Karakol Rain or Shine

Last weekend was Kawit, Cavite's town fiesta in honor of her patroness, St Mary Magdalene.  Traditionally, the karakol (from the Spanish word caracol because of the snail-paced procession with devotees dancing through the streets) was held on Saturday while other events such as Masses, Baptisms, Confirmation, Grand Procession, and Castillo (fireworks display) were held on Sunday. When I was a little boy, I enjoyed going to the karakol even though I couldn't dance gracefully.  The karakol starts off late morning going through a number of barangays in the town. It finishes off in the early evening.

Eldin, my first cousin who is based in Kawit, told me that the karakol went well this year in spite of the high tide (and the rain).  Since the late 90s, Kawit has been inundated with water from the sea even if the sun is at its peak, thanks to some irresponsible people who wanted to make profit by converting their fishpens into parcels of land or the rubbish that has been dumped into the river.  The last Maytinis I attended in 2010 was affected by this which was why a different route was used for the procession. Right after the Midnight Mass, I was shocked to see the flood covering what we called as pangalawa't pangatlong kalye (Poblacion or Town Proper's second and third road). Years before that, my cousins and I found ourselves running to the driest alley just to escape trodding on murky waters.

I also saw on Facebook how joyous the devotees were during the karakol - the original image of St Mary Magdalene was placed in a bedecked andas and it wore a raincoat to protect it from the elements.  The band was playing, but its music seemed to have been buried by the laughter and merry-making of the people.

I tip my fiesta cap to the festival organizers and the devotees for showing such patience, determination, and creativity come hell or high water.  Kawit has been a parish for a number of centuries and it has survived the test of time.  Following the footsteps of Sta Nena (Mary Magdalene's monicker) who was known for her perseverance and determination in searching for the missing corpse of Jesus, Kawit's festivities such as the karakol, Maytinis, etc. have continued to be part of the community's life through the years.  (It's worth mentioning that Kawitenos in San Diego (SD), California have brought with them the traditions of their birthplace.  My mom was took some time off from New York to join other relatives and friends in SD for the Kawit fiesta complete with karakol and the like. The Maytinis is also being celebrated in SD.)   I am sure if Kawit survived in the previous centuries it will continue to do so - for as long as people value their cultural heritage. 

Others, especially  those in the metropolis, might argue that traditions would of course continue to flourish in Kawit (and other similar towns) because it's in the province (where natives would generally reside and where there is less migration).  True. Which is why I am encouraging communities to set up a Cultural Heritage Committee which will spearhead activities that aims at preserving and enriching events, customs and traditions, and protects treasures (e.g. buildings, statues, etc.).  Regardless if you are in Manila or in Kawit or any province, if this committee is set up (in a parish, for example) then we're pretty much sure that whatever our community's traditions and treasures are would be continuously looked after, showcased, and improved for the good of the next generation. If parents would leave a legacy for their children, how much more a community?

Long Live Culture!

"Comedy is dead. Long live comedy."  These were some of the words that Eric Quizon uttered when he announced the death of his father, Philippine Comedy King Dolphy, yesterday. Indeed, the kind of comedy that our country has enjoyed, enthused, and inspired with has come to and end with Dolphy's demise.  He has outlived his contemporaries such as his sparring partner Panchito, Babalu, Bayani Casimiro, Teroy De Guzman, etc.   Perhaps there is a reason why he has to stay longer.

I think it is to make us aware of how Pinoy culture has evolved since the time he began performing during the 'Panahon ng Hapon'.   Inquirer, a few weeks ago, published an editorial celebrating the contributions Dolphy made to the Filipino psyche and culture. It also expressed fears that we might lose that appreciation of our past should Dolphy die.  I agree.

At a time when the trend is to demolish what seems useless and dated repositories of our culture rather than rehabilitate them, it is very likely that time will come when Dolphy and his cohort would be just a footnote in our history!

There has been a move in the House of Representatives and in some other sectors to expedite the process in making him a National Artist.  I add my voice to this now late award although like most Pinoys, Dolphy is already a National Artist in my own book. 

Regardless if the awarding be approved or not, I think we can still do something to keep the memory of Dolphy, the memory of our culture alive. It can look a tall order for some of us and others may just bail out excusing "Hindi naman ako artista". Well, focus on your own local setting, the parish for example.  The Parish Pastoral Council, a consultative body assisting the Parish Priest, has at least 5 standing committees: Worship, Education, Service, Temporalities, and Youth.  I think a Cultural Heritage Committee should be added who will look after the cultural side of the parish community.  It's not just retelling how our lolos and lolas used to attend this and that service, but it's being aware of what the past was and making sure that what was (soundly) valued then will be enriched as time goes by. 

Parish priests come and go with or without any knowledge of what and why the community observes such and such practices of Christian fervour including looking after and maintaining tangible treasures such as statues, buildings, etc.This would also be a good 'co-worker' with the rest of the standing committees such as Worship and Education since culture has its influences in the liturgy and formation of people. Refurbishing the church and other properties can also be guided by this committee in terms of what can and cannot be demolished due to cultural significance.  The Youth Committee would also find this as a reference especially when their elders turnover to them the reins of looking after the parish.

Adding another committee, in my opinion, won't break the bank.  This committee can also be set up in other groups such as the barangay or city/municipal council.

May God bless Dolphy's happy soul.  May He also bring us back to our senses in appreciating our forebears (Dolphy included!) and the heritage they have passed on to us. May Dolphy inspire us to use our talents and skills for the good of our communities.