While chaos gripped the capital last week with the impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte and Senator Bato dela Rosa's sudden disappearance after voting for a Senate leadership change, the Visayas region offered a starkly different scene. In Cebu and Bohol, the month of May is a time for vibrant fiestas, filled with food, dance, and community celebrations.
Political Turmoil in Manila
In Congress, a majority voted to remove Vice President Sara Duterte from office. Meanwhile, Senator Bato dela Rosa, after voting to change the Senate leadership, vanished amid reports of gunfire in the capital. The events have left many Filipinos concerned about the nation's stability.
Visayan Fiestas in Full Swing
In contrast, Cebu and Bohol are alive with colorful festivities. Many towns in Cebu are honoring their patron saint, San Isidro Labrador. In Bohol, the month-long celebrations began on May 1 with the Saulog Festival in Tagbilaran City, honoring San Jose. Other towns like Bilar, Candijay, San Isidro, Talibon, Tubigon, and Trinidad continue their fiestas throughout May. Even barangay chapels hold their own small celebrations.
Cebu's May Festivals
Cebu boasts numerous festivals in May, including:
- Mandaue City and Bogo City
- Ronda's Humba Festival
- Malabuyoc's Buyoc Festival
- Samboan's Dagayday Festival
- Alegria's Kawayan Festival
- Tuburan's Pamuhuan Festival
- Borbon's Tabo sa Banay Festival
These events feature traditional foods like humba and lambay, roasted pig on bamboo spits, street dancing, processions, and lively social drinking sessions.
Balancing Concern and Celebration
While Visayans are affected by the events in the capital, they choose to focus on their local festivities. They pray for peace in the nation during the fiestas but also enjoy the feasts and camaraderie. As the saying goes, Asdang, Bisaya! (Move forward, Visayans!)
