Boholanos who are known to stop at nothing just to make their fiesta as lavish as possible found themselves celebrating the yearly event in a subdued manner. This was noticed by some fiesta goers as they were greeted with an atmosphere of peace and quite in contrast in previous years where the streets of this city were practically littered with gaily-decorated buntings. The entire length of CPG Avenue which usually is festooned with multi-colored “banderetas” were stripped of the contraptions as had been in previous city fiestas. But the religious fervor of the observance as this city marks the feast of St. Joseph today remains the sought after part of the yearly affair among the diocese's faithful.
The Most Rev. Leonardo Medroso,.D.D.,bishop of the diocese of Tagbilaran, will be the main celebrant during the 10:00 am pontifical mass. Except for the ubiquitous peddlers of balloons fashioned after colorful dolphins and dirigibles, there's no mistaking that Tagbilaran is in a fiesta mood albeit in a subtle way. What appear to be the keywords as this city starts the celebration of the fiesta month are sobriety and propriety. These are the key words used by Tagbilaran Mayor Dan Lim to describe the mood of this year's fiesta celebration. Tagbilaranons celebrate the feast of St. Joseph every May 1 with a revelry that has made it a must-attend event not only to those in neighboring towns but also of Boholano expatriates in other countries. “We have to consider the sensitivities and predicament of other people in these difficult times,” the mayor stressed. Unlike the festive atmosphere of past celebrations, there has been a marked sobriety in this year's line-up of activities.
Lim said the recent catastrophes like the tsunami in Japan and the tornadoes in the United States and the upheavals in the Middle East as well as the execution of three Filipinos in China have left many people stunned and sad. “It would be insensitive to go out and paint the town red when there are people who are grieving and mourning in other places,” he added. The mayor said that the least that people can do is to be sensitive to their reversals by toning down on the revelries. Lim also made it clear that it is the Catholic church that takes the lead in the celebration and that the city government is merely playing a supporting role. Although this was not formally discussed, the mayor said past exhortations from the church is for a meaningful observance.
Instead of lavish activities, the church has been calling for more spiritual emphasis in the observance. The most conspicuous absence in the usual line-up of fiesta activities is the search for Miss Tagbilaran. Lim said this is one activity that he will not miss. “Is there really no other way to measure the talent, intellect and beauty of young women than showing them off publicly?” he asked. The mayor said that while he will not prevent other individuals or groups to initiate the holding of beauty pageants, he said he will no longer initiate these kinds of activities. “Moreover, there has been a noticeable decline in the people's patronage of these activities so we might as well put our resources to better use,” he added. The mayor said he is sure that the church would appreciate it more if the observance is more meaningful and appropriate than one that would offend its sensibilities.
In other places, there have been complaints of inappropriate behavior during fiestas that scandalized not just the church but even ordinary citizens. The mayor said he prefers a celebration that is peaceful and harmonious rather than one that leaves a bad taste in the mouth afterwards. He made it clear however that he is not discouraging people from celebrating the fiesta this year. “There is a difference between sober and appropriate observance and not celebrating it all,” he added. Lim said there is a risk that people will be more preoccupied with form than with substance in festivities of this kind. “We have heard of many instances when hosts failed to go to church because they were so preoccupied with their preparations at home,” he noted. The mayor said that missing the object of the celebration is missing the essence.
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