changing seasons

Today, the 29th day of August – is the feast day of St. John the Baptist. Well, not everybody who is reading this may understand what I am saying so let me explain it further. I am a Catholic. I came from a Catholic country. I was born and raised as a Catholic. And I studied in Catholic Schools too. Though I don’t consider myself as a very religious person, I can say that my values are mostly influenced by that religious orientation. And the Philippines, being the only Christian country in Asia… being baptized by its first colonizers, the Spaniards have adapted a lot of early Christians’ religious customs and traditions that are still being practiced up to this day, like the Fiesta.

Today is the 2nd time I missed our Fiesta. I love Fiesta. Fiesta in Liliw means food… food and more food. The entire town anticipates and waits for this special occasion to have reasons to stop dieting and start rejoicing. This is the time of the year to come up with an acceptable excuse [but not necessarily truthful] to be absent from work. This is the time of the year to make up a convincing reason [but not necessarily factual] to be out of town on a business trip. And for the students, this is the time of the year to come up with a really bad colds or disease [but not necessarily contagious] to play hooky. Because today is the day to eat… drink… and be happy.

Today, 10,000 miles away from where I am and half around the world… in a small town in Laguna, Philippines… the Feast of St. John the Baptist is celebrated with usual festivities, bountiful food and drinks, and warm camaraderie. But not everything about today’s celebration is about food and festivity. This is also a day for religious obligations and rituals. Though the traditions may have changed through the years, Catholic Liliweños still start the celebration in the Church and with a Mass.

The century-old St. John the Baptish Church

Today, series of Mass services are being celebrated for thanksgiving… for a bountiful year… and for a good harvest. Masses are celebrated in the same old brick church built more than a century ago by the first Friars who came to the town and who baptized its people… the first Liliweño Catholics… our forefathers. And masses are celebrated to baptize new members of the church… mostly new born babies… how are the next generation of Liliweños who will continue this festive religious tradition.

CREDITS:
All Photos here are courtesy of my brother Japol… you can check it at his Multiply account.

More Information about Philippines Festivities and Celebrations: Go to… Welcome to the Philippines
More Features and Photos of the Church: Go to Vantage Point and southbound.ph