Taal, Batangas came alive once again as it celebrated the El Pasubat Festival with a grand parade featuring 11 floats adorned with giant suman, balisong, and panutsa.
"Pang-14th pero may dalawang taon tayong pandemic kaya itinigil natin. Kaya pang-12 years na ito," Mayor Pong Mercado, said.
Various schools joined in the street dancing competition and showcased their talents in colorful costumes.
"Pinaghirapan po namin ito para po manalo kami kasi first time nga po namin sumali, magbigay ng kasiyahan and inspirasyon sa mga bata," Jhianne Ashley Lescano, a streetdancer, said.
A court dance competition was also held.
The town also commemorated its 451st founding anniversary.
"'Yang maraming kanya-kanyang produkto ng mga bara-barangay tsaka ng produkto ng Taal," Marilou Jorbina, an onlooker, said.
"Dito kasi mula nu'ng pandemya, bumalik po ulit 'yung saya ng bayan ng Taal," James Castillo, an onlooker, added.
"Ang ipinagmamalaki natin 'yung mga old houses atsaka mga pagkaing kakanin Taal [o] Tatak-taal; sa Taal [lang] matatagpuan," Mercado said.
El Pasubat, came from the delicacies: empanada, longganisa, panutsa, suman, balisong, barong tagalog, and Taal tapa.
Over 6,000 people joined the festivities from within and outside the town.
Mercado promised an even more exciting El Pasubat Festival in the coming years.