The newest Philippine travel festival will unfold in Imus, the country’s seat of independence. Wagayway, as the festival is called among locals, is a Filipino term that means wave, display or to unfurl something that is folded such as a flag or a banner.

The new festival hopes to recognize both the National Flag Day and Imus as a new tourist destination with the same caliber as Cebu’s Sinulog Festival, Bacolod’s Masskara Festival. Imus Mayor Emmanuel Maliksi will reportedly head the country’s newest festival that will establish the town’s identity as a historical location.

Philippine Travel Blog reports that the event will also highlight the bravery and patriotism of the revolutionaries against the Spanish forces.

Contrary to public beliefs, it was after the victory of the Battle of Alapan when then President Emilio Aguinaldo first waved the flag made by Marcela Agoncilio. Aguinaldo again unfurled the same flag in nearby town of Kawit on June 12 of the same year along with the declaration of Philippine independence.

Mayor Maliksi is quoted commenting on the importance of the festival.

“Unlike other festivals which are religious in nature, this is a festival with historical and nationalistic theme. It will be celebrated highlighting the bravery and patriotism of the revolutionaries who won the Battle of Alapan despite tremendous odds,” Maliksi said.

Photo: © sharon.schneider

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