Publisher’s Note
The spirit of fiesta in PHL
culture
O
ne of the best elements of our own culture that best lives up to its image
‘It’s More Fun In the Philippines’ are the dazzling array of festivals that we
offer. More so during the summertime where our country has gone what
you may call ‘festival-crazy.’
Our very own fiestas are a combination of the spiritual, as these offer rituals
thanksgiving for our Creator for the bountiful harvest he has given us and
renewed devotions to the patrons saints that have guided us and given us
renewed strength in both good times and bad times; the cultural, as each
showcase the different songs, dances, sights and sounds distinct to each province, city or
town; and the economic, as they display and promote the flowers, fruits, eats, treats, as well
as growth opportunities that our different provinces, towns and cities offer.
True, at times the decorations may range from the stark to the outlandish, and the program
preparations may be rushed at the very last minute. But regardless of these details, what
counts the most are the genuine hospitality, the warm, inviting nature, kindness and pride to
present the best that they have that our folks from the different parts of the country where
these festivals take place, enthusiastically offer; this welcoming spirit is also what makes our
festivals much livelier and unparalleled anywhere in the world.
Festival hopping can be enjoyed with all the conveniences of riding along the NLEX or SLEX.
But, with the opening of more Ro-Ro routes, these can also offer opportunities for intrepid souls to
discover festivals in many remote areas that do have unique and extraordinary characters of their
own. While it may be said that ‘half the fun is getting there,’ these Ro-Ro routes also gives
one the chance to enjoy the country in a different light: vistas of the vast expanse of nature
that abound among pristine seascapes and placid islands and clean, fresh breezes that waft
through the waterways.
At the same time, these Ro-Ro routes help tap the economic potentials offered by these
remote places as these transport their own crops, crafts, delicacies and specialties which have
been showcased and promoted in their festivals. What have been new experiences for those
who ventured to these remote places to partake of the festivities and enjoy sampling those
treats can also translate into newer markets for those craving for the more authentic of native
products, from places less known but offer more of the authentic and exotic fast diminishing
in this high-tech world.
PHILIP O. ORTALEZA
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