Philippine E-Journals

Bikol Fiestas: Tumatarok ni San Felipe-Santiago, San Felipe Compra y Santiago Paga

Alejandro R. Roces

Discipline: Philippine History

 

Abstract:

 

The biggest and most famous fiesta in Bikol is undoubtedly that of Peñafrancia. In point of attendance, it can hold a candle to any fiesta in the country. But the Peñafrancia is not the most spectacular of the Bikol festivities nor does it have any special trait. Minalabac. a town only seven kilometers from Naga City, has an eventide fluvial procession that is graced by many gaily decorated pagodas with tall standards more spectacular than the Peñafrancia; it also has a feature uniquely Minabalac: the Tumatarok ni San Felipe-Santiago (the riceplanters of Saints Philip and James), a dance paean performed by young boys.