Movies in 2024: Lessons from turbulent year at the box office

BY ASSOCIATED PRESS

Jan 2, 2025 08:13 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Everyone is optimistic for the film business in 2025, and the offerings for moviegoers — which include at least 110 films projected to open on over 2,000 screens — according to the National Association of Theatre Owners. And the momentum is there. 

A scene from 'Inside Out 2' (Images courtesy of The Walt Disney Studios via AP)

Movie ticket sales took a bit of a hit in 2024. The annual domestic box office is expected to end up at around $8.75 billion, down more than 3 percent from 2023, according to estimates from Comscore.

It’s not as dire as it was in the pandemic years, but it’s also not even close to the pre-pandemic norm when the annual box office regularly surpassed $11 billion.

This is the year the business felt the effects of the Hollywood strikes of 2023, the labor standoff that delayed productions and releases and led to a depleted calendar for exhibitors and moviegoers. And yet it’s not as bad as it could have been, or at least as bad as analysts projected at the start of the year. 

“This has been a really incredible comeback story for the industry,” said Paul Dergarabedian, the senior media analyst for Comscore. “Just a couple of months ago it was a question of whether we would even hit $8 billion for the year.”

Hollywood continues to learn lessons about what moviegoers really want, what works and what doesn’t. Here are the biggest takeaways from 2024.

A scene from 'Deadpool and Wolverine'

The strike fallout was real

The Hollywood strikes might have ended in 2023, putting productions back into full swing and sending stars out on the promotional circuit again — but the ripple effect of the work stoppages and contract standoffs showed their real effects on the 2024 release calendar.

The first two quarters were hit hardest, with tentpoles pushed later in the year (“Deadpool & Wolverine,” for one) or even into 2025 (like “Mission: Impossible 8”). With no Marvel movie kicking off the summer moviegoing season, the box office was down a devastating 27.5 percent from 2023 right before “Inside Out 2” opened in June.

“It’s an unpredictable business but it thrives on stability,” Dergarabedian said. “When the release calendar is thrown off, the momentum stops.”

The PG rating (and animation) ruled

Sequels and franchises dominated the top 10 movies of the year, as has often been the case in the past 15 years. But this year, films carrying a PG rating did especially well, starting with the biggest movie of 2024: “Inside Out 2,” which also became the biggest animated movie of all time, not accounting for inflation.

Family films with a PG rating — including “Despicable Me 4,”“Moana 2,”“Wicked,” “Kung Fu Panda 4,” “Sonic the Hedgehog 3,” “Mufasa” and “The Wild Robot” — grossed over $2.9 billion this year, accounting for around 33 percent of the annual box office, according to Comscore. Movies rated PG-13, by contrast, made up about 30 percent of ticket sales.

A scene from 'Moana 2'

The Disney impact

After a quieter 2023 and several years without a film at the very top of the charts, the Walt Disney Co. came back roaring in 2024 with three of the top five movies of the year: “Inside Out 2,” “Deadpool & Wolverine” and “Moana 2.” In mid-December, it crossed the $2 billion domestic mark, the second time any studio has done so since 2019 (that was also Disney, in 2022). Its 20th Century division also played an important part with “Alien: Romulus” and “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes.”

“It’s a different industry when Disney commits to theatrical releases,” said Daniel Loria, an executive at the movie data and analytics trade The Boxoffice Company.

Looking at ‘flops’ a different way

Every year has high-profile flops and disappointments, and this was no exception. Sony had a rough go with its “Spider-Man” adjacent titles like “Madame Web” and “Kraven the Hunter” (but this also seems to be the fate lately for anyone not named “Deadpool”). Universal had higher hopes for “The Fall Guy,” as did Warner Bros. for “Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga” and “Joker: Folie à Deux.”

Then there were the filmmaker-driven (and financed) passion projects that failed to take off like Kevin Costner’s “Horizon: An American Saga — Chapter 1” and Francis Ford Coppola’s “Megalopolis.”

