denny Ethnic & National book

Every year in Obando, Bulacan, many Filipino childless couples seek the intercession of patron saints San Pascual Baylon and Santa Clara for a child to be born. This is part of their town fiesta which is held from May 17 to 19. This tradition dates back before the Spanish colonization of our country which lasted over 3 hundred years. Of course, when the Spaniards came, the folk practice intermixed with the religious practice. Filipinos these days, especially those wanting a child, usually wear the attire worn during the Spanish times and dance the pandango in the streets as part of the ritual. The 1st part of the video clearly shows the religious influence as brought by the Spanish Franciscan friars .... this leads to the scene where the wife pleads for a child by singing - Sta. Clara Pinung-pino (1:00) ... then is followed by the dancing of the pandango (1:52). You will note that all musical instruments being played are made of bamboo. And of course the happy ending where the couple are belssed with TWINS !!! hehhee (4:00). I really wonder if the saints have been too overly generous since there are now 100 million Filipinos!!! The last scene, the baptism of the twins with various ethnic groups taking part in the celebrations may also be interpreted as the birth of a nation with so much cultural diversity and with peoples living in "peace and harmony". You have here symbolism for Christianity, Islam and the indigenous people's beliefs. Hope you like it and what great kids ...