Pagoda ng Senyora: A traditional boat procession to the urban Patron

“A part of you came from where you were born.”

26 May 2006: Philippines are rich in festivals, town fiesta (feast), and barrio fiesta (small town feast). These occasions are for commemorating the Patron Saint birth date or date of death, or the birth of town or its founding date.The barangay (local term for village, small district) Cuyab is a well-known village in San Pedro Laguna for its numerous fish ponds which can be seen in the heart of Laguna de Bay. The fresh water of the bay serves as the main livelihood for those fishermen nearby. They usually cultured bangus (milk fish) and tilapya (tilapia) in any season of the year. Each fish ponds have their own small cottage for keeping those feeds for fish, tools for fish net and bamboo fence repair, and even some food, kitchen utensils and household stuff because sometimes they regard it as a place to hang-out.

The Pagoda ng Senyora is one of the major events of the feast for commemorating Nuestra Senora del Rosario (our patron saint). This pagoda (parade of boats) serves as a thanksgiving activity to the patron for a bountiful fish harvest. This was done with musical band playing folk songs together with ladies gracefully dancing the traditional dance. The patron Saint was also present in the parade; she’s sailing with the most beautiful and well-decorated boat.

It was celebrated during months of May and October. During this time, there were lots of visitors from nearby villages coming to our place to observe also the karakol (street dancing for the patron saint), amateur singing or dancing contest, musical band, procession, and many more. Hospitality and generosity was very much practiced in this event. Since lots of food were served in the dining table of every home, even though you didn't know the person, you’ll tend to invite them into your home and share the food and drinks you have. This native tradition of Filipinos is still very common in remote provinces especially in southernmost part of Laguna.

I started joining this celebration when I was young; I always hitch to my uncle’s boat and enjoy the fresh water of the bay and genuinely watching the event. Now I know why I called myself Mandaragat (local term for sailor, or people who loves travelling in sea water), because I grew up in Cuyab village which happened to be in the vicinity of Laguna de Bay.