“It’s a reductive way of thinking about those passion projects,” Loria said. “Those movies didn’t come out with huge expectations, meaning theaters didn’t clear out the house and give them three auditoriums per site in hopes for money to come in.”

This was, however, part of the problem with “Joker 2,” which was expected to be more in line with the first which made over $1 billion. But even that has a caveat, Loria thinks.

“It wasn’t just that ‘Joker’ didn’t perform, it’s that there was nothing coming in behind it to make up that momentum,” Loria said. “That’s more the fault of a release schedule where one movie is supposed to carry a month. That model doesn’t work anymore.”

Audiences crave options and a diverse lineup

What does work, Loria said, is a diverse lineup, with the Thanksgiving and Christmas successes being the perfect example. At Thanksgiving, there was “Wicked,” “Gladiator II” and “Moana 2.” Christmas had “Mufasa,” “Sonic 3,” and a lot of adult offerings too, including “Nosferatu,” “A Complete Unknown” and “Babygirl.”

Horror is often the safest bet for theatrical, but this year had even veterans pleasantly surprised by just how enthusiastic that audience can be, with hits like “Longlegs,” “Nosferatu,” “Terrifier 3” and “Smile 2” getting people out of the house.

The Blake Lively drama “It Ends With Us,” which had its share of ongoing off-screen drama as well, also became an event. Audiences turned out for smart thrillers, like “Conclave” as well as unexpected originals including “Anora,” “The Substance” and “The Brutalist.”

Nostalgia and the allure of a re-release

Re-releases of movies in theaters that are also widely available in the home thrived this year. Some of the biggest successes included Christopher Nolan’s “Interstellar,”“Coraline” and “The Phantom Menace.”

“It just shows our industry once again that audiences truly understand the difference between a communal, big screen theatrical experience that they crave even on films that they’ve had the opportunities to see in the home,” Nolan said in December. “That theatrical experience that we all know and love is so powerful and so exciting. It’s a very clear demonstration of it.”

Viral marketing moments

As silly as it sounds, this is the year the novelty popcorn bucket became a star. It started with the accidentally suggestive “Dune: Part 2” creation, which “Deadpool & Wolverine” latched onto in a less accidental way. More recently, the “Nosferatu” coffin buckets have been fetching high resale prices.

For Loria, it’s all part of a trend that theaters have been noticing since reopening during the pandemic: Moviegoers aren’t back in pre-pandemic numbers, but those who did come back were spending more on concessions and premium tickets (like IMAX and other large format screens) than ever before.

2025 looks bright

Everyone is optimistic for the film business in 2025, and the offerings for moviegoers — which include at least 110 films projected to open on over 2,000 screens — according to the National Association of Theatre Owners. And the momentum is there.

“There’s been a huge amount of box office generated in the last six weeks of the year,” Dergarabedian said. “This is the best opening act 2025 could have.”

Alyssa Valdez ready to reinvent herself beyond the court

 Creamline Cool Smashers team captain Alyssa Valdez feels that she’s ‘close to retiring’ after playing volleyball for 20 years now. ‘I’m also planning for the future. What more I can do now, so I’m trying other things from hosting to news anchoring,’ she shares. Photo from Alyssa Valdez's Facebook page

DIRECT LINE CONVERSATIONS - Boy Abunda - The Philippine Star 

January 1, 2025 | 12:00am

Alyssa Valdez has finally returned to the volleyball court scene after suffering from a right knee injury. Her four-month break caused her to miss some of Creamline Cool Smashers’ crucial games. Yet on the brighter side, it gave her ample time to fully recover and regain strength for her comeback in the team lineup.

Volleyball fans saw Alyssa’s return to the playing court at the recent Creamline Cool Smashers game in the 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference.

The Phenom was radiant in her spaghetti strap top and baggy pants when she made a guest appearance on GMA 7’s “Fast Talk with Boy Abunda.”

“Finally, I’m able to play again, Tito Boy,” she happily declared.

