“Singkaban” is an ark made from an indigenous material commonly known as “kawayan” that is usually placed at the entrance of the city or in the plaza signifying that there is an occasion, festivities or fiesta in the area.

“Linggo ng Bulacan” was the original name of this event that started in 1987 by Gov. Obet Pagdanganan. But this event is celebrated nationwide and is too generic that the people of Malolos wanted to have something of their own. So is the birth of Singkaban Festival in 2005, where Singkaban here means “Sining at Kalilangan ng Bulacan”. A combination of festivals of Bulacan celebrated in one place, focusing on the art and culture of the people, celebrated every year from the 8th to the 14th of September.

This year’s theme is “Sipag, Husay at Talino, Tatak ng Bagong Bulakeno”

Various activities and events took place simultaneously during the festival.

Laro ni Kenyo signifies the traditional games, where we, as Filipinos, were fond of playing during our childhood years, such as sipa, patintero, sack race, habulan ng buko and habulan ng baboy. Indakan sa Kalye (street dancing contest) and Parada ng Karosa (Float Parade) fills the streets as performers from different towns of bulacan move to traditional and romantic dances as they wear the traditional baro’t saya costumes combined with a parade of colorful and artistic floats. Pasiklaban Aerial Fireworks competition is also a favorite among the crowd where 20 bulacan firework makers participated.

“I was really surprised with the outcome of this event. It was beyond my expectations. This is the time I saw the cooperation and support of the people. I am very thankful to all the Bulakenos for their continues and undying support to me and to the event” cited Governor JonJon Mendoza

Pastillas is a famous delicacy in Bulacan and the star of this year’s festival.

The sweetness and creaminess of this dessert is a favorite of young and old alike. Locals and tourists never leave bulacan without a bag of pastillas as a “pasalubong” for their loved ones. But one thing that makes pastillas in bulacan special is its packaging. Tough commercially you will be able to see pastillas simply wrapped in paper and plastic, there are still a few people in bulacan that serve this delicacy wrapped in artistically designed pastillas wrapper made of colorful Japanese paper engraved with flowers or a dalagang pilipina design. We were able to meet the oldest woman who had been creating this artwork for 75 years,  Nanay Luz Ocampo. She learned this craft from her mother at age 11, now that she is 86 years old, she still continues the craft and tried to impart to the younger generation the skill that kept a smile on her face for years. “All I use is this pencil and a pair of scissors to create the design and I never get tired of it” Cited Nanay Luz.

This year, the people of Malolos made their attempt to be included in the Guiness book of world records to have the longest pastillas in the world. With the length of 202 meters and 5 inches in diameter, the pastillas was displayed for everyone to see. Around 12,800 liters of Karabao’s milk, and 1,600 kilos of sugar made this 4,000 kilo of pastillas. It is equivalent to 500,000 pieces of regular sized pastillas. It was truly, a mouthwatering sight to see. And with around 10,000 people that came to take part of this record breaking occasion, the oversized pastillas was eaten and devoured within minutes!

The Trade fair is also a hit during the festival. A place where the best produce of Bulacan were showcased. Food, desserts, handicrafts and lots of novelty items were on display and were sold in low prices. On the side of it is the Garden Landscaping competition. The soothing greens and delightful colors of the flowers surely relaxes the eyes, body and soul.

In front of the municipality hall, around 50 pigs and 500 chickens were roasted simultaneously that served as lunch for everyone. Truly, a remarkable feast for everyone to enjoy and an event worth remembering to all the Bulakenos and visitors during this year’s Singkaban Festival.