7/25/2019 The Celebration Goes On

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/the-celebration-goes-on 1/6

7/25/2019 The Celebration Goes On

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/the-celebration-goes-on 2/6

2

The Celebration

Goes On

Excerpt from aforthcoming

inspirational work 

By 

N. Madera Aguilar

7/25/2019 The Celebration Goes On

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/the-celebration-goes-on 3/6

3

One

Gifts of the Good Year

Realizing that we were already in the “…ber”

months, I took steps to prepare for the undertakingsto herald the onset of the Yuletide in the early part of 

September of the year departed. The Philippines has

perhaps the longest period for a Christmas

celebration. It usually starts to inflame the hearts of 

Filipino Christians as soon as August is ended and

goes through with the year ending until the first

weekend of the ensuing year arrives. As the climactic

culmination of the year nears, we become more

pronounced in wholeheartedly extending to everyoneour sincere greetings for the Holiday Season. Thus,

we continued with the practice last year as this has

already become our way of life.

A Farewell to the Departing Year

As coldness swept through the continents and

islands, with snow drift exacerbating the chill and

wind getting high, we gladly awaited the precise

moments when the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ

would be experienced once more, bringing to theworld a time to enjoy love, faith, hope and charity.

Prayers for peace and contentment continued to be

offered while expectations for blessings and grace

remain steadfast in the hearts of every Christian. We

extended our greetings and shared our joy to

everyone as we celebrate this most cherished event of 

7/25/2019 The Celebration Goes On

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/the-celebration-goes-on 4/6

4

the year which offers merriment to all who have

prepared for the season.

In the midst of the cold and damp surroundings, it

is time all over the world that we reflected on the

mission we are accorded with which accompanies our

existence on earth. By extending a hand, we magnifythe vision that guides us towards the realization of 

our objectives with a finding that sharing and caring

bring us closer to our most profound endeavors.

Two

The Party Isn’t Over

Bursts from firecrackers and sparkles from

fireworks having waned and dissipated, there was

 just a temporary lull. It was already the year which

had taken over.

Sounds of drum, lyre and trumpet would soon echo

through the streets of various towns and cities in

Panay Island, Philippines, with the celebration of 

festivals in a multitude of fashion to honor the Holy

Child Jesus.

As we came to face the challenges of the timeswhich had just been unraveled before us, we found it

appropriate to take a pause and reflect upon the

following words of inspiration:

“Make a joyful noise to the LORD , all the earth;

break forth into joyous song and sing praises. Sing

 praises to the LORD with the lyre, with the lyre and 

the sound of melody. With trumpets and the sound of 

7/25/2019 The Celebration Goes On

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/the-celebration-goes-on 5/6

5

the horn make a joyful noise before the King,

the LORD. Let the sea roar, and all that fills it; the

world and those who live in it.” (Psalm 98:4-7)

 Dinagyang, which literally means “revelry,” is

celebrated every fourth Sunday of January and

residents of the city of Iloilo are, as usual, already inhigh spirits two months before the slated taking place

of the festival.

The last quarter of the year is a season of festivities

being awaited by the residents of the island of Panay

in the Western Visayan region of the Philippines. The

 Dinagyang festival is only one of the significant

celebrations in Panay and neighboring islands. The

excitement extends to other parts of Panay with the

 Ati-atihan  festival in Kalibo, Aklan. Antique on the

western side of the island celebrates  Binirayan whileCapiz on the north carries out  Halaran. The thrill

induced by the pervading Christmas spirit heightens

the expectation.

On a Saturday before the Dinagyang proper on

Sunday, residents of the city and some towns in Iloilo

province undertake the Kasadyahan  (Mardi Gras)

with various teams competing for the best

presentation of a theme through performances in

dance-drama-skit fashion enlivened by the beat of drums and tintinnabulations from musical

instruments.

Tribes add color to the fun and enjoyment which

 Dinagyang brings. Members are clad in primitive but

unique attires with designs created in highly

imaginative fashions. Their designers try to be more

creative year after year in order to spruce up the

already over decorated teams with the end in view of 

7/25/2019 The Celebration Goes On

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/the-celebration-goes-on 6/6

6

capturing the most coveted prize in the contest that

serves as the event’s highlight.

Most noteworthy during the celebrations is the

variety of ways with which the participants make

known their devotion to the Holy Child Jesus. The

image of  Senior Santo Ninio  comes in the mostcolourful manner a presentor can conceive.