See You In Sampaloc, Quezon For Bulihan Festival!

ALONE BUT HAPPY IN MAAPON RIVER. Behind is the Maapon River in Kakati, sight of the Lunesan Sa Ilog Festival, which is part of the annual Bulihan Festival in Sampaloc, Quezon.

Spirits are high as residents of Sampaloc, Quezon province lay the groundwork for the 4th Bulihan Festival from April 23 to 26.

Now on its 4th year, the Bulihan Festival celebrates the ingenuity and expertise of Sampalokis (that's how residents of Sampaloc town are called) in making Buri products. With their expertise and talent, Buri items such as bags, sleepers, hats, bracelets, men's wallets have become one of the hottest products here and abroad.

Thanks to the Mayor Emmanuel S. Torres who vigorously campaigned to highlight the Bulihan Festival. The town's amiable and friendly mayor said that the festival has been on-going for many years now but it was only in 2010 when he finally decided to give the local craftship full-blast promotion.

"This is something I want to highlight in our municipality --- the importance of the 'Bulihan' Festival. Through this festival, we give jobs to our residents and we are able to promote tourism. There's so much fun and excitement here. I hope they will visit us soon. Discover Sampaloc now!''said Torres.           

To refresh your Botany subjects, Buri (scientific name Corypha elata Roxb.) is the largest of the Philippine palms -- its leaves are enormous and fan-shaped. The trunk yields starch and the buds are used for salad. Its fiber is utilized in making hats, bags, slippers, and bracelets or bangles.

Now Buri has found a way to become an integral part of Sampaloc. The local palms artifacts have been associated with the town. 

"Bulihan'' has become a crowd-drawer among spirited Philippine fiestas. A significant part of the Bulihan Festival is the "Payas Contest" in which houses along the parade route are encouraged to decorate their abodes with buri. With the theme "Blooming Sampaloc,'' 46 houses will win cash prize. First prize will get P25,000; second prize, P20,000; and third prize, P15,000. Three special awards to receive P10,000 and 40 consolation prizes worth P2,000 each. Cultural shows and of course Buri products on display also take centerstage during the festivity.

After the town fiesta comes the Lunesan sa Ilog Festival held in Maapon River in Kakati. During the whole-day affair, residents play games like boat race, and hold picnic in the river. Just last year, part of the area was transformed into a concert venue where musical bands performed.

With it's mystic aura, the Maapon River has become a popular attraction in Sampaloc. Tourists and guests from Manila and nearby places also crowd the area,  especially during Holy Week, when religious groups trek to the Simbahang Bato (rock church) which is located in the mountain. 

Torres encouraged constituents to invite their friends outside of the municipality to join the eventful festivals. In promoting the festivities, the local government has launched the "Homestay Program'' where Sampaloc residents can adopt visitors during the fiesta.

The thrill of visiting Sampaloc does not end here. Walk along the streets and check out the Tower House at the corner of Quezon Avenue and Gagan Street; and the oldest and biggest existing house on Tumagay Street and Quezon Avenue.

If you're a nature lover, there are some attractions in Sampaloc that will put any visitor under their spell. Be thrilled with the hanging Quinto Bridge, or visit Maapon River, Asedillo Falls, Hangga Falls, Pugto-Pugto Cave, and Malaog Cave.

Can't get enough of Sampaloc, Quezon? There's a tour package available for you and your family or friends. For details, please contact Tina Poblete, of the Municipal Planning and Development Office at (042) 555-83-42 and )042) 716-0011. E-mail at LGU sampalocquezon@yahoo.com, xtiantina@gmail.com.ph and nabracia@yahoo.com