This is my second day in Liputan. On my first day, I witnessed how the first day of Barrio Fiesta is celebrated. Geanne, my high school batch mate, and her family were my host during my stay here. I was treated like one of the family member and was provided a bedroom to stay the night since Geanne's son (Maru Khyle), a year old child, sleeps at his lola's house. I woke up by the sound of the marching band. Still half-asleep, I thought it was late already but it is still dark outside, the moon shines brightly and the night sky is peppered with stars. I check my phone and it is only 2am. "Perhaps this is a way to wake up the people to prepare for the fiesta", I thought to myself. I observed the stars for a couple of minutes and went back to sleep. Seemingly like seconds ago, I woke up at 3am by the marching band again. Every time I hear the marching band, I feel quite paranoid that the pagoda will be sailing already to Poblacion. Knowing that it is still too early, I made sure that I set the alarm at 5:30am. Before going back to sleep again, I observed the dock and the landscape through the window. It feels so peaceful as I hear the gentle crashing of the waves (Geanne's house is just located beside the daungan/dock). . I woke up again by the sound of the megaphone announcing the preparation. It is just 5:30am and I already got out of bed to take pictures outside and observed the preparation. The sun is already rising during that time and I just love how it reflects to the gentle flowing waves of the Meycauayan river. The marching bands began to parade towards the pagoda signaling the start of the river procession. I noticed that most of the band members are still tired since they are playing instruments since yesterday. But despite of the the tiredness they might be experiencing, the music is still lively. I admire the hard work that they're giving as their presence is vital as they give liveliness to the fiesta. People start to gather inside the pagoda to secure their space. A man announces through the megaphone to give more priority to the visitors to ride the pagoda and encouraged the local residents to participate in the ikot instead. Ikot is the term for the participation in the river procession of the pagoda where people ride a motor boat and traverse with the pagoda going to and fro to Poblacion and Liputan. From there, the Mahal na Senyor, Nuestra Senyora, and other religious idols are paraded to the St. Francis of Assisi Church, where a mass will be held, escorted by the marching bands and people who partake in the celebration. After the mass, the religious images are taken back to Liputan to be paraded again to the whole barangay. First, I was standing inside the pagoda. Upon realizing the limitation of my mobility due to the congestion inside, I decided to move at the end of the boat supporting the pagoda so I can have a better view of the procession/ Ikot. The procession lasted for about roughly an hour. People began to take off from the boat. The bands started to play music signaling the arrival of the Mahal na Senyor. The religious images are began to be removed in the pagoda and put in their respective carriages to be paraded throughout Poblacion. A procession took place going to the church. I went back to Liputan right before the mass start. I was not feeling well already at that time because of the seasickness I've been experiencing (I should get used to riding boats). I rested for a while and began to wait for the arrival of the pagoda. It was almost 12pm when I saw the pagoda from afar, arriving back at Liputan. Many people are already waiting to have the salubong. Again, music has been played by the bands. A procession has been done upon the arrival of the pagoda. It was lunch time and most of the food served are seafood. According to Orly, seafood are mostly served since it is one of the main products of the barangay. I visited the house of my high school classmate Erika where I was invited to eat lunch, then go straight to Geanne's house for another helping of lunch. I have to leave at around 2pm. I would really love to stay longer but I need to see my Indian friend arriving from the airport since I will be hosting her for two days in her visit here in the Philippines, Bulacan in particular. Geanne strongly recommended to stay for a while so I can see the sagala and at night, a stand-up comedy and performances of visiting celebrities will occur. Perhaps next year will be great so I can fully enjoy the fiesta once again.
Until next year's Liputan Barrio Fiesta!
5/18/2015 07:35:03 am
I'm so thankful to people like you and those who persevere to continue the traditions like these. Without you, our historical and cultural beliefs will die.
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Larry rafael
3/10/2017 01:39:20 am
Luv to see Fiesta celebrations like this,,, I am originally from Saluysoy and seldom heard of this place since the loved by all Mayor Legaspi took office ,,, maybe in the future we could experience this but there no hotel to stay,,,luv your post,,,sick of flood and drug related news in my area,,,
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3/10/2017 06:24:28 am
Good day Mr. Rafael! Thank you for reading the blog post. Everybody is welcome to celebrate the festival in Liputan. When you are there during the morning of the fiesta celebration, everybody (especially visitors) are welcome to ride the pagoda until Poblacion. You may want to coordinate with the barangay office beforehand if you are planning to visit and experience the Barrio Fiesta.
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