For people with no time and budget to witness the upcoming Sinulog Festival in Cebu; Ati-atihan festival in Kalibo, Aklan; Dinagyang festival in Iloilo, or other similar colorful street-dancing festivals scattered all over the archipelago, there's another festival in Tutubi's hometown of Paete, Laguna celebrated on the 3rd and 4th Sundays of January: the Salibanda.
Salibanda 2010 is scheduled on January 17 and 31 of this year, the third and fifth Sundays of the month (January 2010 has five Sundays). It's a devotion to the Sto. Nino by the people of Paete where the image of the child Jesus is paraded around town, with water splashed on the Sto. Nino, dancing revelers and sometimes on curious onlookers.
A mass schedule at 10am in Barangay Quinale, followed by watery parade around 1pm at Paete Church (San Santiago Apostol/St. James the Apostle Parish).
It's been years since Tutubi witnessed/participated in the Salibanda that's why you can't find any post on this blog about it, but this time he will be in Paete hopefully with some bloggers (including Sidney Snoeck of My Sarisari Store) in tow.
If you can make it to Paete on the 31st, please leave a comment. Tutubi may be able to show you around his hometown or at least point you in the right direction. You may also email your cellphone number to tutubi AT backpackingphilippines DOT com
last notes: protect your cameras and cellphones from water damage and bring extra clothes wrapped in plastic or ziplock bags. Do NOT wear red clothing to avoid getting wet (though it's not a guarantee so be prepared). Tutubi intends to use just his waterproof Olympus point-and-shoot camera to take photos of the fiesta.
Links:
Salibanda History
Salibanda Schedule
Hehehe, I'd like to witness this but I don't want to get wet especially my photography equipment.
ReplyDeleteNext year seguro, baka pwede akong sumama. Hindi ko kasi maiwan-iwanan ang buntis kong asawa on weekends...
dodong, i expected that answer but i can't promise to be there again next year...let's try the caracol festival in makati later but schedule yet as of posting time
ReplyDeleteSige nga feature mo ito, i haven't heard about this festival eh. I don't think it's been featured by pinoy bloggers before.
ReplyDeleteI miss Paete. I'll try to be there on the 31st.
ReplyDeleteWow, I didn't know you're from Paete. If I'm in the Philippines, I'd like to take part on this fest. My hometown is near there.
ReplyDeletephoto cache, i already said i'm going to after all these years :P hope no more car hiccups on that day
ReplyDeletetraveler on foot, do text me if you're coming. i'm already there on the 30th.
witsandnuts, you're welcome to my town. where are you from?