A WALK-THROUGH OF THE PARADA NG LECHON FESTIVAL
As
soon as we alight from a passenger jeepney
coming from Lipa City, Batangas, it has been an hour since we entered a 24-hour
convenience store at Lemery. Silence emanated on the road and there were no
signs of any jeepney bound for Balayan,
Batangas to pick us up at around four in the morning. But the lady cashier affirmed with
conviction that the first trip to Balayan, Batangas through a jeepney is at
four.
Then
came the jeepney minutes after four
of dawn. Together with friends Edgar, Doi and Ruby, we were the first
passengers for this yet another day. A
not so ordinary day for the people of Balayan, Batangas.
The jeepney was occupied by wares and
merchandise of varied sorts. Peddlers of
soy pudding (taho), ornamental plants,
eggs and bird cages compete for space.
The 1-hour trip appeared like a moving market.
Passengers
seem wary of time. “We have to reach the city proper before sunrise”, declared by one
as she summon the driver. In a race
against time, it was as if something urgent and deadly is about to happen if we
don’t make it before sunrise. And their
main concern – to be drenched in water for the Parada ng Lechon Festival of Balayan, Batangas. No one seems to be excused.
The
Parada ng Lechon Festival is held annually coinciding with the feast day of San Juan (Saint John the Baptist). Dousing of water signifies the baptism of
Jesus, making the festival a fusion of religion and culture. Lechon (roasted
pig), being one of the main dishes served during celebrations or fiestas, it
has become the symbol of Batangas traditional festivities.
Devoid
of quality sleep, as soon as we arrived at Balayan, Batangas and alight at the
church, we went direct to our impromptu transient abode for two days through
the mere information of locals. At
first, there was a declared non-vacancy of rooms but we pleaded as we needed
much rest even if it takes sleeping on the floor of one of the rooms. By pure luck and owners’ consideration, a
bare room was cleaned and prepared for us.
Three hours of sleep and we were off to experience a different kind of
merry-making – the parade of roasted pig.
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| OUR HOME IN BALAYAN |
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| GETTING STARTED |
TODA
(Tricycle Operators and Drivers Association) placed a booth on one corner. They offered us one cold plastic cup of beer
each, which we accepted naturally. That
was the first intake for the day.
Fortunately, they have lechon and
rice kept on the side. It was the best
way to start the experience of this unique festival – to eat lechon for breakfast.
Then we walked from one street to another. Water guns of varied sizes and colors as well as hose coming direct from faucets were the weapons for the day. It was one wet and wild street party. Bystanders are allowed to douse water to parade participants that comes with a free take of a piece of lechon.
Roasted
pigs were dressed on varied personas where a clear plastic is wrapped to
prevent the lechon from getting
wet. There were free samples of alcohol
as well and some motorbike exhibitions.
Truly,
it was a different kind of experience in celebration of the Feast of San Juan as all residents were a good
sport and cooperative. Irritable guests
are definitely unwelcome. Meanwhile, while
locals and visitors feast on lechon and
engage in a drinking spree after the parade, we headed back to our quarters for
the much needed rest.
At
dusk, we decided to scout for eateries and restaurants for our dinner.
Surprisingly, a long procession was about to start which swiftly caught our
attention. There were teenage girls
dressed in long Filipiniana gowns and
boys in barongs lined-up giving light to the long procession featuring images
of Saint John the Baptist on varied carrozas
(carriage) adorned with white
flowers.
As
we move further, a luwa was
ongoing. Luwa is a declamation in honor of the Virgin Mary recited by young
maidens. It was the first time for me to
witness such distinct Filipino religious tradition. A makeshift stage was set-up in front of the
Immaculate Conception Parish Church surrounded by devotees and tourists such as
ourselves. Children dressed as angels
were on the side of the young maiden and an elder serving as coach at the back
stage.
Walking-through
the Parada ng Lechon Festival of
Balayan, Batangas made me realize how distinct and unique traditions are in our
country and how can one even thought of combining adoration to Saint John the
Baptist and the appetite for lechon.
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