For the
second year running I am in Silang for the
Annual Fiesta. Not to be be confused with other fiestas at harvest time, this one is very much a
religious festival based on Santo Nino. The first day isn't really much; more a
preparation day, with the procession bands doing some rehearsals in the
streets. The market stalls are in great abundance sandwiched in every little
space they can find.
Being that
the fiesta is on Monday
to Wednesday means that many are working during the day, so activities only begin later in the
day. Like last year, the street parade is random, so standing in one place
doesn't necessary guarantee seeing all of the groups, so we wandered around a
bit. It was a hot day and so a few hours was enough before we gave in and took
a break. They stop for lunch anyway between around noon and 1pm. I feel sorry
for them as they are dressed in thick clothing and must be baked.
On the 3rd
Feb, the highlight was the 'Karakol'; the street dancing which involves about
100 groups ranging from old ladies through to youth groups, most in traditional
dress. A colourful parade that goes on for hours. We started near to where the
police were diverting traffic past the central market area. The guys, in their
bright yellow uniform, were fun and had a nice time chatting with a few of
them.
In the
evening a stage had been erected in the plaza for a concert sponsored by San
Miguel beer. We managed to get a spot in the VIP area right in front of the
stage....an advantage of being a foreigner with a camera! Shiera got involved
in a competition, but didn't wkin anything; we did get on camera though as I
was interviewed by the compere and we were both filmed. Not sure what happens
to the video? We were applauded by the crowd as we had to kiss for the camera!
The acts were
good...some pretty girl bands with sexy costumes and some boy
bands...Truefaith, Cueshé, plus the actress Angelica Jones and other soloists.
Didn't finish until around 1am, and a really good show.
We had
Shiera's sister Kaye with us and had to walk her home. On the way, we happened
on another show....typical of the Philipines....a 'Gay' show. The local gays
were dressed up in ball gowns for the final stages of the contest. They had
already had the swimwear section before we arrived. I must admit that I have no
interest in this type of show. The girls find it fun though as they know many
of the contestants, who are local hairdressers or work in the stores. Most are
very tall, which also sets them aside from the 'normal' Filipinos.
The day after
the Fiesta things quieten down. We invited Shiera's parents around for a chat
as we hadn't had the opportunity for a while. Nice to catch up as they are
always busy in their market stall.
