We chose to tackle the subject of fiesta as the historic town of Baclayon marks its own today. As to this BGlante, fiesta seems to be an ordinary happening because it is a celebration of two of his favorite saints. For the Montana fiesta on June 13 in honor of St. Anthony of Padua and December 8 in whose honor is marked with the feast of Mama Mary, mother of Christ. Held every six months apart, it is not so painful to the pocket since it is not celebrated in quick succession. Now, in this age of pork barrel scams, is fiesta still as relevant as ever as when it was introduced by the Spaniards more than three hundred years ago?

If you are like this certified fiesta celebrator, the answer is yes. We remember how so-called economic managers tried to draw up plans to eliminate fiesta in the consciousness of Filipinos, but still no dice. Why?

Because fiesta is already inculcated in the psyche of every Filipino and trying to discourage him from celebrating one is like convincing him to change religious affiliation. Yes, fiesta to a Filipino let alone to a Boholano is synonymous to one man's religion. Take away the fiesta from a Boholano and you are risking alienation. To a cleric, it amounts to ex-communication. That's how fiesta plays a key role in the life of a Boholano. We chose the Boholano way to celebrate fiesta because it's no quarrel that Boholanos love fiestas. To them, fiesta is second nature. As a special occasion with friends, fellowship, food and lots of entertainment, many of our compatriots go to the extent of wallowing in debt just to mark the feast of their favorite saint.

Speaking of relevance, devotion to the patron saint never runs out of style. No way that one's religiosity is compromised if his devotion to Mother Mary knows no bounds. That's why even in the most trying of times where business bottom line is swimming in red ink, we still manage to mark the feast of Immaculate Conception if only to emphasize the fact that our devotion to the Blessed Virgin is beyond the commerce of man. A fiesta to this BGlante is a time to renew old and new acquaintances, with long lost relatives, friends from way, way back and total strangers. Whether all of the above or any particular segment, we treat each fiesta visitor as a guest of honor. More so if they are less in life. They deserve our kind attention because for one, only during fiestas or other special occasions do they partake of fiesta treats. With times no longer as favorable in terms of monetary consideration, celebrating fiesta at this time is tempered with social responsibility in deference to those who are reeling from the impact of the 7.2 magnitude killer quake and lately the deadly fury of supertyphoon Yolanda. To the people of Baclayon who pay homage today to the Blessed Virgin, as it is her feast day, happy fiesta!