Penafrancia Fiesta 2011 in Naga City, Bicol, Philippines

All roads converge to Naga City, Bicol, Philippines when September comes every year. All kinds of social, civic, military and religious activities are participated in by students, teachers, businessmen and parishioners from all over the country, specially in this region because of Penafrancia.

Spanish influences play greatly in the religious activities that show the fanaticism of the majority of Bicolanos (term called to the people in the region) to Ina (pertains to Virgin Mary), as part of the Catholic religion. Mother Mary is called the Virgin of Penafrancia, Patroness of Bicol. The fervent beliefs of the devotees are due to 'miracles' that happened to

Religious highlights segue to other activities, like trade fairs, concerts, military and civic parade. The latest addition is the voyadores festival that usually falls to the third week of the month.

The chronology of events start with the Traslacion (transferring the image of Ina from its old home church down to the Naga Cathedral). It usually falls to the second Friday of the September, right after the birthdate of Mary.

Then, students, teachers and parents will be very busy with the preparation for the civic parade and military marching competition. The sounds of drums and lyre ensemble and brass bands will fill the busy air and the twirling of batons of the majorettes equally excite supporters, family members and fiestagoers.

Tourists from foreign countries, usually observe the festivities. Filipinos from abroad also hold similar programs regarding the fiesta.

With these thoughts, this hubber make it a mission to observe the hustle and bustle of the occasion, although important sidelights opposing such festivities are apparent during the celebration.

I featured the same theme last year regarding Penafrancia fiesta. It's a huge article which contains many links on Naga City's history, local attractions, cultural sites, hotels, restaurants and other accommodation.

I started collating photos since the Traslacion (Sept. 9), amid the light drizzle of rain. I met some friends and exchanges short tete-a-tete in-between the euphoria of the parishioners.

The next week saw this hubber visiting a trade site, then the marching of boys and girls scouts accompanied by drum and lyre corps of every participating schools or contingent. Business establishments in the local business sector participated in the afternoon of Thursday (Sept. 15).

Note: Updates on military marching competition and fluvial procession will follow through.

There's a loud voice that caught my attention during the occasion. It's the same voice that continue to reverberate in my mind.

We live in modern times but people's way in believing in deities, idols and religious feasts are apparent, as observed by the Roman Catholic Church.

I've been involved with those activities before, as required in school activities and part of our participation. I was very vocal in promoting such activities on the radio, not realizing that I was being drawn away from the Saviour.

Now, I am merely a silent witness of such merriment. Appreciating some of its features but not the religious aspects.

There is more silent way to exalt the name of God through Jesus Christ, our Saviour. No one else.