It was sports analyst Boom Gonzalez who gave Alyssa the moniker Phenom back in college when the volleyball star was still a varsity player at Ateneo de Manila University.

I love watching sports but in terms of playing the actual sport, please don’t bother anymore to ask how good or bad I am. During the Olympics, I would watch all of the events — volleyball, gymnastics, pole vault, basketball, etc. But my focus was on volleyball and one of the reasons was because everybody was talking about Japanese player Ran Takahashi.

Alyssa revealed she has personally met Ran whom she described as “good-looking and super nice.” She also mentioned how very interactive their conversation was “because back then, he needed to return to Japan. And then, he wanted to show his love for all the fans kasi hindi niya natapos ‘yung games niya dito sa Manila.”

Alyssa agreed that volleyball is a fast-paced and intense sport that does not only require physical agility but also mental toughness. Staying focused and confident is essential to achieving success on the court whether a player is a beginner or a seasoned player like Alyssa, the team captain of Creamline Cool Smashers since 2017.

“At the end of the day, Tito Boy, you’ve been practicing every single day. So, technically for me, sports ay parang nagiging muscle memory siya in the long run. But the very crucial, and important role in the sport is your mental capacity, your mental toughness — how you handle every situation because, at the end of the day, Tito Boy, hindi ka naman laging nananalo or hindi laging tama ‘yung nagagawa mo or decisions mo,” she explained.

Losing in a game is part of the deal. Every time players take the field, there will be a winner and a loser. However, there are times when they still get consumed with frustration, disappointment, and even anger as players question their decisions and performances.

As a team captain, Alyssa said the pressure is high whenever the team is on the verge of losing a game but no one in her team does “blame game” inside the court.

“That’s not what we do in the team,” she stressed. “One thing we do during the game, we stay focused, and I think we meditate talaga. And we try to make sure, since we know each other Tito Boy, we’ve been together as a team for probably seven years, we know how to deal with each other.

“’Pag alam namin na medyo mainit ‘yung ulo ng isa, alam namin kung paano siya kakausapin. If one is quiet, alam namin kung paano siya lalambingin ng konti. So, I think that’s an advantage also, if you’re a team and you have been together for many years, the chemistry is there.”

As a team captain, Alyssa said she is the very chill type “because I let everyone just be themselves.”

Although she’s not discounting the fact that each player has an opinion and each one has a strong character, all team members cooperate to achieve a common goal — to win.

“I think if you earn the respect of everyone, there’s a common denominator, magkakaroon kayo ng compromise sa isa’t-isa. And probably because we are all veterans in the team, nag-kakaintindihan po,” she said.

Alyssa is appreciative of the fans who show their all-out support in every game. They are passionate but not the controlling type.

“(They are) passionate fans in such a way na parang they just really want to show their support. So, pupunta sila kahit nasa ibang lugar sila, mag-tra-travel sila all the way to the venue to watch the games.”

Alyssa has been playing volleyball for many years now and she admitted in the “Guilty or Not Guilty” question that it has already crossed her mind to retire.

I’m clueless if there is a retirement age for volleyball players but Alyssa said that here in the Philippines, there’s no basis yet “in a way na wala pang masyadong women’s sports na nag-pro-professionalize. But I feel like I’m close (to retiring), Tito Boy because I’ve been playing for the past 20 years already,” she pointed out.

“I wanna learn more, especially after my injury, hindi ko na rin tinatanggal sa isip ko na it’s a reality that it will come to an end,” she added.

Change is the only constant in this world that allows people to discover their other skills or talents. In the case of Alyssa, she is ready to reinvent herself to show what else she can do beyond her volleyball career.

“I’m also planning for the future. What more I can do now, so I’m trying other things from hosting to news anchoring, and other stuff,” she shared.

I’ve noticed that Alyssa has a sense of clarity that could easily pass her up as a host or a news anchor.

