The Festival

Outstanding as they are, they demonstrate skills and dexterity through maneuvering the boats upstream and against strong currents of water, the Bangkero Festival is inspired by and dedicated to all the excellent boatmen of Pagsanjan and held in honor of the town’s patroness, Our Lady of Guadalupe. These boatmen serve as tour guides who steer tourists’ boats along the rapid stream of the world-famous Pagsanjan Falls, paddling and lifting the boats through rough and sharp rocks, carrying people through the strong river current at breath taking speed in a two-hour boatride from the Bumbungan River or the Balanac River until reaching the scenic view of the breath-taking waterfall.

Known for its natural wonders and enchanting scenic views, Pagsanjan is named to be the Tourist Capital of Laguna, and one of the world class tourist destination in the Philippines. Main attraction of Pagsanjan is the majestic Pagsanjan Falls. The natural wonder, enough to lure tourists on its own, is accessible by an exhilarating boat ride through the Pagsanjan River, yet Pagsanjan people has a lot more to offer, the annual celebration of the Bangkero Festival, launched in May, 1999 and symbolized the bravery and skills of native boatmen. Local government aims to push the advocacy on environmental protection and promotion of the local tourism through the celebration of the boatmen event, Other events held during the festival are the contest for the Best Float, parading the decorated boats and floats through town’s thoroughfare, marathon, boat races or regatta, contest for the Best Decorated Gantungan, Cleanest Pampang, Most Attractive Bangka, fluvial parades, Cultural Night with the Festival of Folk Dances, the search for Lakan at Binibining Pagsanjan, Ginoong Bangkero, and the Inter-School Videoke Challenge.

Culmination of the celebration highlights the famous fluvial parade competition along the Pagsanjan River, the exciting dancing competition, native games, and the final round of the boat race. Concluding the five-day event is the San Miguel Night variety show and fireworks display in the evening.

Origin

 

Though materials used in crafting a good quality boat became expensive, this didn’t stop the skilled boat builders from pursuing their passion, eventually leading to the start of the Bangkero Festival.