AETA
The Aeta (Ayta /ˈaɪtə/ EYE-tə; Kapampangan: áitâ), or Agta, are an indigenous people who live in scattered, isolated mountainous parts of the island of Luzon, the Philippines.
These people are considered to be Negritos, whose skin ranges from dark to very dark brown, and possessing features such as a small stature and frame; hair of a curly to kinky texture and a higher frequency of naturally lighter colour (blondism) relative to the general population, small nose, and dark brown eyes. They are thought to be among the earliest inhabitants of the Philippines, preceding the Austronesian migrations.[1]
The Aeta were included in the group of people named “Negrito” during the Spanish Era. Various Aeta groups in northern Luzon are named Pugut or Pugot, an Ilocano term that also means “goblin” or “forest spirit”,[2] and is the colloquial term for people with darker complexions. These names are mostly considered inappropriate or derogatory by fellow Aeta of northern Luzon.
GOOD FRIDAY RITUALS
Penitents in Catillejos, Zambales reenact the sufferings of Jesus Christ during a Good Friday ritual on April 14 2017. Many Catholics in the Philippines subject themselves to several forms of self-inflicted punishments like flagellation as a sign of faith and to seek forgiveness for their sins. Danny Pata.
WEAVING
The people in Zambales practices weaving in terms of their products so as their clothes.
The Aetas are skillful in weaving and plaiting. Women exclusively weave winnows and mats. Only men make armlets. They also produce raincoats made of palm leaves whose bases surround the neck of the wearer, and whose topmost part spreads like a fan all around the body.
According to one study, “About 85% of Philippine Aeta women hunt, and they hunt the same quarry as men. Aeta women hunt in groups and with dogs, and have a 31% success rate as opposed to 17% for men. Their rates are even better when they combine forces with men: mixed hunting groups have a full 41% success rate among the Aeta.
SCARIFICATION
There are some arts in the Philippines that is not very known to the people in the Philippines but this is a great practice in Zambales in which they do scarification as a practice in their arts.
A traditional form of visual art is body scarification. The Aetas intentionally wound the skin on their back, arms, breast, legs, hands, calves and abdomen, and then they irritate the wounds with fire, lime and other means to form scars.
Other “decorative disfigurements” include the chipping of the teeth. With the use of a file, the Dumagat modify their teeth during late puberty. The teeth are dyed black a few years afterwards.
The Aetas generally use ornaments typical of people living in subsistence economies. Flowers and leaves are used as earplugs for certain occasions. Girdles, necklaces, and neckbands of braided rattan incorporated with wild pig bristles are frequently worn.
AGUNG ENSEMBLE
This instrument is one of the musical instrument in Zambales in which they practice their rituals and dances with the use of the Agung Ensemble.
The Aeta have a musical heritage consisting of various types of agung ensembles, ensembles composed of large hanging, suspended or held, bossed/knobbed gongs, which act as drone, without any accompanying melodic instrument.
FESTIVALS
PAYNAUEN DUYAN FESTIVAL
The Paynauen Duyan Festival is an annual festival in the Municipality of Iba, Zambales in the Philippines. The festival was first held in 2005.
Paynauen a word of Zambal origin, literally means Pahingahan. On the other hand, Duyan a local name for hammock, a favorite spot for resting and relaxing.
Paynauen ‘Duyan’ Festival is held every April 25 – May 1 in Iba, Zambales. It commemorates the provincial capital’s founding anniversary (founded in 1611) traces its origin from a Zambal word which means rest or pahingahan – the ancient name of Iba before the Spanish conquistadores founded the village on the shore of the Bancal River in 1611. The festival features photo competition and exhibit, sand sculpture competition, skate boarding, 2-cock derby, carabao race, beauty pageant, kite flying, banca race, boxing tournament, street dancing / Duyan Parade, among other activities.
OLONGAPO GRAND MARDI GAS
Olongapo Grand Mardi Gras celebrated every October 27 – 29 in Olongapo City.
This is a festival featuring street-dancing along Magsaysay Ave. with acoustic bands and stand-up comedians playing to the merriment of residents. Highlight of the event is the Halloween parade participated in by SBMA officials and employees, locators and school students garbed in the scariest costumes on board Halloween-themed floats.
SIBIT-SIBIT SUMMER FESTIVAL
Sibit-Sibit Summer Festival is held every 4th Week of April in Olongapo City (Brgy. Barreto). The name Sibit-Sibit was derived from the name of small paddle-driven bancas used for fishing during the early days when Brgy. Barreto was yet called Sitio Maquinaya. During fiestas, fisherfolk hold banca race using pure human strength to win the competition. Today, the festival competition includes motorized banca race and sail boat competition to add fun and excitement to the activity. In the summer of 1996, the idea came to mind when a barangay kagawad set sail to stage the 1st Sibit-Sibit Festival at Driftwood Beach. It was held yearly but later was shelved for various reasons. The event was revived by the city Government in 2006.
This 3-day event is an annual city affair that aims to reminisce the glorious saga of Olongapo as an ancient fishing village while at the same time promoting a friendly tourism alternative. The name Sibit Sibit is derived from an ancient term called “small paddle banca” used for fishing, as the city was born from being one of the ancient fishing villages of the country. Highlights of the event are: banca races, fluvial parade and sail show, beach volleyball, bangkang buhangin sculpting competition, bingo bonanza, summer dance craze, among others.
DOMOROKDOK FESTIVAL
May 3 & 4 Domorokdok Festival in Botolan This Festival is fast becoming one of 
the most popular in Zambales, also incorporating “Miss Botolan” and “Miss Botolan Tourism” beauty quests, this is a 2 day spectacular of Street Dancing, Bands, Beauty contests all culminating in the competition of the “Best and most colorful Street Dancing group” in the Municipality.
DINAMULAG MANGO FESTIVAL
In April, the Mango Festival is held in Iba, Zambales. You will witness a spectacular display of Local Foods and specializes based around the “Zambales Mangos” which are rated in the Guinness Book of Records as “The sweetest Mangos in the World”. There is also “Street Dancing” and many competitions such as “Sand Castling” also large and comprehensive agricultural displays.
The Beauty of Zambales 