There are a number of factors to consider in planning the roll-out of a marketing activity, which could include sampling. Depending on the nature of the product, the target market, the type of marketing activity and a host of other factors, the actual implementation may depend on the exact dates of official holidays (some may prefer the holidays, while others may prefer off-holidays).

With that in mind, here are the official national regular holidays and special non-working holidays for 2009:

• June 12, 2009 (Friday)  –  Independence Day
• August 5, 2009 (Wednesday)  –  Pres. Cory Aquino Burial (special non-working; Proc. 1851)
• August 21, 2009 (Friday)  –  Ninoy Aquino Day (special non-working)
• August 31, 2009 (Monday)  –  National Heroes Day
• Eid’l Fitr (Feast of Ramadhan)  –  Movable date
• November 1, 2009 (Sunday)  –  All Saints Day (special non-working)
• November 2, 2009 (Monday)  –  Additional special non-working day
• November 30, 2009 (Monday)  –  Bonifacio Day
• December 24, 2009 (Thursday)  –  Additional special non-working day
• December 25, 2009 (Friday)  –  Christmas Day
• December 30, 2009 (Wednesday)  –  Rizal Day
• December 31, 2009 (Thursday)  –  Last Day of the Year (special non-working)

On the other hand, here are the declared regular and special non-working holidays for the year 2010:

• New Year’s Day — 1 January 2010
• EDSA People Power (All SCHOOLS Only) — 22 February 2010 (Special holiday)
• Maundy Thursday — 1 April 2010
• Good Friday — 2 April 2010
• Araw ng Kagitingan (Bataaan and Corregidor Day)   — 9 April 2010 (Friday)
• Labor Day — 1 May 2010
• Independence Day — 14 June 2010 (Monday nearest June 12)
• Ninoy Aquino Day — 23 August 2010* (Monday nearest August 21)
• National Heroes Day — 30 August 2010 (Last Monday of August)
• Eid’l Fitr (Feast of Ramadhan)  — Movable date
• All Saints Day — 1 November 2010 (Monday)
• Additional Non-working day — 24 November 2010 (Friday)
• Bonifacio Day — 29 November 2010 (Monday nearest November 30)
• Christmas Day –  25 December 2010 (Saturday)
• Rizal Day — 27 December 2010 (Monday nearest December 30)
• Last Day of the Year — 31 December 2010 (Friday)
• New Year’s Day –  1 January 2011

Wishing the best in your business.

Sources: Republic Act 9492; Proclamation 1699; Proclamation 1841.