January kicks off year-round fiestas and festivals in the Philippines - when folks from all over, take to the streets in festive celebration, dancing to the beat of wild drumming and sharp staccato whistle blasts. Visiting the Philippines this time of the year has several advantages. The weather is ideal for sightseeing and island hopping. Amihan , the northeast monsoon blows through the islands - bringing cooling breezes and bright sunny days. Cresting in the wake of a notoriously long holiday season - the merry making continues on as the new festival season unfolds. Image provided by The Augustinian Province of Santo Niño de Cebu Philippines Provincialate Offices At the center of most January festivities is the Santo Niño , the image of the Child Jesus - venerated by many folks the world over and popularly celebrated all over the Philippines. Grand processions with hundreds of opulently dressed images of the Christ child are paraded in the streets amid frenzied...