Genre: Religion & Spirituality
Author: Nina L.B. Tomen
Published by the NCCA, (c) 2008
Lubao-born Nina Tomen has written a definitive book about two of Pampanga's most important religious events that are largely unknown outside the province: the Kuraldal dance ritual performed during the feast of Sta. Lucia in Sasmuan town and the fluvial procession of Apung Iru or St. Peter, the patron of Apalit, carried out during the town's 3-day fiesta beginning June 28.
The author traces the beginnings of these celebrations which may have roots in our pre-colonial times. River rites, for instance, were undertaken by natives to appease water deities while dancing for divinities is an age-old custom practiced by ethnic groups in the Philippines. The book also gives an account of the origins of the central figures of venerations--namely, the seated ivory San Pedro attired in papal regalia, as well as the smallish Sta. Lucia statue that was even referred to in Gaspar's Conquistas de las Islas Filipinas.
Apung Iru, associated with the Arnedo-Espiritu-Gonzalez families, is lovingly cared for by a succession of appointed camaderos and has its own shrine at Capalangan. It is taken out once a year for the wet and wild river procession, conveyed on a grand pagoda and escorted by an armada of gaily-decorated boats full of devotees. Revelers shower each other with water, food, candies and fruits for the duration of the 6 hour river journey.
On the other hand, on January 6, Feast of the 3 Kings (Atlung Ari), the whole town of Sasmuan goes on a dancing frenzy before the image of Apung Lucia as chants are shouted : "Viva Apung Lucia! Pwera sakit!" (Long Live, St. Lucy! Deliver us from sickness!).
The book takes a look at the roles of organized groups (e.g. the Knights of Saint Peter of Apalit) as well as ordinary residents in perpetuating the cults of these two saints. Testimonials from different residents attesting to the miraculous powers of the images are included in one chapter. But the more interesting part delves into the validity of folk religiosity or popular piety, and how the Church views such adulterated practices and traditions today. While the writing is organized and easy to read, the treatment of pictures could have been better. Important vintage pictures are often relegated as insets the size of postage stamps.
Overall, this book is a welcome addition to the growing number of books on Kapampangan religious history, which was started by Dr. Luciano Santiago's. "Laying the Foundations: Kapampangan Pioneers of the Philippine Church" and "Edna Gueco's "O, Indu: The Virgen delos Remedios Story". Nino Tomen, whose young son died of rabies just days before the book launch, deserves our commendation for completing this book against all odds.
(27 June 2010)
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