During the pandemic, she spent most of her time making candles, which led her to start a candle business. Thus, she also highlighted during the interview that she wanted to grow her business. “I’m trying to divert also and explore the business side of things,” she said.

BI records over 29 M int'l travelers in 2024

BY JEFFREY DAMICOG

Dec 31, 2024 03:25 PM 

Over 29 million international travellers were recorded by the Bureau of Immigration (BI) in 2024.

Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said the BI recorded a total of 14,540,533 arrivals -- 7,922,052 Filipinos and 6,618,481 foreigners.

There were 15,050,136 departures which included 8,348,283 Filipinos and 6,701,853 foreigners, Viado said. 

“These figures reflect a thriving travel industry and highlight the Philippines’ growing reputation as a global hub for tourism and business,” he said in a statement issued on Tuesday, Dec. 31. 

“As we enter 2025, we will focus on modernization through advancements in technology and legal reforms to simplify immigration processes and improve overall efficiency,” he assured.

In 2024, Viado said the BI had also been vigilant against human trafficking which contributed in keeping the Philippines maintain its Tier 1 status in the 2024 United States Department of State Trafficking in Persons Report.

The BI’s Immigration Protection and Border Enforcement Section (I-PROBES) disclosed that in 2024 a total of 998 trafficking victims were referred to the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) as well as 215 Filipinos referred to the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) for illegal recruitment. 

Start 2025 in the spirit of unity and shared responsibility

BY MANILA BULLETIN

Jan 1, 2025 00:28 AM

  

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As 2025 beckons, the Philippines stands at a critical juncture. The nation’s political, economic, and social landscape is brimming with challenges, yet the opportunity for transformative change has never been more palpable. With the upcoming May 2025 midterm elections and the continuing aftermath of the pandemic and global crises, now is the moment for Filipinos — government officials, business leaders, and ordinary citizens alike — to come together in the spirit of unity and collective progress. It is time to set aside personal ambitions and divisive politics for the greater good of the country. 

The political climate is deeply polarized, with rival factions often prioritizing their own agenda over the national interest. Personal loyalty to political figures frequently supersedes loyalty to principles. With the midterm elections looming large, the temptation to further entrench political divisions is strong. Yet, now more than ever, the country must resist the urge to deepen these rifts.

Elections are a vital part of democracy, but they should never become an exercise in division or animosity. The political discourse must evolve to become more respectful, focused on ideas, and rooted in the aspirations of the Filipino people — not just the interests of the elite. Leaders, regardless of political affiliation, should understand that their true mandate comes from serving the greater good, not advancing personal interest.

As the country continues to struggle to emerge from the devastating effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, it is essential that leaders step forward as true public servants. Politicians must put nation-building ahead of partisan gain, focusing on policies that promote long-term economic growth, social equity, and environmental sustainability. 

Ordinary citizens also play an essential role in this collective effort. Each Filipino, from the humblest barangay resident to the bustling urban professional, must embrace a mindset of shared responsibility. It is only when Filipinos work together, with a sense of purpose and mutual respect, that true progress can be achieved. 

Unity means a recognition of our common humanity and shared aspirations. This is why in 2025, it’s crucial for us to embrace dialogue over discord, cooperation over competition, and understanding over suspicion.

Building peace begins with the recognition that the wounds of the past — be it through political conflict, social inequality, or regional tensions — cannot be healed by further division. Healing requires empathy, compassion, and, most importantly, a commitment to listening. Leaders must take the lead in fostering an inclusive atmosphere where differences are respected, and reconciliation is pursued.

The 2025 elections will be a litmus test for the country’s ability to move beyond a politics of hate and vindictiveness. It is incumbent upon voters to choose leaders who embody unity, peace, and social cohesion — leaders who understand that the country’s success depends on collective effort, not personal gain.

The economic recovery is another crucial focus for 2025. While the nation has shown resilience in the face of adversity, there is still much work to be done to address poverty, unemployment, and income inequality. Both government and business must work hand-in-hand to create an environment conducive to growth that benefits all Filipinos.

