Boac heritage takes center stage with Bila-Bila Festival ahead of Philippine Experience

Boac, Marinduque – in celebration of this May’s National Heritage Month with the theme “Roots and Horizons: Our Shared Heritage, Our Collective Future,” Bila-bila Festival would still be part of the heritage month celebration in time for the Philippine Experience Program (PEP) of the Department of Tourism (DOT) happening between May 20 and 22.

The Boac Council for Local History, Culture and the Arts said in a social media post, “We reflect on the rich cultural and historical legacy of Boac, Marinduque that continues to shape our identity and future. From the timeless Ancestral Houses to the historic Laylay Port, the sacred presence of Boac Cathedral, and the bravery honored at the Battle of Paye Shrine—Boac stands as a testament to a rich and living heritage.  This National Heritage Month, let us unite in preserving, celebrating, and keeping our heritage alive.”

Despite cost-cutting and austerity measures, Bila-Bila Festival 2026 pushes through with the theme, “Parine na Baya, Tingni ang Bila-Bila!” All are invited to participate in and join the festivities, featuring a robust program of activities that celebrate culture, unity, and a vibrant community from May 15 to 21. On May 15, there is once again a home and building decoration at the Boac Poblacion area, and for the first time, a street lantern design contest at Mercader Street. By May 15, there is a handicraft making contest as well at the Boac Moriones Arena. With the onset of summer, there will be a kite flying contest on May 19 at the Boac sports arena.

In addition, for the duration of the DOT flagship PEP, by May 20, there will be a Bila-bila mosaic masterpiece: the wings of the heritage exhibit at the Boac Hotel. Coinciding with the said occasion, there would be a grand release of butterflies in the wild at Brgy. Cawit. To wrap things up, there will be a food styling contest on May 21 at the Boac Moriones arena.

Though there is no street dancing competition, just the same, there would be “Sayaw Parangal sa Birhen ng Biglang Awa” in commemoration of the 68th canonical coronation of the Our Lady of Biglang Awa.  The Shrine of the Mahal na Birhen ng Biglang Awa hopes to develop meaningful expressions of veneration that reflect both faith and cultural heritage with the practice of “tubong or putong.” # Randy T. Nobleza Ph. D.