What’s Unique in Bohol Fiesta Celebration?

                             By Vic Odarve

Widely ridiculed that the island will sink due to the influx of visitors during the month of May, the Bohol fiesta celebration draws their relatives from all over the world; allows them to join festivities with the native population and shares their blessings for the whole year. It is indeed a unique tradition that the native inhabitants have been doing since time immemorial.  

Old picture- Mayana fiesta celebration

For most of the native Boholanos who find their living outside the province, they feel that it is the obligation to visit their ancestral homes and opportunity for a family reunion and meeting their relatives and friends. The celebration drives excitement to revisit the island; links the roots of where they came from, and time for bonding and reunite the old folks, relatives, and long-lost friends. Sightseeing the place where their old grandparents used to trail before is also another thing. It is an expanded universe. When you met up your old friends, you never lacked for conversation, and your talk on this occasion is non-stop and wide ranging. In that moment, it is like you are traveling to the past where you want to look back on your childhood years that were filled with events and memories.

During the month of May, villages often have color displays hanging along their streets, welcome signboards to visitors, and different neon lights during the celebration. There are also carnivals where people could play, enjoy different rides on Ferris wheels, or just enjoy the native foods being sold at different stalls. The populace, with open arms, invites friends, relatives, and even strangers to join the big food preparation at homes. Highlights during celebrations are basketball and volleyball games, discos, dances, and beauty pageants and clan reunions. The festivities also include processions with floats adorn with images of each village or town’s patron saint and sometimes local beauties. Lots of fun to join!

Mayana fiesta celebration

The folks have considered fiesta celebration as part of their tradition. Fiestas serve as a thanksgiving of the community people to their patron saints for the whole year blessings they receive; share what they have, not just the material thing, but also the joy and happiness; and thank the Lord above all for everything He has given. They save money for a year and spend during fiesta just to have something to serve and celebrate. Through good and bad times, the fiesta must go on.

Fiesta seems to shape the homing instinct of the Boholanos, and Bohol fiesta celebration is indeed a unique one. Boholanos, residing within and outside the country, come home during the month of   May to join the annual fiesta celebration. It is a never-ending journey of their life… extending to the next generation. Seeing the happy faces could already alleviate the burden after the celebration. For foreigners, hospitality, and warm receptions are worth emulating. For the senior Boholanos, the celebration meant excitements to meet your old friends. Because life is so short, we should live to the fullest expression of ourselves before we cross to the other side of the universe.

Join the Bohol fiesta celebration, please!

You may watch these poems in you tube channel " Balak Bol-anon-You Tube".

 

 

Thanks for watching.

Spending Time Outdoor is Beneficial

            BY Vic Odarve

Everyone knows why spending time outdoor is beneficial – it can reduce stress levels, rejuvenate mind and body, and be more productive. Thus, we can relax and feel the earth rotating its axis!

Nature is a great reducer on our stress levels arising from the stressors of daily city life…traffic, financial woes, and life events that pound us down — like a death, family tragedy, inevitable disaster, etc. These events are out of our control and can cause tremendous struggle and pain for a period. But God, the creator of heaven and earth, endowed us with the works of thy hands…the great Mother Nature where a simple visit and meditation for a moment give us the feeling of bliss that will unplug the burden in our mind and body from performing our repetitive tasks. It undoubtedly helps unwind upon seeing the scenic landscapes that beholden our eyes… pristine rivers and lakes, beaches, mountains, birds, and wild animals! By appreciating the works of thy great hands and relaxing our mind and body it lowers stress hormone levels.

The Village of Mayana

Moreover, spending time with nature will rejuvenate our mind and body. Since our body is at rest, it provides our brain the downtime it needs to recharge- something more easily achieved in nature’s serene environment. Capturing the sunrise in the mountain alone gives you a feeling of satisfaction. The colors are so unique; it makes you instantly forget everything. The great outdoors humbly offers a welcome change of pace and chance to recharge. The natural landscape – breathtaking scenery and plenty of mountainous terrains – makes it a prime location for a trail running.

Research showed that the fresh air we breathe comfortably improves blood pressure and act as a natural antidepressant by increasing the release and metabolism of serotonin in parts of the brain that control cognitive function and mood. Thus, a feeling of rejuvenation…relieving the stressors that look like a buffalo pulling at our back in our routine activities!

It is surprising for us to know that the connections with our dear Mother Nature will keep us more productive, live longer, and keep us healthy. Studies showed that when people reported for work after spending some time in nature from vacation, they return with more creativity and able to deal the problems about the family and the routine work effectively.

Living on this habitable planet is beautiful but when we are involved in activities that feel like we are struggling in pain, it is sensible to give some ample time to unwind with our Mother Nature. It is free of charge. Sometimes it is best to escape the city crowds: hit the outdoors and explore the breathtaking landscapes.

The psalmist and the prophets invite us to spend some time with Nature. The Bible puts it,

“For you shall go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and the hills before you shall break forth into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.” Isaiah 55:12.

 No wonder that spending time with the Great Outdoor is relaxing. Visit and relax, please!

 Watch the video below, "Tigulang na Bisan Unsaon". See at You Tube " https;//Balak Bol-anon".

                          

                                         Video link

https://youtu.be/oGoJP5tdV6Q

              https://studio.youtube.com/channel/UC5kFbYndPWG5-PrjCZF4SRA