CALAMBA CITY KICKS OFF MONTH-LONG CALAMBAGONG BUHAYANI FESTIVAL 2025

THE city government of Calamba in Laguna on January 3, 2025  officially launched its month-long celebration of CalamBagong Buhayani Festival 2025.

The event, with the theme “Angat ang Lahing Calambeño, Dangal ng Bayan, Alay sa Mundo,” highlights the rich culture, heritage and savvy brilliance of Calamba City, the birthplace of national hero Dr. Jose Rizal.

In a press conference held on Tuesday at the Jose Rizal Coliseum,  Calamba City Cultural Affairs, Tourism and Sports Development Department (CATSDD) head Maolen Karla Boholano and councilor Maria Kathrina Silva, chair of the Committee on Tourism, Social, Cultural and Foreign Event unveiled the lineup of activities for the celebration that promises to blend heritage, culture, and community spirit.

According to Boholano, one of the newest features of this year’s celebration is the Ginoo at Binibining Calamba 2025, a pageant that aims to promote not only beauty but also intelligence and talent of the Calambeño youth.

Boholano said 19 male and 20 female candidates will compete for titles, adding glamour and excitement to the festival.

“Layon natin na ipromote hindi lang sa Pilipinas kungdi sa buong mundo ang ganda at talento ng Calambeño,” said councilor Silva said during the presscon which also coincided with the sashing of the Ginoo at Binibining Calamba 2025 candidates.

Meanwhile, another highlight of the event is the  Kusinang Calambeño, that will feature heirloom recipes in a bid for UNESCO heritage recognition

“Ang ating culinary heritage gusto natin makilala, gusto natin magkaroon ng libro. Gusto natin ipakilala ang mga luto natin sa ibang bansa,” Boholano said.

The month-long festivity also includes the Talinong Rizal Quiz Contest that will feature the academic excellence of local students, the Hawig Rizal Look-Alike Contest, Kuwentong Bayani, Buhayani Job Fair, Trade Fair, Jose Rizal sa Mundo ng Museo, and the Sayaw-Indak Street Dance Competition.

“The CalamBagong Buhayani Festival is more than just a tribute to Dr. Jose Rizal. It’s also a celebration of the enduring spirit of Calambeños—past and present—whose contributions continue to shape our city’s identity and progress,” Boholano added.

A Grand Float Parade is set to take place on June 19, following the commemorative celebration of Dr. Jose Rizal’s birth anniversary.  It will feature elaborately decorated floats and will be participated in by government agencies, non-government organizations, industry partners and people’s groups.

Mayor Rosseller H. Rizal invited Calambeños, as well as local and foreign tourists, to visit the city and take part in the historic and award-winning festival and immerse in the rich and diverse culture that we should be proud of.

Rizal vowed to make this year’s CalamBagong Buhayani Festival grander, with more exciting events and prizes.

The schedule of activities, contest mechanics and prizes for the CalamBagong Buhayani Festival  can be accessed thru the City Tourism  Office’s official  Facebook Page www.facebook.com/TourismCityof Calamba

The festival runs from June 3 to 30, 2025.