The Philippines has a number of festivals and celebrations taking place throughout the year. Independence Day, 12 June, is celebrated with a military parade. The Black Nazarene Procession takes place every year on 9 January. Large processions, carrying life-size black images of Jesus pass through the streets of Manila. This procession takes place during Easter too.  A few weeks later, (third week of January) you can take part in the three day long Filipino Mardi Gras. 
On Good Friday re-enactments of the crucifixion take place throughout the Philippines. These draw in huge crowds.  In the week before All Saint’s Day (1 November), cemeteries across the country are whitewashed, and on All Saint’s day the city sees a lively party take place at the Chinese cemetery.