Kinaiyang Sugbuanon...ours to cherish forever
Cebuano customs are as varied as the cultural tradition and historical influence that shaped them through the centuries.
The dramatic forms that flourished among the Cebuanos are “harana”, “balak”, and mimetic customs with Spanish influence, among which are “pamalaye” and “kulilisi sa hari”. These customs are sometimes associated with courtship, marriage, and death among the communities.
Of the courtship customs, the most common is the “balak-harana”. The “harana” has a boy, accompanied by a guitar, chanting to the girl. The boy offering his love to the girl coupled with “balak”, metaphorical verses that talk of his love as verbal advances.
Mimetic customs related to wedding include the Cebuano “pamalaye’ where representatives of the families of both the boy and the girl speak in the metaphorical language of settling the dowry or bridal price, and of preparing for the day or month of the union.
Debate in song and dance becomes an exchange of spoken verses in the “kulilisi sa hari”, a mimetic game played at wakes simply to comfort the bereaved family. This calls for a definite set called a “kaharian”: A table and chair for the “hari,” benches for the “belyako,” and “belyaka and the “palmatoryo” as symbol of authority for the “piskal”. Sometimes a coffin flanked by candles may also be part of the setting. Penalties for losers may include the saying of a “dalit” or prayer at its side.
All these Cebuano customs have long been forgotten through the ages. “Where have all these customs gone, gone to graveyards everything, when will these customs again be seen, when will these again be done?”
With all humility, it takes a humble Cebuano to reawaken our many beautiful Cebuano cultural heritage via the Kinaiyang Sugbuanon show.
It takes a true-blooded Cebuano like Sir Dodong Gullas to stage this powerful showcase of Cebuano practices. A show that a true Cebuano must see.
Furthermore, it is the duty of Cebuanos to keep all this heritage preserved in their hearts and souls for them to cherish forever in their lives. — /RAE
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