PARANAQUE HERITAGE.

CULTURAL
Parañaque is famous for its lively festivals, such as the caracol, a festival that revolves
around boats. Parañaque is also known for the sunduan, a festival held every
November during the Araw ng Parañaque (Parañaque Day) celebration. The city also
stages the cenaculo, a re-enactment of the passion of Christ, during Holy Week, the
Pasko ng Pagkabuhay during Easter, and the Santacruzan, a procession reenacting the
search of the True Cross of Christ, in May. Shortly thereafter, the colorful Flores de
Mayo, a festival commemorating the discovery of the cross by Queen Elena (mother of
St. Constantine) is held. Paranaque also celebrated a Sambalilo Hat Festival which was
held every February 13 for the cityhood of Paranaque's anniversary held every year.
An outstanding feature of this historic town by the bay is the cultivation of its cultural
traditions such as the komedya and bati-bati, among others, that continue to attract
local and foreign tourists alike, especially during the summer months.
Parañaque is also known for sabong, a form of cockfighting constrained in coliseums

HISTORY OF PARANAQUE
https://www.discoverphilippines.net/2010/05/history-of-paranaque-city.html

The town of Palanyag, now known as Parañaque, has a rich history dating back to its
founding in 1572. Situated near the sea, it engaged in trade with Chinese, Indonesian,
Indian, and Malayan merchants. The primary livelihoods at the time included salt-
making, fishing, rice farming, shoemaking, slipper-making, and weaving. The
community was led by cabezas de barangay, who were local chieftains influenced by
Westernization, and the principalia, the local aristocrats. They played a vital role in
moderating Spanish colonial demands.
Education was limited to the principalia, and Palanyag began its recorded history in
1580 when Fr. Diego de Espinar established a mission house there. The town's
strategic location at the crossroads of Manila, Cavite, and Batangas allowed its
residents to play essential roles in Philippine history. They defended against Chinese
pirates in 1574 and remained loyal to the Spanish during the British invasion in 1762.
During the Philippine Revolution, Palanyag became a gateway to Cavite for the
Katipuneros. When the Americans took over, Parañaque was one of the first towns to
have a municipal government. During World War II, it supplied leadership and support
to guerrilla movements. The town was among the first to be liberated by American
forces. Parañaque's strategic significance in the Philippines' political and economic
progress has endured. The town has also preserved its cultural traditions, attracting
local and foreign tourists with events like Komedya, Sunduan, and Bati.
The name "Parañaque" has several possible origins, including references to beloved
places, rice fields, sailing and fishing, and the Spanish phrase "para aqui" (stop here),
among others.
Today, Parañaque covers 47.7 square kilometers and accommodates various
residential, commercial, and industrial areas. Its population has grown steadily over the
years, and it continues to be an ethnically diverse and culturally vibrant community. The
primary language is Filipino, influenced by English and Spanish, and the city is home to
various religious groups, with the Baclaran Church being a prominent place of worship.
Interfaith cooperation is a hallmark of Parañaque, with religious groups actively involved
in social services alongside local government initiatives.

HERITAGE SITES

● Church of paranaque (saint. Andrew church)

● Baclaran Church
● Casa aida
● San Dionisio Chapel
● Buenaventura Heritage House
● Palacio de Memoria