The government must prioritize policies that promote job creation, infrastructure development, and investment in education and healthcare. It should also foster an environment of innovation and entrepreneurship, especially in underserved areas. By ensuring that economic opportunities are accessible to all, the government can help bridge the gap between the rich and the poor, creating a more equitable society.

On the business front, companies should be encouraged to invest in sustainable practices, technology, and workforce development. The global economy is evolving rapidly, and the Philippines must adapt to remain competitive. By focusing on sectors such as renewable energy, digital transformation, and green technologies, the nation can create a more sustainable future while providing jobs and boosting economic output.

As we enter 2025, the Philippines faces significant challenges, but the potential for renewal is immense. So, let’s start setting aside political division, fostering peace and understanding, and prioritizing the common good over individual gain. The Philippines can be a beacon of hope in an increasingly fragmented world if only we choose to unite for a better tomorrow.

Your ultimate 2025 local travel bucket list, based on our favorite celebrations

It’s fiesta all the way

BY MARIE BUENAVENTURA

Jan 1, 2025 03:52 AM 

Imagine how fun and fantastic it would be to plan your travel around the Philippines based on our biggest celebrations. 

 

 

January: Cebu

For: Sinulog Festival (third Sunday of January)
A vibrant celebration honoring the Santo Niño with street dancing, processions, and colorful parades. Sinulog is perhaps one of the best Filipino festivals to attend.

 

What to do: Cebu is known as the "Queen City of the South" and boasts a mix of historical landmarks and natural wonders. Magellan's Cross and Basilica Minore del Santo Niño highlight its rich history as the cradle of Christianity in the Philippines. Cebu’s beaches, particularly those in Mactan and Bantayan Island, are renowned for their pristine waters and marine life. Don’t miss Kawasan Falls, Temple of Leah, Sirao Flower Garden

 

Must-eat: Lechon Carcar, what else! Also try Puso (hanging rice) with BBQ at Larsian, ngohiong (Cebu-style spring roll), and hit Casa Verde for their famous ribs

 

Photo by JJ Landingin

 

February: Baguio (Benguet)

For: Panagbenga Festival (Month-long)
Panagbenga, known as the Flower Festival, features floral floats and street dancing inspired by the region’s blooms.

 

What to do: Perched high in the mountains, Baguio is called the "Summer Capital of the Philippines" for its cool climate. The city is known for its pine forests, scenic parks, and fresh strawberries. The Panagbenga Festival also showcases the artistic talents of locals with parades that fill the air with the fragrance of fresh flowers. Don’t miss Burnham Park, La Trinidad Strawberry Farm, Camp John Hay

 

Must-eat: Strawberry Taho at Mines View Park; Pinikipikan, which is a traditional chicken dish; 

Good Shepherd’s Ube Jam and Peanut Brittle; Farmer’s Daughter for authentic Cordillera cuisine.

 

 

March: Zamboanga City

For: Semana Santa sa Sta. Cruz Island (March leading up to Holy Week)
A serene Holy Week observance on the world-renowned Pink Sand Beach of Sta. Cruz Island. The island is perfect for reflection and relaxation while exploring Zamboanga’s natural beauty.

 

What to do: Zamboanga, known as the "Asia’s Latin City," offers a unique blend of Spanish and Filipino heritage. Its distinct language, Chavacano, is a mix of Spanish and local dialects. Sta. Cruz Island's pink sand, colored by crushed coral, is among its iconic attractions. Visit Fort Pilar Shrine and Museum, Paseo del Mar for evening strolls, Merloquet Falls

 

What to eat: Curacha (spanner crab) with Alavar Sauce; Knickerbocker (a fruity dessert similar to halo-halo); satti (spicy barbecue with rice balls). Visit La Vista del Mar for seafood with a view

 

 

April : Marinduque

For Moriones Festival (Holy Week)
A colorful re-enactment of the life of Saint Longinus, with costumed Roman centurions parading through the streets.

