ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
With the goodness and great blessing of God through the prayers of the Blessed Virgin Mary and Santa Maria Jacobe, this book was made possible through the unending help and support of the people around the researchers.
First and foremost, to our Lord Jesus Christ for giving us the brainpower in writing this compilation, will and courage to pursue and finish this book even when difficulties occurred.. He gave the power to continue it thru the end.
Our families for giving us unending love, moral and financial support. This may have brought a lot of hardships especially in terms of money, but all of you always find ways to help us.
Our supportive friends and classmates for the encouraging thoughts and big help to finish this book.
Our Creative Writing professor, Dr. Randy T. Nobleza, for the constructive criticisms, and advises that contributed to improve and betterment of this book and mostly, for always believing in our capabilities. This is the product of all the advices and criticisms you have given us.
Our respondents, your time and participation is the biggest contribution to the success and accomplishment of this study.
For the love of God
THE VIRTUOUS LIFE OF JULIA HIDALGO Vince Justin Roland S. Madriaga
Julia Hidalgo y Maaño, renownly knowed as “Inang Uyang” dedicated so much of her life in serving the Lord and taking care of the image of the Our Lady of Assumption. Born and raised in Barangay Daig, Boac, Marinduque on April 11, 1887. She was baptized two days after her birth at the Parroquia de la Purissima Concepcion in the town of Boac. Her parents were Higino Hidalgo and Rafaela Maaño. She grew up to be a lovely and beautiful lady with a long black hair. Julia was a virtuous woman. Most probably she had her primary education in Boac. Catechism was taught to her in the church during Sundays. Because of this, she became more aware of the teachings of the church and the Blessed Mother Mary. At a very young age of nine, her sanctity nurtured more as she attended the daily masses. She was known for having a religious fervor to the Blessed Virgin Mary Purissima Concepcion or Mahal na Birhen ng Biglang-Awa. Because of being virtuous person, she was able to inspire and influence many people. That is why they would always sponsor the mass or even during the feast of Boac. When the number of the people Inang Uyang had inspired with her devoutness became great in number, they built a group in the year 1954 known as the Cofradia de la Asuncion de Nuestra Señora in which Inang Uyang was the propagator. In the same year, the feast of the Assumption started. Devotees donated cash and were able to purchase the image of the Assumption for the feast. They also used the donation money to feed and help the needy. They mended the floors of the Boac Cathedral. They helped a priest by sponsoring a retreat. Because of the Inang Uyang’s religious influences, people became more aware of her religious activities. She influenced mostly women. They go to the church every day to pray to the Mahal na Birhen ng Biglang-Awa and to receive Holy Communion. In 1928, the cofradia (a group or organization of the Roman Catholic religion responsible for the material care of religious images, pilgrimages, and ceremonies) of Inyang Uyang purchased the present image of the Our Lady of Assumption. The said image was brought from the shop of Mr. Maximo Vicente in Manila. The image was first venerated on August 15,
1928. People not only in Boac but of the whole province of Marinduque assembled at the feast. Later on, the devotion to the Assumption reached out to the neighboring provinces like Mindoro and Quezon. Believers distinguished and until now still distinguish Inang Uyang as a woman with an extraordinary ability to talk to God and/or His servant. They believed that she really could communicate with God; she was often found singing on her balcony, sometimes even talking to thin air as if she was really having a conversation with something or someone, which led people to believe was the reason for her helpful nature. She never failed to support her people with any aspect. She was also perceived because of her beauty, believed to have a sweet fragrant scent on the very trail that she stepped on. Her body also showed no signs of decay and was perfectly preserved. The media went crazy about the phenomenal state of her corpse. The belief of the people to Inang Uyang encouraged them to go to church and cherish the faith that they have.
BULATING Charmaine M. Briones Elma Ogayre a 55 year old devotee of one of the traditional practices that is being practiced up until now called Bulating. She was born in Brgy. Malbog, Boac, Marinduque on January, 6, 1963. They are six siblings in their family and she is third to the eldest child. Her parents are Mr. and Mrs Efren Ogayre. Manang Elma or Manang Irma (because some of her kabaranggays and also her uncle’s and aunties during 1960’s can’t speak the letter “R” that’s why until now she is still called Irma not Elma) devoted herself in doing this kind of tradition because according to her, while she was still in her sweet sixteen she was possessed by a mythical creature (or diwata) that, as she describes, “a lady with a wavy hair, dressed in white, with a beautiful face that looks like an ordinary person but its body is shining that can lose your sight and has a magic wand that has a star in the tip of the wand” just like what we see in movies. (from left to right) Mrs. Elma Ogayre’s grandson, Mrs. Elma Ogayre (interviewee), and Ms. Charmaine Briones (the researcher).
