Dulansangan

Nowadays when festivals are sprouting everywhere and towns are putting up their own shows, it's quite rare to find a festival that has historic significance. Surprisingly, there's one right here in Bulacan. Malolos' Fiesta Republica commemorates the First Philippine Republic of 1899 (also known as - you guessed it - the Malolos Republic), the first national system of government established by the Filipinos. Bulacan, together with 7 localities - Tarlac, Cavite, Manila, Batangas, Pampanga, Laguna, Nueva Ecija - led the revolt against Spanish rule. The 8 provinces symbolize the rays of the sun in the Philippine flag. Like I said, historical.

Fiesta Republica is now on its fourth year (if I remember correctly), but in all honesty it was my first time to hear about it. I think they did a better job of promoting it this year. If it's any indication that the organizers are bent on making this event one of the biggest in the country, they're off to a good start. Anyway, it was a week-long celebration and I chose to go to the Dulansangan (dulaan sa lansangan) local and national competition. 18 local teams and 6 from the provinces competed for top prizes.

It's my first shoot of 2013. It felt good to be back out there shooting. Here are my photos :

With Bulacan Letratista co-shooters

Special thanks to the Malolos City Tourism, Arts, Culture, and Sports Office for the invitation and for the job well done. I hope the momentum doesn't stop. I'm looking forward to a BIGGER and better Fiesta Republica next year. See you there! =)