Philippines. First Silver Proof and Colour Coins Launch Year-Long Festivals of the Philippines Series

The first coin launches a new series entitled Pista sa Pilipinas – (Festivals of the Philippines) with one new coin released every year. Through numismatic artistry, the Central Bank seeks to highlight a set of 12 silver coins that showcase the different cultural and tourism festivals across the country. The series is the first of its kind for the Bangko Sentral and the festivals included were specially selected to reflect the diversity of Filipino traditions across the archipelago.

The first coin released focuses on the Sinulog Festival with its home in the province of Cebu and which traces its roots to 1521, when Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan gifted the image of the Santo Niño to Hara Humamay, the wife of Rajah Humabon of Cebu. She was later baptised and took the name of Queen Juana of Cebu, becoming one of the first Christian converts. The Holy Child Jesus, locally known as Santo Niño, is among the most venerated and recognisable religious images in the Philippines. This is because the image does not only show the faithfulness of Catholics to their religion, but also reminds Filipinos of the birth of Christianity in the country.

The word Sinulog translates as ‘water current’ and reflects the rhythmic dances performed in honour of the Holy Child. The Sinulog festival is widely regarded as one of the largest cultural and religious celebrations in the Philippines, with the 2025 event attracting over four million attendees. The celebration itself honours the Holy Child and the Christianisation of the Filipino people with the arrival of Spanish explorers. Held on the third Sunday in January each year, the event is both celebratory and religious with dancing parades in streets, river and street processions as well as novena masses. As Sinulog is one of the most popular festivals in the Philippines, embodying the deep faith and gratitude of the Cebuanos, and serves as a vibrant expression of devotion of the faithful.

The silver proof and colour coins are produced at the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas – BSP Security Plant Complex at their facilities in in Quezon City, Metro Manila. The Bangko Sentral consulted the Department of Tourism and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts on the featured festivals and corresponding coin designs.

The obverse design of each coin will depict a composite of common motif and theme elements such as a diamond shape shown on the edge at the top of the coin and which number increases along the edge according to the month the coin is released, up to twelve. A stylised symbol or motif is also featured at the top and just below the number of diamonds. This assigned symbol represents both the month and festival highlighted. The obverse of each coin will features a full colour motif characteristic of a specific festival. For the festival of Sinulog and month of January, a performer gracefully dances in devotion, as she holds a figurine of the Santo Niño de Cebu, a revered religious icon in the Philippines. At the base of the Santo Niño figurine to the left is the distinctive mintmark of the BSP. Within an ornamental circular gold-coloured inner border is the stylised text Sinulog shown near the upper right with the denomination of 100 PISO placed near the lower left. Along the lower left rim is the text REPUBLIKA NG PILIPINAS. Within a circle in the background field behind the dancer is repeated micro-text that reads SINULOG CEBU CITY. The reverse side which is common to the entire series comprisessymbols and elements of the twelve Philippine festivals incorporated in one design to create a festive pattern that forms a large centred image representing the symbol of the lantern festival, the 12^th and last coin in the series. In the centre of the composition is the logo of the Central Bank of the Philippines with the name BANGKO SENTRAL NG PILIPINAS. Within the ornamental image above the Bank’s logo is the text of the name of the series PISTA SA PILIPINAS (festivals of the Philippines) along with the year 2026 placed below the logo. Along the lower rim are the specifications of the coin, 999 FINE SILVER 1 TROY OUNCE. The overall design is surrounded by a continuous geometric ornamental design seen along the flat rim.

Available from the 26th January, each coin is encapsulated and presented in a case accompanied with a certificate of authenticity. Collectors in the Philippines may purchase and receive the coin at the BSP Pop-up Store located in the local government units hosting the festivals during the celebration. If unable to attend the festival, they may purchase it in person at the BSP Store one week after the festival date. Due to limited stocks, each collector may purchase only one (1) piece per design in person or online.

The complete 12-coin Pista sa Pilipinas series can be pre-ordered. Details of the sale of the 12-coin set will be announced by the BSP through its official communication channels. For additional information, please visit the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas dedicated webpage.

The remaining coins and festivals released during the year are as follows –

Tan-ok ni Ilocano – February, Kaamulan – March, Moriones – April, Pahiyas – May, Pintados-Kasadyaan – June, T'nalak – July, Kadayawan – August, Peñafrancia – September, MassKara – October, Higantes – November, Giant Lantern – December.