By virtue of Republic Act No. 11086, signed by then President Rodrigo Duterte, Sto. Tomas was converted into a component city of Batangas province. Strategically located on the boundary of Laguna and Batangas, Sto. Tomas has emerged as a thriving industrial hub with a land area of 10,032.38 hectares and a population of 226,772, based on the latest census. Nestled at the foot of the legendary and scenic Mt. Makiling, the city blends progress with natural beauty. Although recognized only recently as the fourth city of the province-after Lipa, Tanauan, and Batangas-Sto. Tomas is one of its oldest towns, established in 1666. Its name was given by the Dominican missionaries in honor of St. Thomas Aquinas. Sto. Tomas also contributed immensely to the pages of Philippine history, as it prides itself as the birthplace of the national hero General Miguel Malvar, the last Filipino general to surrender to the Americans.
Oct. 7, 1660
Residents of Pampanga province rose against Spanish colonizers in what became known as the Kapampangan Revolt of 1660, or the Maniago Revolt. The uprising was sparked by resentment toward the forced labor policy and the compulsory sale of native products paid under the ‘bandala,’ where payment came only in promissory notes. Leading the revolt was Francisco Maniago, a native of Mexico town, who boldly blocked the mouths of the rivers of Pampanga to cut off trade with Manila. The rebellion quickly gained momentum as Pangasinenses, Cagayanos, and Ilocanos joined the fight, and it inspired uprisings in Northern Luzon as well. The rebellion ended when the Spaniards accepted the demands of the people. The MassKara Festival held in Bacolod City is considered one of the most colorful festivals in the Philippines. It showcases dancers donning carnival-inspired costumes and masks on the streets and in a stadium on the final day. The festival was born in 1980 to ease the collective grief of Negrenses following a severe economic crisis caused by the collapse of the sugar industry and the sinking of the Bacolod-bound MV Don Juan that had left over a hundred dead and missing. The festival’s masks, representing the many ‘happy faces’ of Negrenses, have since evolved into a festivity that fosters optimism, resilience, and unity-while showcasing the artistry and creativity of Bacolodnons. This year’s festivities boast a wide array of cultural and sectoral activities, including street and dance competitions, sports tournaments, talent shows, a beauty pageant and more.
Sagingan Festival (Sept. 13 to Oct. 20)
The Sagingan Festival is a celebration held in Tubod, Lanao del Norte, honoring the town’s primary agricultural product-bananas. With some 30 varieties, bananas stand as the heart and soul of Tubod’s culture. The town’s progress and heritage were also deeply intertwined with this beloved fruit. More than just a tribute to the harvest, the Sagingan Festival showcases the strength, unity, and unwavering spirit of Tubod’s locals. This year’s month-long celebration bursts with color and energy through sports competitions, beauty pageants, concerts, and fireworks displays. It also features meaningful events such as a trade fair, job fair, mass, civic parade, kasalan ng bayan (mass wedding), and an environment day celebration. -NATHALIE GRACE ADALID, INQUIRER RESEARCH