 

What to do: Known as the "Heart of the Philippines," Marinduque is shaped like a heart and occupies a central location. It is famous for its unspoiled beaches, such as Maniwaya Island, and its rich folklore. The Moriones Festival is a unique blend of devotion and theatrics, drawing visitors from around the country. Hit up Poctoy White Beach, Bathala Cave, and Maniwaya Island.

 

What to eat: Kari-Kari (Marinduque-style kare-kare), Tinapa (smoked fish) from Boac’s local markets, visit local bakeries for arrowroot cookies, and hit up street vendors during the festival sell fresh Suman (sticky rice)

 

 

May: Quezon Province

For:  Pahiyas Festival (May 15)
The more-than-500-year-old festival's highlight is the extravagant decoration of houses with kiping, leaf-shaped wafers made from rice and dyed in vibrant colors. These decorations, often shaped into flowers, chandeliers, or other creative designs, transform the entire town into a kaleidoscope of colors. Homes are adorned not just with kiping but also with fresh produce such as fruits, vegetables, and rice grains, showcasing the agricultural wealth of the region. The festival begins with a morning procession of the image of San Isidro Labrador. Farmers bring their best crops to the church to be blessed, symbolizing their gratitude and hope for another fruitful year.

 

What to do: Quezon Province is celebrated for its lush landscapes and culinary heritage. Quezon is also home to the famous pancit habhab, a local noodle dish served on banana leaves. Visit: Kamay ni Hesus Shrine, Lucban town, Tayabas Basilica

 

What to eat:  Lucban Longganisa and Pancit Habhab from local eateries, Buddy’s Restaurant in Lucban for affordable Filipino comfort food, Kiping (crispy rice wafer) during the festival, Hardinera (a unique Quezon meatloaf)

 

Photo by Britannica Online

 

June: Samar

For: Parayawan Festival (June 19, Calbayog City)
Celebrating rice farming and local culture with street dancing and agricultural fairs. Performers dressed in rice-inspired costumes parade through the streets, showcasing the journey of rice from planting to harvesting through dance and music. This vibrant spectacle highlights the cultural importance of farming.

 

What to do: Samar is home to some of the most breathtaking natural wonders in the Philippines, including caves, waterfalls, and rock formations. Its locals are known for their resilience and warmth, often recounting stories of how they have overcome natural disasters with community spirit. Don’t miss Sohoton Natural Bridge National Park, Biri Island Rock Formations, San Juanico Bridge

 

What to eat: Tinolang Isda (fish soup) and fresh seafood from Calbayog City, binagol (sweet taro delicacy) from street vendors, and linarang na kagang (crab dish) 

 

 

July: Iloilo

 

For: Pintados de Pasi Festival (Mid-July)
A celebration of the ancient tattooed warriors of Panay, with vibrant dances and cultural events.

 

What to do: Iloilo is often called the "City of Love" for its friendly and hospitable people. Its heritage homes, century-old churches, and gastronomic delights like batchoy and pancit molo make it a favorite among history buffs and foodies alike. Don’t miss Miagao Church, Garin Farm Pilgrimage Resort, Isla de Gigantes.

 

What to eat: · La Paz Batchoy at Netong’s in La Paz Public Market, Pancit Molo from Kapisnan, Ted’s Old Timer La Paz Batchoy, biscocho (toasted bread with butter) from Biscocho Haus, and fresh seafood from Breakthrough Restaurant

 

 

August: Davao

 

For: Kadayawan Festival (third week of August)
A thanksgiving festival celebrating bountiful harvests with floral floats, street dancing, and food fairs. Rooted in indigenous traditions, the festival pays homage to the gods, spirits, and ancestors for a fruitful harvest, good health, and harmony. It celebrates Davao’s status as the "fruit basket of the Philippines.” Performers clad in colorful, tribal-inspired costumes dance to pulsating drumbeats, narrating stories of Davao’s 11 indigenous tribes, collectively known as "Lumad."

