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Torch lighting ceremony (photo: George Buid)

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It was just fitting that Angono, Rizal, dubbed the Art Capital of the Philippines, was this year&#x27;s venue for the opening ceremony of the 2026 National Heritage Month.Last 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 Nieves Hills in Angono.Famous for being the hometown of two National Artists -- Carlos &quot;Botong&quot; 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.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<div>Festive celebrations</div>In his keynote address, NCCA chairman and executive director Eric B. Zerrudo 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&#x27;s theme “Roots and Horizons: Our Shared Heritage, Our Collective Future.&quot;<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/17787161849141000017232.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-dragging" width="960"/>Torch lighting ceremony (photo: George Buid)</div>The festivities opened with a torch-lighting ceremony at the Kaagapay Monument, a massive representation of the ancient Angono-Binangonan Petroglyphs, created in 2025 by renown Mindanawon artist Kublai Millan.<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/17787159942111000017233.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/>Sayaw ng Bati (photo: Teddy Pelaez)</div>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.<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/17787159620121000017231.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/>Actor-turned-politician Jestoni Alarcon, currently a member of Rizal Provincial Board, joined the afternoon festivities. (photo: Teddy Pelaez)</div><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/17787163869531000017246.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/></div>Actor-turned-politician Jestoni Alarcon, who is currently a member of Rizal Provincial Board, joined the parade featuring the Higantes and street dancers in their native bakya. Along with NCCA officers and heritage advocates, he also joined the formal opening of San Pedro Calungsod Hall and viewed artworks display in the newly-built gallery.<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/17787160834921000017230.jpg" style="width:960px;display:block;height:auto" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/>Unveiling of commemorative stamps led by Philpost Postmaster-General Maximo C. Sta. Maria III and NCCA Chairman Eric B. Zerrudo (photo: Teddy Pelaez)</div>The commemorative stamps of National Heritage Month were unveiled during the event led by Philpost postmaster-general Maximo C. Sta. Maria III.Welcome remarks were delivered by Angono Mayor Gerardo V. Calderon, opening remarks by 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 Bishop Ruperto C. Santos,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 was provided by the Angono Chorale Ensemble and the Angono National Symphonic Band.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, Daphne Pundamiera) and a kapitana (captain, Marie Immacon “Icon” 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 famed band.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.Once again, Angono came together as a community to honor its roots and look toward the town&#x27;s shared future through culture, faith, and the arts.

It was just fitting that Angono, Rizal, dubbed the Art Capital of the Philippines, was this year's venue for the opening ceremony of the 2026 National Heritage Month.

It was just fitting that Angono, Rizal, dubbed the Art Capital of the Philippines, was this year's venue for the opening ceremony of the 2026 National Heritage Month.

National Heritage Month 2026 kicks off in in Angono, Rizal

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National Heritage Month 2026 kicks off in in Angono, Rizal

Leony Garcia

Published May 14, 2026 11:55 AM PHT

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National Heritage Month

Angono

Rizal

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