I am by no means an expert on this subject, but celebrations noted above are a very important part of life here in the Philippines. I have heard the view expressed that they are a little bit out of proportion in that a fiesta or birthday will be spent with lavish extravagance even though times are hard and money is short.
In any case there are certain ingredients to all parties and they seem to have to include...in general order of importance
Food, essential of course
Music and dancing including karaoke
Prayers and rememberance
Drink
Games and prizes
FOOD, Quite simple and straightforward really of course there is some detail...food...lechon which is roasted pork seems to be an essential to any party and i have the feeling here that if Filipinos have a party without lechon, then the feeling of everyone, both hosts and guests somehow think its a stingy party. Most westerners i know do not like lechon because its too fatty the cuts of meat,...... thats why we prefer butchers to prepare the meat for us, Pinoys prefer well lechon, they love it.
Music, of course a party is not complete without dancing and music and karaoke, which i used to dislike but now actually i like very much and also like to sing, the test is (for me) can i sing sober...yes and to an audience,...and surprise yes....but i prefer the party version not the stage and sound production version, my singing is up to the first but not the second.
Prayers, yes there is always a thanks giving and spiritual or rememberance side which is very important here see the picture of Jaiya and Aya offering prayers.
Drink, the guys like to drink, Tanduay is a standard here, a local brandy at about 80pence per 70 cl bottle, Red horse beer (too strong for me, about 7percent proof and if cash is short Tuba which is i think a distilled coconut spirit, about 50 pence per gallon, yes gallon.
Games and prizes....self explanatory
Anns Mum had a family re-union in Tagum Anns mums home last sunday and the pictures are taken from there, i dodged it, stayed in Davao on my own, enjoyed the peace / drank too much and saw city (man city) beat everton at 3am sunday morning, excellent weekend.
2 comments:
Rick
A good slice of local colour in this one, very much mixed food, drink and fun. Don't expect me to Karaoke when we are there, the answer will be no. Cheers Andy.
Andy, you may surprise yourself and enjoy it, (karaoke) i will work on you...another topic, listening to steely dan, aja, it hasn't aged, not exciting music but worth another shot cheers rick
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