It seems that every nationality in the world has something to contribute/show off to the global vocabulary/market. Is ‘The Pacman’ the only one for us Filipinos?
The Italians have their indispensable pasta; the Venezuelans, their bottomless stash of beauties; the Japanese, their controversial and mysterious geishas and quality tech products; the Hawaiians, the dreams of aphrodisiacal getaways. What of the Philippines? Surely, talented as we are by nature (lol), we have something to boast of aside from ‘pambansang kamao’ and more recently (though not that recent) Charisse Pempengco?
Trying to put in the limelight in this article is no less than the colorful, distinctly unique and lively festivities in the Philippines that showcases varied local cultures as well as our identity as a people.
Masskara Festival of Bacolod City for instance shows the creativity and gaiety of the Bacolodnons through the mask that they personally design as they make merry in the streets in October, Manggahan Festival of the province of Guimaras highlights through interpretative dances the way of life of the Guimarasnons as well as its being the island where the sweetest mangoes grow and of course the upcoming DInagyang Festival of Iloilo City, tagged as the Best Tourism Event in the Philippines for 3 consecutive years, exemplifies the religiosity of the Ilonggos as they offer dances in the beat of drums to Señor Sto. Niño.
All these festivals and many others (Ati-atihan of Aklan, Moriones of Marinduque, Flower Festival of Baguio and even our barangay fiestas) prove how in the midst of many trials the Filipinos are able to laugh, dance, give praise and offer their time to the preservation of culture and identity.
The quality of our festivals/celebrations in the Philippines, not to mention the quantity that supersedes that of other countries make us stand out in ways that are simply worth noting.
But what really is it in these Philippine festivities that those who experience them find unforgettable and special? Is it the colors? The music? The food? Well, maybe the food is one but there is one which I believe is most striking than the rest – we, the people ourselves.
The Filipinos have so much commendable traits that make us stand out everywhere we are put. Whether it be resilience amidst adversities, creativity towards work and play and in this case warmth that other races seem to lack and thus find in us irresistible and addictive.
In our every celebration/festivities is inherent always that feeling of warmth towards each other and our visitors. Everyone who knows and even doesn’t know each other connects in some spontaneous way through a simple smile, greeting or pep talk. Hosts make sure to keep their visitors relaxed, comfy and satiated showing them to every relative and friends like they’re going to live with them forever and serving them always the best of what the hosts have. We take care to inform them of every bit of info that can be shared to not let them feel left out.
In the case of fiestas, we tell our visitors “Pasensya because we only have lechon, paella, dinuguan, buko pandan, mango float, spaghetti, afritada, menudo, pancit molo and morcon for food.” We make sure they have the best of everything even if we ourselves would have to settle for tira-tira or as in the compilation of Neni Sta. Romana-Cruz, you will know you are a Filipino if…you’ll go in debt for a celebration.
We Filipinos always give an experience that is worth repeating again and again. Why? Because that is simply the way we are. And that’s something we can add to our contributions to the global market slash vocabulary aside from Pacquaio and Pempengco.
(comments? Feel free to share. Pau.dom.cu.tar@gmail.com)
No comments:
Post a Comment