By Emmanuel D. Taghoy
Before
the procession began, the townsfolk set up tables in front of their houses
laden with sumptuous snacks prepared for the street dancers and spectators, who
were all smiles awaiting the start of the festival.
Everyone
looked eager and excited while the performers in costumes and body paints lined
themselves preparing to showcase their month-long street dancing practice.
And as
the sound of trumpets and drum filed the air, the whole of Malangas town
proceeded to the morning parade for the 59th Parish Fiesta in honor
of their Patron Saint Señor Sto. Niño.
One in faith
Hundreds
of devotees and believers coming from the different barangays and neighboring
towns flocked to the town streets to witness the street dancing and beauties in
their colorful gowns.
The
occasion may not be at par with the grand Cebu City Sinulog Festival, but the
dedication and commitment shown by the faithful proved to be of the same level.
According
to Rev. Fr. Julito A. Cabatuan, parish priest, the festivity represents the
steadfast conviction of the Malangueños toward their patron saint, Señor Sto. Niño
or the child Jesus Christ, for whom the patron symbolizes.
“Señor
Sto. Niño unites the people of Malangas as one in faith and belief,” said the
priest.
The
theme of the occasion was anchored on “Aktibong Pagsalmot sa mga Kabos sa
Ebanghelisasyon ug Katilingbanong Kausbawan” (active participation of the
marginalized sector in evangelization and community development).
Christianity and the early
beginnings of Malangas town
Most
places in the Philippines are named uniquely. It is not unusual for our
ancestors to name a place after an animal, tree, or anything they find easy to
remember. The early Filipinos were simple, adopting a name they could easily
remember.
For
one, the town of Malangas got its name from a small “noisy” waterfall.
Way
back in the 1900s or even earlier, Malangas town was inhabited by Subanen
people whose women - with alluring beauties - were housed in towers.
The
town then was not called Malangas, but “Kulaka,” a Subanen term for paddling
which signifies the location of the place.
On the
other hand, Malangas, which means “noisy brook,” is the name of a small
waterfall about two kilometers away from the town proper.
As the
years had passed, the name Kulaka turned into Malangas, and was changed again
to Malangas Gamay.
It was
believed that after the town got its name “Malangas Gamay,” the place became
popular to merchants. Thus, when Shariff Mohammad Kabungsuan arrived in Kulaka,
the first Muslims in the area were baptized.
Christianity
came to the Malangueños when the Chavacanos from Zamboanga City set foot in
Malangas Gamay. They were attracted to migrate to the place because of the
fertile lands in the Sibuguey Valley, the rich fishing ground of Dumanquillas
Bay and the vast coal deposits that promised good wealth.
News
of Malangas spread wide and reached as far as Visayas and Luzon.
Around
1950s “Malangas” officially got its name. It was made to avoid confusion and
since the name was more popular and preferred by most residents.
Believers in all walks of life
Tribal
and cultural dances regale the spectators with the Sinulog Festival. In various
performances, the diverse culture and ethnic origin of the Filipinos are
depicted.
It is
ubiquitous in every dance presentation the icon of the Señor Sto. Niño carried
by the lead dancer, swaying to the rhythm of the drums.
But what
made the Malangas Sinulog Festival different from the others are the many outfits
worn by the Señor Sto. Niño icon. From a fireman suit, fisherman, soldier,
police, farmer, to a common folk clothes are worn by the Sto. Niño image.
“This
variety of costumes symbolizes the devotees of various professions,” said Fr.
Cabatuan.
The
priest explained that Sto. Niño is not just a patron and religious figure to
the Malangas folks but a replica of compassion, contentment and devotion to
Christ Jesus.
Prayers of
abundance and peace
“This year, we celebrate not only the anniversary of our parish and
the fiesta of our Patron Señor Sto. Niño. We are looking at how far our faith had
brought us, and our municipality had developed over the years,” said Malangas Mayor
Alfredo A. Atilano in his message.
The mayor reminded everyone that the occasion is an opportunity of
renewal and change for all believers toward the better good and a healthy
spiritual life.
“We are all followers of Christ, and it is a challenge to us to
improve our ways of life and be better citizens of our community,” he
furthered.
Atilano said the recent visit of Pope Francis is a good example of
humility, a virtue every Christian should live up to.