My First Fiesta

I was told about fiestas during training but the one I attended was completely different than anything that I had expected.

I was invited to attend the evening prayer meeting of the fiesta with my host mother, Bernie and my host sister Bernadette. I decided to go along, it sounded like there would be some good singing. The prayer meeting occurred at the Catholic church and the music was rather entertaining in general. They had dancers at the front and everyone tried to dance along with the songs, they all had actions. The most hilarious thing was that they danced a variation of the Hokey Pokey as well as a form of Father Abraham where everyone looked exceptionally silly. I just stopped and laughed half the time though I did join in as well even though I got a lot of looks as the only white person.

The next morning Leighton (another volunteer from Canada who lives with my family) came along to the rest of the fiesta. The fiesta was about the virgin Mary I think, they had a parade where a small statue of the virgin Mary was carried around town and people followed along. It was pouring and I had forgotten my umbrella so Leighton and I hid under an eavestroph and watched the parade. There was a small marching band of drummers and saxophone players which was cool too.

After the initial parade there was a service which Leighton and I skipped because it was in Tagalog and neither of us are Catholic. We went to the sanctuary (an area where mangroves are grown) and just talked. The walk but to town was eventful though. We haven't had too much rain in Romblon at all but we sure had it that day! As we were walking it started to pour and to keep from getting drenched we sprinted to hide near a random small store. Eventually a driver and passenger of a single joined us, they were soaked to the skin.

We made it back to the church in time to catch the next phase of the fiesta which was taking the statue of Mary and bringing her onto a boat. I was invited on the boat so I figured "why not?" and went along even though I had no idea where we were going or what we were doing. The main boat, which was what I was on, sailed around the harbour in circles 7 times. It was very intresting.

All in all I am glad that I got to participate but it was very strange. I am not quite sure what the people were trying to do in all honesty, why a statue would want to sail around a harbour 7 times or such, but it was fun to be a part. Apparently the fiestas are all quite different so it would be interesting to see another one.

Right now I am in Boracay, one of the main tourist attractions in the Philippines. Incredible white beaches.... scuba diving... snorkling... jet skis... island hopping.... I am here till Monday so we'll see what I sort of adventures I shall go on. Life is exciting!