Alfombras of Pateros

Here in the Philippines, there is a city who's name was said to come from "sapatero" or shoemaker. Marikina became the shoe capital of the Philippines only after World War 2, but in Pateros, shoemaking has been a mainstay industry as well as making "balut."

Because of the innovative shoemaking skills of the people of Pateros, a different line of footwear emerged and it was called "Alfombra." The name means "carpet" in Spanish, and literally, the alfombra is a pair of slippers with carpeting. It is one of the best indoor slippers because of its comfort and durability. Colorful and very appealing, every pair is an absolute beauty. Seemingly, the alfombra is uniquely Filipino and only skilled shoemakers of Pateros can do it correctly.

Aklan Poetry During Wakes

Hambae Inakeanon in its original form

Poetry in Aklan is old, and the 16th century poem "Hambae Inakeanon" was one of the earliest documented proof. Among the great literary minds from Panay Island is an Aklanon known as Dominador Ilio. As a poet, he wrote several books, which may have been coming from the practice of poetry in the traditions of Aklan.

The author of the article entitled "Luwa in Aklan," Melchor Cichon, recounts that at the funeral of his grandmother, people honored her with Luwa in her wake. His grandmother before, recites Luwa on the wakes of friends or relatives who passed away. Read more of how Luwa is being done.

Luwa in Aklan

ni Melchor F. Cichon

A luwa is a form of poetry that is usually written in four lines. It used to be the first stanza of corrido, that kind of poetry that relates the exploits of kings and princess. There are also luwa that are longer ones. There are also luwa  that are used to get the hands of a lady. This is known as enamoracion.

It is said that it is not advisable to recite luwa if one is not in the wake, because it is believed that a member of the family will die if this is done not in its proper place.

AVP Its More Fun in the Philippines

So the Department of Tourism hired a local advertising agency to market the Philippines to the world last 2011. The requirements were to bring out what's uniquely Filipino, a strong online component, and a very catchy tagline, thus "More Fun in the Philippines" was born.

This is old news really. Nevertheless, it is meant to be shared, especially the videos below:

Path of Rituals in Mt. Banahaw

The Filipino Mystical Culture as we know today traces its roots to Mt. Banahaw. The revered mountain spans the borders of Laguna and Quezon attracting thousands of devotees every year during the Holy Week. It is during this time that they camp at the base of the mountain, perform their rituals to recharge their spirituality, test their skills and to mingle with other mystics. Contrary to popular belief, Filipino Mystics have social lives too.

Some come to Mt. Banahaw to renew their energies, while some come to train. The traditional way of learning Philippine Mysticism is undergoing the rigors of mental and spiritual cleansing, sensitivity and training. Every special spot has its challenges and purpose, accompanied by prayers to elevate one's state of spirituality.

Aklanon’s Beliefs and Practices on Death

Photo by Ken Ilio

Every region or province in the country observe its own customs and traditions on death. From the time the dying nears his or her end until after burial, we follow certain rituals to help the ones left behind cope with grief and help the dead to the afterlife. In the oldest province of Panay Island, where culture and tradition has been alive before historians, death and burial practices have evolved through the hundreds of years of Spanish influence.

To shed light on the necrological customs in Aklan, The Pinoy Warrior would like to introduce the very first contribution from one of the readers. Here is an article by Melchor Cichon, a poet and librarian.

Filipino Culture and Mount Banahaw

We all have heard of stories from our lolos and lolas of how valiant and courageous our ancestors were. We know from history books that the immense bravery of Katipuneros during the uprising, the First Philippine Republic soldiers in the Fil-Am war, and the Hukbalahap at the Japanese Occupation. Their blood, sweat and tears for freedom and patriotism inspired many, and those who survived the turmoils knew they were heroes in their own right. Little did we know that behind these brave Filipinos, forces unknown to many were at work to help. The seat of these unknown forces can be found in the mystical mountain of Banahaw.