Text by Richard R. Gappi
Angono, the Art Capital of the Philippines, just concluded its annual parade of giants and small ones called ‘higantitos’.
More than 100 higantes or giant papier mache paraded around the town which started at 7:00 in the morning at Rainbow Village/SM Center Angono and ended at the Angono Municipal Compound.
The festival is an expression of the Municipality’s gratitude to its town patron St. Clement whose feast is celebrated on the 23rd of November.
As a cultural icon, the meaning of ‘higante’ has evolved from the orally held tradition as symbol of protest to festivity and ‘giant’ aspiration of Angoneweños to bring about meaningful change and inclusive growth while remaining keen on their sense of history and artistic community deeply held by their ancestors.
The municipality is led by Mayor Gerry Calderon and Vice-Mayor Antonio Rubin.
It has achieved three unprecedented awards this year namely three-time recipient of Seal of Good Local Governance, two-time awardee of Gawad Galing Pook, and 3rd Most Competitive among 1st-2nd class municipalities in the Philippines.