Ross Belle Balatbat
Last May 27 in Chan Meng Kam (CMK), to celebrate the Feast of St Isidore the Worker, a taste of the Pahiyas Festival from Lucban, Quezon (Philippines) was offered 32 different Filipino communities. It was a well-participated event on its 16th year, a realization of the Quezonian Association of Macau’s main goal of “uniting all Filipinos in Macau.”
After that an opening prayer, a “unity dance” was presented by representative of different Filipino communities – BISDAK, Debutantes, THOFS, Pangkat Guardians, GIGZ TERS, Mac Fil Angels, Orient Tribe, B2B Dancers and SIGAC. It was a combination of modern and various Filipiniana choreographies from different groups, with different styles, from different ethnicities but dancing with one rhythm, one song in full harmony.
With the support of the SOLT missionaries and the help of the Legion of Mary, led by Bro Dante Quejano, the organization’s coordinator for internal affairs, the celebration was integrated into the May Flower Festivals. The May Flower festival included a Novena after evening mass at the Pastoral Center. On its last day last May 25, Consul General Lilybeth Deapera and Vice Consul Michelle Ira Valdez of the Philippine Consulate General of Macau and Labor Attache Vivian Tornea of the POLO-OWWA graced the occasion.
The celebration on the feast day started off with a Eucharistic celebration after a procession of the image of St Isidore Labrador and St Maria Torribia. During his homily at St Joseph Seminary chapel, Fr Alejandre Vergara, SOLT, reminded the parishioners to be inspired by the life of the saintly couple. As migrants, they also need to have a bountiful harvest not as farmers but as disciple of Christ.
In the Philippines, this celebration originated in the town of Lucban in Quezon province. To celebrate and thank God for the harvest, every house is decked with decorations made from agricultural farm products such as fruits, vegetables, rice presented in various colorful forms. The program also includes beauty contests such as the parikitan were ladies dressed in native and ethnic recyclable products made from vegetables and fruits.
Mrs Daisy and Mr Wabbet Cabungcal, who have presided over the celebration for 16 years, made sure that the short fellowship was a joyful experience with his optimistic charisma. The Macau OFWs were entertained with laughter provided by Francis Rivera, a singer an actor and a stand-up comedian from the Philippines.
Other people who contributed to this year’s festivities were Inna Angeles, Marissa Catan (Karl) and Bhog’d Anne, Ferdee Vallesteros, Jayford Lopez Ferrer, Michelle Jiz, Annie Cunanan, Geoffrey Angeles, Rolly Gatchalian, Ronald Hilario and Vangie Quines.
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