The Art of War, Araña't Baluarte Style

It's not always rainbows and butterflies, as sung by Adam Levine. Yes, Araña't Baluarte of Gumaca may seem beautiful to the eyes with the smorgasbord of fruits and vegetables and even local pastries and delicacies, bursting in a palette of greens, yellows, reds, indigos, any color you might think of are there. That is, before the patron San Isidro Labrador passes. As soon as he turns his back on the arañas and baluarte... IT'S WAR BABY!

No, this is not Pahiyas... It's Araña't Baluarte of Gumaca!

Say May 15, San Isidro, and Quezon; and people will automatically say "Pahiyas!" Well, there's life beyond Pahiyas my friends. Guys, I'd like to introduce to you, the Araña't Baluarte Festival.

San Isidro Labrador with San Diego de Alcala Cathedral as background

Yes, it might sound very Spanish, but

Did Jesus Dance?

I've seen this image of Jesus joining the traditional Good Friday procession in Gumaca, but it's just this last Viernes Santo that I noticed: Is Jesus dancing?




















No disrespect or blasphemy intended,

Viernes Santo in Gumaca, Quezon

San Diego de Alcala Cathedral before Palm Sunday

I was initially planning of going to either Paete or the nearer Carcar, Cebu (LOL!) to witness a different semana santa observance there, but I opted to get traditional and spend the long weekend in my hometown Gumaca with my sister.

A not so usual bus scene: an Islam emblem
 instead of the usual rosary

Good thing about traveling during Good Friday is that there are less vehicles,