Sayaw ng Pagbati (Welcome Dance) and other Paranaque, Philippines Local Custom Tips

Sayaw ng Pagbati or "Welcome Dance" is done every Easter Sunday. It is a way of celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is practically a tradition that Catholics give praise and revel for the promise that our Saviour raised from the dead after 3 days. It was a belief that kids that are sickly participated this event so he or she will be blessed with a healthy body.

A group of young girls (and even boys) dance along the street in a form of a procession starts from the Cathedral of St. Andrew and ends in the respective house of the owner of the image of the Risen Christ. This is hold in the barrio of Don Galo, Tambo (teen agers dances instead of young girls), La Huerta and San Dionisio.

During the procession, people carrying the statue of Risen Christ would also dance to the tune played by the accompanying marching band.

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The term " sunduan" (pronounced as -> soon - doo- an) literally means "to fetch). It is a yearly tradition usually held during barrio fiesta (usually in La Huerta and San Dionisio).

It is a parade/procession of pair of men and women from the barrio. Women are cladded in traditional stylish gowns and men are in "jusi" or "pina" barong tagalog. Local marching band tags along at the end of the procession to render music to the lovely pairs.

The procession starts from the house of the hermano/hermana mayor where in all the male participants are waiting. The procession will pass by at the houses of the female where they will be fetched by their male escorts who are carrying a beatifully decorated umbrella. When all the female participants are fetched, they will parade around the barrio.

Even balik-bayans from these barrios go home just to participate in this tradition. Sometimes movie stars and government officials are also invited to join this traditional procession/parade.

Last May 6, a "sunduan" was held in our barrio (Don Galo) in commemoration of the feast day of Sta. Monica. One of our local actor, Jomari Yllana and actress (running for city councilor) Roselle Nava graced the occasion.

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Every Good Friday, the townfolks of Paranaque particularly the parish of St. Andrew hold the lenten procession. Statues of saints who were part of the life of Jesus during his passion and death are included in the procession. They are arranged based on the story of the passion. First on the procession is Jesus celebrating the Last Supper. Last on the procession is the grieving Mother Mary.

Other parishes in Paranaque also hold the same procession every year.

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Almost similar to "sunduan", this native Philippine tradition is being done in all parts of the country during the month of May which is commemorated as the month of mother Mary.

Boys and girls paraded the streets in local costumes (barong tagalog for boy and traditional gown for girls).

This year, my two kids joined the procession in our baranggay to give honor to Mama Mary.

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