WHEN the month of May rolls around, which is basically five days from now, it officially becomes the fiesta season here in the country.
For me, it represents some of the best times of the year outside of the Christmas season, as I get a very limited chance to travel outside of the Metro Manila jungle, explore the provinces, meet new people, savor the delicacies, and generally forget about work for a while.
Over the next few weeks, there will be the Tsinelas Festival in Laguna; Himala Sa Buhangin in Ilocos Norte; Obando Fertility Rites; and the Pahiyas Festival in Quezon. Then, of course, there is the monthlong Flores de Mayo, where lovely women and handsome men parade themselves in the streets in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Never mind that the banderitas and banners during town fiestas these days bear company logos, like those from the two rival mobile-phone companies in the country or the dominant beer brands Filipinos love to gulp.
Also turn a blind side on the fact that the Satacruzan has been turned into families flaunting their wealth and influence or an effort to outdo other families in their community.
Yes, it has been commercialized. Yes, it has been taken out of context. But these are traditions and events that are worth remembering, attending and keeping.
Fiestas were present in the Philippines long before Spaniards arrived in the country. But it was during the time of the Spanish Occupation that it was cemented into the very fabric of our country.
Early last week, I got a glimpse on how Spain celebrates its fiestas, as the Spanish Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (La Cámara) celebrated La Feria de Abril o de Sevilla at Alba Restaurante Español in Makati City.
It was one fun evening, where the local Spanish community showed its warmth and hospitality to those who attended the event. Celebrated annually during the month of April in the town of Sevilla, it started in 1847 as a livestock fair but is now widely recognized as a weeklong party, with a lot of dancing and fireworks display.
During the festivities, men are dressed in their traje corto, which consists of short jacket, tight trousers, hats and boots, while the women look enchanting in their trajes de flamenca which are worn during flamenco performances.
Instituto Cervantes Director Carlos Madrid, PhD, told me during the event that there is a strong bond within the Spanish community here in the country.
He said, just like the La Feria de Abril o de Sevilla, Spanish citizens here in the country regularly meet during events, stay in touch and give support to each other.
Dr. Madrid said the old Spanish families still remain a strong presence in the country but there is now a new batch of Spanish professionals who have come over to the Philippines looking for business and employment opportunities.
But outside of the Spanish community, Dr. Madrid was quick to point to me the fact that there is now a stronger relationship between Spain and the Philippines.
Dr. Madrid shrugged aside the fact that the Spanish Occupation was one of the bloodiest times in Philippine history, because he said the relationship is coming of age, and both sides are now comfortable with each other’s heritage.
Dr. Madrid also noted how Filipinos living and working in Spain are highly respected, and how Spanish citizens look up to national heroes Jose Rizal and Antonio Luna. He said there is no longer uneasiness between the Philippines and Spain.
Even with the strong ties between the countries, Dr. Madrid still believes both can still grow politically, economically and culturally. He said they are now supporting an initiative to teach Philippine diplomats the Spanish language, which he believes will open a lot of opportunities for them in the international community. This same training is currently being conducted by Instituto Cervantes in key companies in the country. Just for the record, there are now more than 470 million Spanish-speaking citizens in the world. This is the second-biggest number, after those who speak the Mandarin language.
Dr. Madrid also wants to see increased trade and investments between the Philippines and Spain. He explained that the main hindrance for Spanish companies coming over to the Philippines was the language barrier.
Last, Dr. Madrid said they want to consolidate the teaching of the Spanish language in the country’s public educational system. They are very eager to promote this project and are looking for government support.
Dr. Madrid sees a lot of Spanish influence remain in the country but he pointed out that the Philippines has totally taken them its own, which should be the case. He said that Spain also had a lot of influence from the Arabs, French and Greeks, they also now claim as their own.
Dr. Madrid told me that, just like La Feria de Abril o de Sevilla, these are traditions that unity a country. He could have not said it any better. On cue, La Cámara’s International Trade officer Mirriam Lapeña, along with Marga Perez, started the dancing of the Sevillana, which is very similar to the flamenco. I was in awe as I watched the guests dance. It was rhythmic, sexy and provocative. I wish I never had two left feet. But, then again, I also know someone from La Camara who also cannot dance. So I guess, I am not alone.
Mirriam will be going back to Spain next month, as her three-month grant will end. However, this very charming lady, with a degree in Business Administration, is crossing her fingers that she will soon be back here in the country.
After the dancing, I went back to the food on the tables which were all delectable, including the Pescaitos Fritos, Pescaditos Ala Romana, Calamares Y Rabas Fritas, Gambas Con Tocino, Tortilla Española and Bradavde Bacalao.
Burp.
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For comments, suggestions, and reactions, I can be reached at raalzona@yahoo.com.