BOAC, Marinduque — The Bila-Bila Festival 2025 has officially taken off with vibrant activities highlighting art, nature, and cultural heritage in celebration of National Heritage Month. A colorful array of events began on May 16 with an Upcycled Canvas Painting Competition at the Moriones Arena, bringing together local artists to promote sustainability through creativity.
The festivities soared to new heights on May 19 with the first anniversary celebration of the Butterfly Farm Tourism Village, marked by the release of 1,000 butterflies, symbolizing the town’s commitment to eco-tourism and environmental preservation.
“Isang makulay at makasaysayang araw ang ating ipinagdiriwang ngayon sa unang anibersaryo ng ating minamahal na Butterfly Farm Tourism Village dito sa Barangay Cawit—isang patunay ng ating pagkakaisa, malasakit sa kalikasan, at hangaring pasiglahin ang turismo sa ating bayan,” said Mayor Armi DC. Carrion in her inspirational message.
Homes and Buildings Bloom with Butterfly and Flower-Inspired Decor
On May 20, the spotlight shifted to community engagement with the, “Mga Bila-bila at Bulaklak sa Tahanan at Gusaling Boakeño” competition, where residents showcase butterfly- and flower-inspired decorations in their homes and buildings. This was followed by a significant discussion hosted by the National Museum of the Philippines, focusing on Marinduque’s butterfly sustainability.
The celebration continues on May 21 with Lipad Bayan ng Boac, Carry On, a kite flying contest at the Boac Sports Complex that promises fun for all ages while keeping traditional Filipino pastimes alive.
“Tulad ng mga saranggolang ating pinalilipad ngayong araw, ang mga Bila-Bila ay malayang lumilipad sa himpapawid, dala ang makukulay na pangarap ng bawat Boakenyo. Nawa’y magsilbing inspirasyon sa atin ang paglipad ng mga ito na kahit gaano man kabigat ang hangin ng hamon, tayo’y patuloy na aangat at maglalakbay tungo sa mas maliwanag na bukas,” said Carrion.
Bila-Bila Festival Street Dancing Competition
The festival’s grand finale is scheduled for Friday, May 23, featuring the Bila-Bila Festival Street Dancing Competition and Group Presentation, where participating groups will fill the streets with choreographed performances inspired by butterflies. Winners of various contests throughout the festival will also be announced on the same day.
Adding national relevance to the local celebration, Dr. Leny Taruc-Balutot, Assistant Secretary of the Department of Trade and Industry’s (DTI) Bureau of Competitiveness and Innovation (BCI), graced the butterfly release event and reaffirmed the DTI’s support for local tourism and entrepreneurship. As part of this effort, the DTI Negosyo Center in Santa Cruz will host a “Reel-in Your Success” webinar on May 21 aimed at empowering content creators in Marinduque and the wider Mimaropa region.
Traditionally associated with Santa Cruzan, harvest festivities, and religious feasts, the month of May now also marks the celebration of the Bila-Bila Festival. In a symbolic move tied to National Heritage Month, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception — previously observed on December 8 has been realigned to May to further embed the festival within Marinduque’s cultural calendar.
With its blend of artistic expression, environmental advocacy, and community pride, the Bila-bila Festival 2025 continues to elevate Boac as a vibrant cultural and eco-tourism destination in the heart of the Philippines. — with reports from Dr. Randy Nobleza, Marinduquenews.com
