Festival in the midst of the pandemic

It was historic for the Cordovanhons as they celebrated their town fiesta in honor of San Roque. Fiesta celebration is part of our cultural milieu and the townspeople are looking forward to it annually. And one of the most anticipated events is the Dinagat Festival where grandeur and elegance merge. But this year is totally different as the entire world is in pandemic. Movements are restricted, gatherings are limited. And so the town officials headed by Mayor Teche Sitoy-Cho and the organizers made sure that even if this activity was expected to attract thousands of spectators, health protocols must still be observed.

And so the 13 contingents representing the participating barangays had prior video shots in different locations prior to the start of the program. As a member of the board of judges, with the rest of the judges, we were asked to view the presentations virtually. And as we all know, this is one of a kind where we cannot see the actual performances.

But given this kind of performance where performers and dancers cannot hear and feel the warm applause of the audience, they still managed to dance with all their hearts in honor of their patron saint and also as a manifestation of support and pride of their respective barangays.

And since it was the first time where we judges and audience saw the performances virtually, the major challenge was how the show would keep the continuity given the erratic signal. The weather at that time also added to the internet problem connectivity. There was a heavy downpour at least an hour before the actual start of the festival. And yet they managed to finish the entire festival.

Amid the pandemic, we still find ways to vent out our emotions, frustrations, and aspirations for our families and loved ones. We cannot afford to bury ourselves with so much negativity and hopelessness. The pandemic teaches us to be resilient and look at the brighter side of it. It tests our character as a people, not as divided parts but a united whole.

The past months have definitely been stressful for us all and some well-meaning groups have been trying to do a few outdoor activities in order to keep the balance, and of course sanity. Despite the tight protocols, I now can feel those who would find ways to break the protocols and do some outdoor activities. And perhaps under circumstances can be allowed subject to strict compliance to health protocols like wearing of masks and social distancing.

In our current climate, we don’t have to look too hard to find negativity, as the news and social media outlets certainly have plenty of it. On the other hand, we don’t have to look too hard to find the helpers. I have been so impressed with how our medical practitioners have been handling this hard situation with such composure. The helpers are all around us, and it’s nice to see people recognizing and appreciating everyone’s value in their communities.

Going back to the festival, it signals the continuity of life. The celebration of it means the continuing flow of life’s challenges and triumphs. Under and beyond the grandeur of the costumes and props is the spirit of unity and resiliency.

The Bakasi in the Dinagat Festival highlighted the cooperation and unity in materializing the performers’ aim to showcase the proper way of wearing masks and keeping the social distancing protocols, as part of the criteria. Truly, a dance with a purpose and meaning.