 

What to do: Davao is a sprawling metropolis that offers a mix of urban convenience and natural beauty. It is the gateway to Mount Apo, the tallest peak in the Philippines, and the home of the rare Philippine eagle. Durian, a local fruit with a polarizing smell, is a must-try for adventurous food lovers. Visit the Philippine Eagle Center, Samal Island, and for a beautiful ride, Buda Highway.

 

What to eat: Durian (try it fresh or as Durian Candy or Ice Cream); fresh seafood and BBQ at Roxas Night Market, kinilaw (Filipino ceviche) at Marina Tuna or at Luz Kinilaw, durian coffee concoctions and tuna belly at Jack’s Ridge, and Aling Foping’s Halo-Halo for dessert

 

 

September: Batanes

 

For: Nuang Festival (September 15). A tribute to the "Beast of Burden", the festival recognizes the carabao's indispensable role in farming, transportation, and as a symbol of resilience in the Ivatan community.

 

What to do: Batanes is often called the "Home of the Winds" for its strong breezes and dramatic seascapes. Its iconic stone houses and rolling hills make it a bucket-list destination for travelers seeking tranquility and unspoiled landscapes. The locals, called Ivatans, are known for their honesty and hospitality. Include the Basco Lighthouse, Marlboro Hills, Sabtang Island in your checklist.

 

What to eat: Uvud (meatballs made from banana pith and minced pork), venes (Ivatan-style adobo), and turmeric rice paired with fresh seafood. Visit Café du Tukon for a farm-to-table dining experience.

 

 

October: Bacolod (Negros Occidental)

For: MassKara Festival (fourth Sunday of October)
The MassKara Festival, held every fourth Sunday of October in Bacolod City, Negros Occidental, is a vibrant celebration of joy and resilience, with colorful masks, parades, and lively street parties.

 

What to do: Known as the "City of Smiles," Bacolod is a hub of positivity and creativity. The festival started as a way to uplift the city's spirits during challenging times. Its nearby attractions, such as sugar plantations and stunning beaches, make it a well-rounded destination. Take pictures at The Ruins, Mambukal Resort, Lakawon Island.

 

What to eat: Chicken Inasal at Manokan Country, Calea pastries for cakes, particularly their famous Chocolate Mud Pie, piaya (flatbread with muscovado filling) from BongBong’s, and fresh seafood from 18th Street Pala-Pala

 

 

November: Camiguin

For: Lanzones Festival (third week of October but spills into early November)
A thanksgiving festival for the lanzones fruit, with street dancing and cultural events.

 

What to do: Known as the "Island Born of Fire," Camiguin is home to seven volcanoes and numerous hot springs. Its small size makes it easy to explore, but its charm and natural beauty leave a lasting impression. Go to White Island, Sunken Cemetery, and Katibawasan Falls.

 

What to eat: Fresh lanzones sold on the streets, pastel (sweet bun filled with yema) from Vjandep Bakery, kinilaw na tangigue (fish ceviche). Visit Casa Roca Inn for a cozy, scenic dining experience.

 

 

December: San Fernando (Pampanga)

For: Giant Lantern Festival (Week before Christmas)
Witness handcrafted, beautifully made, illuminated giant lanterns in a competition of craftsmanship and creativity.

 

What to do: San Fernando is known as the "Christmas Capital of the Philippines." The lanterns are a testament to the artistry and ingenuity of Kapampangans. This event draws tourists from across the globe to marvel at the dazzling lights and festive atmosphere. Go to the heritage District of Pampanga, visit Angeles City’s historical sites, and explore Clark Museum.

 

What to eat: Pampanga is best known for its food, so make sure you try Bringhe (Kapampangan paella), pork BBQ and local street food at stalls near the festival grounds, Susie’s Cuisine for halo-halo and native delicacies, and sisig. Go to Mila’s Tokwa’t Baboy for Kapampangan-style snacks