May affairs
Experiencing occasional rain signals a different season. This provides a sigh from the inconvenience that is brought by the dry season. Wrapping up May, we have been blessed, exultant or poignant, with scores of events that we commit to memory.
May is best remembered by the month-long Flores de Mayo where the common sight in the provinces is when children in white garments troop to churches every afternoon. This scenario started from day one until the end of the month culminating with the Santacruzan procession, joined in by beautiful ladies with their escorts with embellished floats and ornate gowns, representing various religious characters. Many communities maintain the Santacruzan as an expression of prayer and faith and the gift of the Holy Cross despite the changing cultural and religious orientation.
May also provides opportunities for family members, relatives and friends to reunite and forge significant ties. Because it's a long vacation, they allot certain days for this purpose.
In various days of May, various festivals are being held in many parts of the country where products of our farmers and fishermen are being displayed, after a bountiful harvest out of hard work and perseverance.
And who can ever forget a socio-cultural and religious event that involves the different dance rituals held for three consecutive days honoring three patron saints: May 17 for St. Paschal, May 18 for St. Claire, and May 19 for the Our Lady of Salambaw (patroness of fishermen). In Obando, Bulacan, this is deeply rooted in the cultural consciousness of the populace for as long as there is still hope in their hearts. In Bohol Province, every day throughout the month there is a fiesta.
May has likewise been recognized as Mental Health Month by many organizations for several years. Why the connection between spirituality and health? It seems spirituality cuts the stress that so often triggers disease. The Bible, for instance has this to say: "Throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes."
The month is significant because on its first day, Filipino laborers, armed with their placards and grievances, come together and join ranks as they fill the streets. Most of the time "Mabuhay ang manggagawang Pilipino!" (long live the Filipino worker) is echoed throughout nationwide rallies and demonstrations, bringing to the forefront issues such as fair remuneration and unfair labor practices.
Although it is a public holiday and is the time to recognize and honor the contribution of Filipino workers to the economy of the country. There is no reason for them to celebrate, rather more reasons to demonstrate.
May is the heritage month. Cebu's Gabii sa Kabilin is an opportunity to relish and appreciate our heritage as a people. It is also a significant month for UP Cebu as it celebrated its 100 years. And on a personal level, I received the Gawad Chancellor Award for Creative Work.
In May, the world witnessed the royal wedding between a prince and a commoner. However it is a sad month due to the passing away of then UP president Edgardo Angara, my namesake professor emeritus Dr. Ligaya Tiamson-Rubin, and my colleague, mentor, and friend Dr. Elenita Basilgo.
Indeed, May is a colorful month in many regards. It is a month that we can look at from our various lenses and persuasions.
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