In several surveys, the question “Why is it fun to be in the Philippines?” had always been asked. The answers are as varied as the number of persons taken as samples. Although this is a small country, almost incognito in the globe, still many people come. Anyone foreign in this country will find the people exceptionally hospitable. The country is very rich in natural resources, tourist spots that are comparable to those in other countries. Philippines is a poor country, in fact it belongs to the third world classification but then there are many beautiful things around. A tourist’s dollars can stretch a long way (rate is US$ = P 42+). Thus, it becomes less expensive to spend a holiday here.
The Philippines is the home or religious and God-fearing people. In fact, this is the country in Asia that boasts of the biggest number of Christians (Was it because of Spanish colonization?). As such, this is a country that celebrates the most festive feasts. The month of May is just around the corner and in no-time, the May festivities will begin – once again, every Filipino prides - it is more fun in the Philippines!
May, in any Christian country is the month honoring the Blessed Virgin and Filipinos have deep attachment to Mother Mary. Coming to the Philippines in May, you will witness the “Flores de Mayo” as well as the Santa Cruzan.
Flores de Mayo
Flores de Mayo (Flowers of May) is sometimes called Flores de Maria (Flowers of Mary) and is a flower festival. This is a month long floral offering to our Blessed Mother. Town folks gather in the church every afternoon to pray the rosary. After praying, children, usually dressed in white or Sunday dresses, carry flowers and offer them to the Blessed Virgin, placing them before the icon. In the rural areas this tribute is a thanksgiving for rains that will contribute to bountiful harvest.
Santa Cruzan
Santa Cruzan has been known as the Queen of Philippine Festivals. This is to commemorate the finding of the cross on which the Lord Jesus was crucified. The search was undertaken by Queen Helena, the mother of Constantine the Great. This is a procession of beautiful belles in colorful gowns with their equally handsome escorts. There are many participants in the procession, each belle called “sagala” represents a Christian or biblical character. They walk along the streets under arches decorated with flowers. The last is the belle who represents Queen Helena and she carries a cross in her hand, symbolizing what she found. With her under the canopy of flowers are small boy depicting Constantine in his boyhood and bishop who was with the Queen during the search for the Holy Cross.
The procession is done for nine days and on the ninth day, to culminate the festivities, the image of the Blessed Mother will be in the procession. The icon is placed in a carriage ornamented by flowers. Music of “Dios Te Salve” or “Hail Mary” is sung by the people joining the procession. These people carry lighted candles, another offering for the successful finding of the Cross. In the metropolis, this Santa Cruzan is also held where the participants are usually movie and television actresses and actors.
It is really fun in the Philippines especially in the month of May where you can witness unique way of paying tribute to the Blessed Mother and the Holy Cross. But this is not all – May is also the time when beaches are full of holiday merry-makers. Famous vacation get-aways in the Philippines are the ever-famous Boracay, Palawan, Puerto Galera and Pagudpod.
