Hundreds of papier-mâché giants danced on the streets of Angono on Sunday, Nov. 19, to usher in this year's iteration of the Higantes Festival.
The town’s ‘giants’ swayed and danced to the beat of the drums as the giant mascots, made of aluminum body and papier-mâché heads, passed by the rows of residents who lined-up by the roadside to take photos.
Giant versions of prominent personalities like President Marcos, Vice President Sara Duterte, and Dr. Jose Rizal were among the higantes that joined the festival parade.
Mayor Jeri Mae Calderon led local officials in the grand parade that ended on M.L. Quezon Street in front of the municipal hall.
SM Savemore and SM Center Angono's officials and employees also joined the parade with their mascots and higantes.
Senator Francis Tolentino was among the guests who greeted the residents in the annual event which is a prelude to the November 23 feast day of Saint Clement the Pope.
Part of the program was the stop dance competition and racing of the higantes.
Malacanang had earlier declared November 23 as a special non-working day in Angono to enable the residents full opportunity to participate in the annual festivities.
Angono Police Station's chief Lauro Moratillo said uniformed policemen have been on round-the-clock patrol to ensure the safety of the people.
Rizal Police Provincial Office director Col. Felipe Maraggun also assured the public that the police will be on guard to make sure that the festivities will be orderly.