According to her, the “diwata” waved her wand all over her body and she said that she feels like she was in a cloud nine, flying and floating in the air. After several days she had seizures. Not only this, but in their barangay she was bullied and teased as a crazy woman even in their neighboring barangay which is Brgy. Maybo because she’s doing unnecessary things like dancing in the street without music, destroying her auntie’s plants, and laughing like there’s no tomorrow. These were not able to be controlled by her mother and father because she was as strong as a carabao, but since during those days medical doctors are not that know, her parents called an “albularyo” or quack doctor to do some remedy. This faith healer cured her by using a fruit called suha or lukban which belongs to the family of oranges. The suha was grilled in a lit charcoal and was rubbed all over her body, they believe that it can cure her seizures together with a Latin prayer. After that, her unidentified illness is still not cured. This is where her life as a Bulating devotee started. It started in her uncle named Jacob Ogayre and her another which had a surname of Bustamante during her childhood. According to
her, her uncle told her that she should inherit this kind of tradition because her uncle believes that this will be the medicine on her unidentified illness. This tradition is where the girls wear black leggings and a black shirt, and then they will cover their entire clothes with mud. On the other hand, boys should just wear a black cycling shorts and they also have to cover their bodies with mud. After that they will put a wild plant or bush on their heads, which they called nito. They do this during Holy Wednesday where they join the procession together with the people and the images of the saints. After that, they will wash themselves in the Boac river on which they believe that it is a sign of their sins being washed up together with the mud and the crown nito which represented thorn crown of Jesus. Until now, she believes that faith in God and devoting in Bulating cured her illness, which is why she vowed to continue this tradition as long as she lives.
FOR THE GLORY OF GOD Hayden S. Semilla
Reynaldo Menorca often called as “Tito Rey”. Is the only son of Remedios Menorca of Mogpog, Marinduque, born June 21, 1956. He started his schooling at Mogpog Central School, and then studied high school at Marinduque Academy. After graduating high school, he entered at the seminary but due to his illness, he decided to go out. After seminary, he studied at De Ocampo Memorial College where he earned his degree in optometry. The clan where he belongs is one of the many families in their town that owns a solitary holy week image. “Pagsasanto” runs in their blood, the legacy started from their ancestors, passed on to his grandmother, then to them. When he was just a young boy, he watched his family prepared for the “Salida” of their solitary image St. John the Evangelist. Once a helper of his at first, now he owns a solitary image of St. Matthew the Evangelist which took part in every holy week procession in their town. St. Matthew was conceptualized because of his mother’s wish to have a solitary image of their own. Reynaldo, earning money back then immediately canvassed the expenses and called one of their town’s best sculptors, Mr. Salvador Liwanagan to carve the image. It took three months before it was finished and there were a lot of expenses before their dream was materialized. Their image was first witnessed in holy week processions in their town last 2012. In decorating and vesting, he preferred simple vestments and decorations. Through the years of taking care of St. Matthew, his family experienced abundant shower of blessings from God through the saint. Because of that he was able to commission a number of solitary images like Maria Bambina, Virgen de Peñafrancia, Virgen Del Candelaria, St. Catherine Laboure, St. Catherine of Siena and images of Sto. Niño. Also, he is able support the “Salida” of their heirloom image of St. John the Evangelista and their clan’s “El Descendimiento del Señor”. Now, his nephew, Jerwin Ola is now in-charge of the preparations and decorations of his images specially St. Matthew. He is an active Parishioner of St. Isidore Labrador Parish and a faithful public servant.
Mr. Hayden S. Semilla (left) and Mr. Reynaldo Menorca (right).
His message to the future “mag-sasanto” is be passionate and dedicated in your job. Do it for the glory of God, not for prestige.
Disclaimer: The following are the images owned by Mr. Reynaldo Menorca:
St. Matthew the Evangelist (Credit: Micheal Mogol)
Bambina Maria (Photo credit to the owner)
Virgen de Peñafrancia (Credit: Micheal Mogol)
Virgen de Candelaria (Credit: Jerwin Ola)
“El Descendimiento del Señor” (Credit: Micheal Mogol)
OF FAITH AND DEVOTION Lean Arvin D. Grate
Mr. Hayden Semilla is a local of Libtangin, Gasan, Marinduque. With 19 years of age and experience behind him, he is a student of Marinduque State College, currently taking up Bachelor of Arts in English. He has been in Marinduque from the moment he was born. He is the spotlight of this biography because he possesses admirable dedication, passion and devotion for the Lord. He has been serving the St. Joseph Spouse of Mary Church in Gasan town proper. It started way back 2010 when he was just 11 years old.
