Food, Fun and Fiesta: A Night in a Festive Tanay
One look and you know it would be quite a celebration.

The ceiling of glittery banderitas and the smiles & laughter that flood the streets of Tanay tell you that everyone is up and ready for the coming festivities.

Celebrating its 404th anniversary, the municipality of Tanay is a testimony that Filipinos sure know how to throw a party. Dubbed as the municipality in the sky, the cool air is warmed by the glow of the bright night lights, the (smoke or tempting) smell of delicious isaw and the sound of booming dance music. If that is still not enough to put you in the mood to party, then maybe the smiling faces of the glee filled people around the plaza might change your mind. The excitement is infectious as the people of Tanay make sure that everyone ends the night with a smile wider than the whole town.

Founded way back in the 17th century, the town is a spectacle of how tradition and progress managed to co-exist. The mixture of the glorious past and the prosperous present is seen through the people living 21st century lives but celebrating traditional Filipino values. It is a great place to (witness) see how people still stick to their roots and cherish their identities.

Like every fiesta, you will be greeted by the local perya where flocks of children, teens and those young at heart hang out. You could try your luck at the perya games such as coin tossing, target practice, bingo and so much more. The assortment of prizes range from a bottle of cola to a whole dining set and the usual stuff toys, there are all sorts of games for everyone.

At the center of the perya is the chubibo, or ferris wheel which is a favorite of the young kids and the young lovers. Beside it is the horror house, humorously named Bahay ni Lola, where the more adventurous teens line up. It sure is a sight, seeing them running out terrified and uncontrollably laughing their hearts out.

Near the town perya, stands the astonishing Church of Tanay or also known as the Church of San Idelfonso which was built in the 18th century. The second oldest church in the whole of Rizal, it stands in the center of the town boasting with impressive Spanish architecture and an interior that would make any visitor stand in awe. It is a must see for lovers of architecture and Spanish era art.

The main attraction surely is the town plaza or Parke ng Tanay. A food lover’s heaven, it is filled with the smell of street food that would surely make you hungry. From the favorite isaw and other barbequed meat, green mango with your choice of spicy salt or bagoong alamang, the always present fishballs and quail eggs, and of course the signature of celebration the puto bumbong and bibingka, you would wish you had enough stomach space for all the delicious treats sold at very low prices.

At the center of the park is stage where singers belt it out in a grand showdown to see who has the best vocal prowess. Young kids singing Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston and also Original Pinoy Music grace the stage and entertain the people who have come to root for their own bets. It is a great way to showcase the talented young children of Tanay, which it has a great abundance in.

Walking around the town, you could easily see that the main celebration on Saturday, January 23 would be exhilarating. You could easily feel the joy of everyone being emitted in the atmosphere which warms and brightens the cool night. The spirit of community and lively celebration is exhibited by the fun-loving locals making sure that even though Christmas season is over, Tanay is still celebrating the holidays.

So to everyone who wants to be a part of this major celebration do make it sure that you participate in this town’s annual celebration. There is never a shortage of food, fun and festivities. There is something lined up every night for everyone to enjoy. From the singing contests, to the rap contests, to the Ms. Gay pageant, there is no dull night in this festive occasion.

Experience the energy, the warmth and the excitement of the Annual Pista ng Tanay!

Written By: Neil Franco V. Lacson
www.TanayGeographic.com
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