The Province of Batangas celebrated its 444th founding anniversary with the much-awaited return of the Ala Eh! Festival, a week-long cultural and community showcase held from 8 to 13 December 2025.

First launched in 2010 during the tenure of then-Governor Vilma Santos-Recto, Ala Eh! earned the title of the “Queen of all Festivals” in Batangas until 2016. After nearly a decade, the festival returned to highlight Batangueño culture with bigger, louder, and more spectacular events.

Batangas City served as the hub of this year’s festivities, featuring activities that celebrated the province’s creativity, industry, and cultural heritage. The festival was best known for its grand parade, and this year featured a more colorful and competitive edition. Fifteen municipalities and cities participated in the Street Dancing and Float competitions, each showcasing their unique local traditions:

• Cuenca – Tinapay Festival

• Tanauan City – Tan-A-We Festival

• Ibaan – LesKuhLiemBo Festival

• Agoncillo – Tawilis Festival

• Rosario – Sinukmani Festival

• Lipa City – Kapeng Barako Festival

• Malvar – Langka Festival

• Lemery – Karakultura Festival

• Taysan – Tinindag Festival

• Batangas City – Sublian Festival

• Calaca City – Calacatchara Festival

• San Jose – Egg Festival

• Bauan – Sublian Festival

• Padre Garcia – Kabakahan Festival

• Lobo – Anihan Festival

The celebrations officially opened with a Eucharistic Mass at the Dream Zone, attended by provincial officials, municipal mayors, and local leaders. The opening program also launched the MBA-VSR Awards, recognizing cities and municipalities for excellence in governance, innovation, service delivery, and community advancement.

The Provincial Trade Fair & Cooperative and Community Market along JP Laurel Highway also opened, featuring Batangueño food, crafts, agricultural products, and cooperative-based enterprises.

Throughout the week, residents and visitors enjoyed events such as the Health and Wellness Caravan, Zumba sessions, the Himig at Puso: ALA EH! Acoustic Challenge, and the ALA EH! Rock n’ Roll Battle of the Bands. Major highlights included the Lechon Master competition, the Voices, Songs & Rhythms Choral Competition, the grand Street Dance Parade, and the Festival Court Dance Exhibition.

The Ala Eh! Festival remained a cornerstone of Batangas’ heritage, combining tradition, culture, and local industry. As the province marked 444 years of history and progress, the government encouraged everyone to take part in the celebrations and support homegrown talents and products.

For more updates and photos, visit wowbatangas.com’s Facebook page.