When we got there, we entered first the church and said our prayers. As we waited, we asked the locals which among the three Saints should we follow. One local asked "Ano ba ho ang hiling nyo?" and we said "Magka baby po". Then he told us to follow the float of Santa Clara. So we immediately positioned ourselves near her float. A female local standing near us even shared her story. She danced during this festival years ago and was blessed with not one, not two but 5 kids. How about that? As per this lady, it really works!
May 17 was the feast of San Pascual - saint for good harvest but all three saints were part of the procession. The procession started a little past 9. Good thing the weather was kind of cool. Though it would rain every now and then but it didn't really pour.
We were walking and semi dancing for almost 2 hours and we ended it in the church. This is where all the dancing happened. As the priest would say "Isayaw nyo ang mga hiling nyo!" So we did! The church was packed with people. Each individual asking for their own personal longings --- either to have a baby, good harvest or even a life partner.
As Gin and I were dancing, I would continuously pray for the chance of having our own baby and for all those who are present and are asking for a baby be blessed with one too.Some people swear by this festival and there are those who don't believe in it. Whatever it is...it doesn't hurt to try and its our faith that keeps us going.
This experience was worth it and I know keeping my faith strong will help me get through all the challenges that will come my way.
3 comments:
hi bunnie
nasa likod din kami ni st claire. nasa malapit ba kayo ng santo? kasi medjo gitna kami pero nung pabalik na, lumipat kami sa bandang likod na part ni san pascual.
sana pala nagkausap tayong magmeet dun. gustong-gusto kasi ni gwen makipag-usap at makipagkilala sa mga ka'federasyon' :p kasi that time lang daw nya naranasang hindi maiba.
hi mari! nung start medyo nasa middle part din kami. then my friend and i overtook the crowd para mas malapit kami sa santo. i am sure nagkakitaan tayo dun. pero the whole time we just stayed sa likod ni santa clara.
hi bunnie! we wanted din sana to go to obando last sat kaya lang may storm that weekend di ba and we were afraid na baka uulan. super crowded ba? did you have a hard time sa parking and the procession?
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