Travel Bug: Pamuhuan Fiesta

the old cliche is that once you've seen a fiesta in the philippines, you've seen them all. but what if you get the chance to witness the beginnings of a new event that is bound to be part of a town's socio-cultural tradition? Pinamungajan usually celebrate the town fiesta in honor of its patron saint, Sta. Monica sometime early May of every year. This year is different as they formally named the fiesta "Pamuhuan" which roughly translates to "day's returns". Pamuhuan is a barter system in kind where people volunteer work and get paid in kind or get a share of the produce.

This year's celebration marked a number of firsts: Manny Pacquiao was honored by a shrine to acknowledge his roots from guimbawian, a mountain barangay where his father traces his family lineage. This is also some sort of a "first" for Gwen Garcia (governor) to attend the festivities considering that the local town political clan ran against her line up in the previous local elections. Seeing her share the stage with town Mayor Gaye Yapha is news by itself.

Another interesting sidelight to this event is that Pinamungajan came up with a first ever dance / feast in honor of Sta. Monica that featured different agricultural sectors that make up the industries of the town. The town festivities was capped by a concert that featured some local celebrities, the final "performance" of Pokwang literally brought the house down with her funny production number.

As a guest of the mayor it was interesting meeting manny pacquiao in person, though i was seriously disappointed as i didn't get the chance to have my pictures taken with pokwang. she's an idol :P

pinamungajan did a splendid job launching the town fiesta. something to look forward to in the following years - I'll be adding more pics so check back after a day or so.