Oyen gamely drove for me to Binangonan on May 5, Sunday, to watch the annual sagala organized by Gomer Celestial and the barriofolks from Libid.
Edmund was worried, madilim daw sa highway and gabi na kami makaka-uwi.
(fast forward)- Actually nung pauwi na kami sa may highway sa Angono, ang dilim, tapos nailawan namin meron couple making out in the middle of the street. He was behind the woman, with his arms wrapped around her waist, kissing her neck. Nung inilawan namin, bigla silang nagulat.
Oyen enjoyed driving. That was so far the farthest her car had reached.
Driving in the streets of Binangonan was a hurdle and a true test of her mettle as a driver.
It was a big relief that we were allowed to park at the La Plaza’s big parking lot. Thanks to my kababata Tigi Arcilla who was on hand to guide Oyen in maneuvering her car.
After parking, we stopped by the panaderia. Oyen bought one piece of kababayan bread for P2. I bought the P5 ensaymada, madudulas ka sa dami ng mantekilya.
We decided to just wait for the Santacruzan in Jollibee.
Eat first, watch the sagala later.
Thousands of people gathered near the town plaza.
We stood outside Jollibee.
Here they come….
I need another camera other than my Iphone.
When I was little, even kids had to walk the streets. Ngayon they rode in carossas. Spoiled.
I pitied this boy. He was so very skinny and yet tasked to push the heavy generator set.
Others pushed the carossa.
Nung araw, there were no plackards bearing the name of the sagalas. And no announcements as to who made the gowns.
Nuon, the santacruzan was a tribute to the blessed Virgin Mary. It’s not about the pretty town lasses wearing gowns. It was not meant to be a beauty parade.
Each girl was supposed to represent the many persona of the Virgin Mary.
This pretty girl’s mom was at the procession, telling the crowd she’s the mom. Who wouldn’t be proud?
The Santacruzan of today has become more like a pageantry. There’s no emphasis on the religious relevance. Nuong araw, puti nga lang ang dapat kulay ng gown, to represent Mary’s purity.
Queen of May is a modern day invention. There’s no Queen of May nuong araw at tila wala rin sa biblia. Ang natatandaan ko, ang mga pangalan ay Birhen Banderada, Birhen Mathusela, Reyna ng Saba. Hindi ko lang sure kung ang dala nya ay jewelry box or saging na saba.
The young ladies were all carrying bouquet of flowers. Nuong araw, what you carry is symbolic of the Marian title you represent. Kung ikaw si Reyna Sentenciada, naka piring ang mata at naka tali ang mga kamay. Kung ikaw si Reyna Banderada, meron kang hawak na bandila.
Nuong araw, there was only one Reyna Elena. Others were Reyna Fe, Reyna Esperanza, Reyna Caridad. Ngayon pala up to X na. Siguro lahat kasi ng nanay gusto Reyna Elena ang magaganda nilang anak. Ten years from now baka limampu na ang Reyna Elena.
Reyna Elena II, holding a very big wooden cross.
I still would like to follow the tradition para hindi parang parada ang Flores de Mayo. The girls should carry the Marian titles, para naman merong religious relevance.
Ang tugtug ng mga musikero ay dapat i-ayon din. Dapat bawal ang modern, Elton John, at yung pang punebre.
Girls are screaming because the consorte is now considered a celebrity. According to Malou, he won in the Mister Gwapo or Mister Pogi contest in Eat Bulaga.
Dios de Salve…. Maria….