His family was no stranger when it comes to undying faith, as his grandmother used to pray a lot during the day, and in addition, taught him about the saints. This fad started back when he was still young. Although surrounded by figurines of saints, he never taught that he’d be in the Lord’s service. He never had the idea of serving him directly, other than knowing different people who have devoted themselves in the service of others and God Himself. He thought that was it, but the day came when the Gasan Church looked for volunteers that would like to serve as acolytes. His aunts immediately persuaded him, offering their help with the expenses for the clothing, the Sutana, the typical fashion for acolytes. From that day on, he embraced his role as part of the church. 8 years go by, and you can still see him at the altars of the church, serving both first and second masses at times, and most of the time it was serving the second mass. He is also a member of the church’s chorale. He spent his weekdays at school, while his weekends, unlike kids his age that spent it under the sun, he was at the church together with his fellow acolytes, having fun in God’s service. His service was not limited to just the insides of the church; he also participated at processions, carrying posts with candles lit on top of them, through the streets. Enduring the heat and exhaustion from walking and lifting the post for almost an hour that
extends to two hours sometimes, and even three hours at times like when it is Holy Week in their town. He also served at barangay masses or those mass celebrations at chapels of barangays away from the town proper. These are commonly held when there are feasts. He does not let the length of distance slow him, nor stop him. He also quoted, “I will be serving God for as long as I still can, for God’s love for us is eternal.� Up to this day, with school works and everything, he still finds time to serve God - a man of faith and devotion indeed.
A GLIMPSE OF THE LIFE OF A PUPUA DEVOTEE Danica Z. Tolentino
Cristina Sanchez, often called as “Cristy” the eldest daughter of Concijo and Paterno Galaura of Wayangan,Tiguion,Gasan,Marinduque , born on March 30,1958. She’s a wife of Antonio Sanchez they have two child. She started schooling at Ilo-ilo Elementary School and studied High School at Ilo-ilo National High School.
Mrs. Cristina Sanchez (right), the pupua devotee, with her husband (left).
She is a tailor since 1996 until now. When she gave birth of her second child named “Anthony” they had an intense experienced. Anthony was on a critical situation when he was eight months. The doctor told to Cristy that she’s a lucky mother if her child will be still alive. The next day came, out of eight babies on the hospital Anthony was the only one who survived. 1983, Cristy started her vow as a “Magpupupua”, she did it for her child so he will be cured from his disease. After few years of doing the vow her child was cured. Now Anthony has his own family. Cristy said that she will continue her vow during her lifetime.
FAITH, LOVE, AND SACRIFICE WILL NEVER END Welucie Joy Q. Villavicencio
Mr. Dennis Q. Villavicencio is a son of Mrs. Lucita Q. Villavicencio and Mr. Wilfredo Q. Villavicencio. He is 30 years of age, single, and he lives in Brgy. Yook, Buenavista, Marinduque. He attended elementary at Yook Elementary School and secondary at Buenavista National High School. He is a graduate of BS Cosmetology. Mr. Dennis is one of the members and assistant director of Sinakulo in Buenavista, Marinduque. He has long been a part of Sinakulo since 2000. According to him, he had already portrayed different characters every holy week in this stage play including Juan Bautista, the devil and Herodias. The character that he liked best in portraying is being the devil because it is not an (right) Mr. Dennis Villavicencio easy role to portray. Considering the latter, he considers his dressed up as the devil. portrayal of this role as a “masterpiece”. He also considers this role very special because this is the very first acting job he got in the Sinakulo.
The Sinakulo is one of the renowned cultural plays in Marinduque. It is done every Lenten season to remind us of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Mr. Dennis said that he joined in this group because he believed that by this all of his sin were lessen, and also this is the one way serving Jesus Christ. He mentioned this line “I am so thankful even there are lots of hard times and sacrifices in our group it is very worth it because we entertain people, we educate them about life of Jesus and the most important we remember the sacrifices of our God and we serve him.
(middle) Mr. Dennis Villavicencio dressed up as the devil.
PASSION THAT LEAD TO DEVOTION Edralin Mae R. Denosta
Ms. Marielle Pastorfide resides in Brgy. Lapu-lapu, Sta. Cruz, Marinduque. She is 19 years of age. She was born on April 19, 1998. She is an experienced dancer, a student of Marinduque State College, currently taking up Bachelor of Arts in English, currently on her third year. A cheer dancer since elementary up to the present, it is not a surprise that she had experienced to become one of the dancers in Ati- atihan Festival usually held at the third week of January in Sta. Cruz, Marinduque. When she was younger, she used to watch the festival and their parade. With the influence of her cousins, because they also dance during the festival, she decided to become a member of the dancers of the said festival. She was also inspired by the strong faith and devotion of her family to the Sto. Niño. In her childhood days, she dances with all her heart wearing the colorful tribal costume and looking like Negritos. She wants to know the Sto. Niño better and also, she wants to be familiar with the Ati-atihan tradition. She also loves to compete with every group of dancers of Ati- atihan in every barangay involve. Recently, she didn’t join the festival because of lots of paper works. The practice of the festival is really a tiring one but it’s worth it seeing the people that they are entertained and amazed by their dance and execution. Her passion is to dance her heart out. She owes this talent to God and because of this, she wants to honor him as much as possible using this God-given talent.