[PHOTO 照片來源] www.hellotravel.com
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Ross Belle Balatbat
Last Sunday, May 26, the Quezonian Association of Macau in coordination with the Filipino Community Alliance in Macau (FILCAM) celebrated the Pahiyas Festival, with several performances and competitions at the Chan Meng Kam Theatre. The festival originated in Lucban, Quezon to thank God for the harvest and to honor Saint Isidore of Seville (S Isidro Labrador), patron saint of farmers. It is usually held on the 15th of May.
The Festival got its name from the Filipino word “hiyas” which signifies “gem.” The celebration involves decorating the houses with various sorts of farm products such as fruits, vegetables and rice presented in various colorful forms. It dates back to the 16th century.
This year’s Organizing Committee head, Inna Angeles, reported that almost five hundred people attended, including people of other nationalities and faiths.
With the support of the SOLT missionaries, the activity was preceded with a communal rosary and Novena to Saint Isidore after the Saturday evening Mass at the St Augustine Church then a fellowship dinner at the Pastoral Center.
The festivity started off with a procession of the images of Saints Isidore and Maria Torribia, followed by the Eucharistic celebration. During his homily, Fr Alejandre Vergara, SOLT, reminded the faithful to be inspired by the life of the saintly farmer who believed in God’s love and in turn loved God in his daily life as a farmer.
Instead of houses, tables were decorated. A beauty contest was held which featured ladies dressed in native costumes made from farm materials. The audience were entertained by dances from various groups and songs provided by the Souza brothers. The youth were inspired by the special participation of Ms. Rouisa Joy Santos Angeles – social media artist.
Consul General Lilybeth Deapera of the Philippine Consulate General of Macau and Labor Attache Ramon Pastrana of the POLO-OWWA graced the occasion.
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