Who among us doesn’t eat bananas? The healthy fruit contains potassium and natural sugars which are loved by many Filipinos. In our households, banana ketchup is used as a popular Philippine condiment made from mashed banana, sugar, vinegar, and spices. In Filipino households, it is used on just about any dish - omelettes (torta), hot dogs, burgers, fries, fish, and other meats. Banana ketchup is also a vital and distinct ingredient in Filipino-style spaghetti (sweeter than the traditional Italian spaghetti).

Here in our country, festivals are celebrated to commemorate the importance of bananas. Baco, Oriental Mindoro; La Castellana, Negros Occidental; and Davao del Norte are the main provinces that celebrate Banana Festival.

The Banana Capital of the Philippines – Davao del Norte celebrates Banana Festival every first week of July in time for the founding anniversary of the province. The festival pays tribute to the largest economic contributor and the province’s number one export - bananas.

Held every March 18 to 19 in Baco, Oriental Mindoro, is a celebration of the abundance of bananas. It showcases the different varieties of banana like Señorita, Latundan, Lacatan, and Saba. It also features a banana cookfest and a "saba"-inspired street dancing competition and beauty pageant. Festivities coincide with the town fiesta held in honor of the patron, St. Joseph.

On the other hand, the province of Negros Occidental celebrates the banana festival every first week of April particularly in the municipality of La Castellana. A harvest festival opens on the first day of April.