Tanay’s annual Hane Festival continues to draw interest as a cultural event making a significant impact in preserving the town’s cultural heritage and traditions.
“Hane,” meaning please or “di ba” in Filipino, is commonly used by Tanayans to seek approval, such as “Tanay is beautiful, hane?” or “People of Tanay are lovable, hane?”
Inspired by the popular phrase, the town decided to name their festivities as “Hane Festival” to showcase their vibrant tourism, agricultural produce, arts and culture, sustainable environment, and friendly people.
Joicee Jules Gapido, Tanay’s public information officer, said the festival, now on its 13th run this year, is also part of the town’s commemoration of its 417th founding anniversary as a ‘pueblo’ or town on November 12, 1606.
“The festival was the brainchild of Mayor Lito Tanjuatco, who came up with the idea 13 years ago. The name was derived from the ordinary expression used to seek agreement, reflecting the town’s spirit of unity and cooperation,” Gapido added.
The festival incorporates various activities and programs that highlight Tanay’s natural attractions, military camp, restaurants, and coffee shops. These include the street dancing competition, Saligang Lahi Saligang Haligi ng Katutubong Lipi (a program promoting Filipino traditions and inclusivity), Binibining Tanay (a beauty pageant), People’s Parade, Musikape Salabat Tsokolate (an event featuring local music and food), Mega Job Fair, Zumba Dance, Grand Basuraffle, and more.
Residents from indigenous groups in Tanay participated in the Saligang Lahi Saligang Haligi ng Katutubong Lipi, a program promoting Filipino traditions and inclusivity. (CO/RM Tanjuatco/FACEBOOK)
The Saligang Lahi involves the participation of Tanay’s indigenous peoples particularly the Dumagat-Remontado from Barangay Sto. Niño. It aims to preserve their culture and heritage by showcasing their traditional activities and games.
“The local government ensures that our Indigenous Peoples have involvement… we bring different programs to their area and they are also involved in the Hane Festival,” Gapido said.
The National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) supports this initiative and emphasizes the importance of appreciating the culture of the Dumagat-Remontados.
“We believe we are helping them relive and stimulate their culture for future generations of Dumagat-Remontados to witness and experience,” Gapido said.
She added: “through the Hane Festival, the local government of Tanay, in collaboration with indigenous communities, aims to stimulate cultural preservation and provide opportunities for locals to showcase their arts, crafts, agriculture, and environment.” (CO/PIA4A; Photo by Gerald Militante/Tanay Tourism)
