On the eve night of the Karagulan, I had a casual chat with Apung Fely (Simon) regarding the Sta Cruzan. She wasn't sure of some matters but here's a number of information she shared. I think it is essential that the members and movers ought to know the point at which this annual May festive celebration began its course.
There were nine original members of Cruzada Social- the organization behind the Sta Cruzan. Amongst them were Apung Guitang Cunanan Fajardo and Apung Joving Cunanan Fuertez,Mamang's aunts,my grandmothers.
Apung Fely cannot exactly recall the specific origination of Sta Cruzan. I can't blame her. She was only 8 years old then. The event is on its 72nd year this 2012.
"Dios De Salve" and "Sta Maria" were not the songs sang decades ago,rather a Marian Kapampangan song.
The crosses carried by the elenas are archaic. If Apung Fely is not mistaken, they are the original ones used from Day 1 of Sta Cruzan.All of us,form the oldest member of the group down to the littlest sagala carefully handle them knowing how precious they are.
This year's Karagulan began in the traditional manner. A Thanksgiving mass was officiated by Most Rev.Fr. Francisco "Pax" Lansang. He's already retired yet still full of vigor and dash. He was the Sta Ana parish priest in my secondary and college years and I'm humbled he still remembers me. "Saguli, ika i Mitzi, anak ng Curasing?" "Opu, Among,Metwa na ku ne." "Hmm, metwang bagya pero mas melagu." Thanks Among Pax.:)
I
like the fact that everyone makes an effort to be a part of this annual festive. It has become sort of a reunion for all.It is also an opportuned day to linger and recall traces and roots.
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| 2nd & 3rd gen members |
As has been in the previous years, a morning cavalcade followed after mass. Mother Hen is the Reyna Flores with a crown and flowers at that.:)
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| Reyna Flores si Madam. |
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| Lunch prior to games. |
2. PARLOR GAMES
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| Calamansi relay. |
Eto talaga,sa tindi ng sikat at init ni Sun, kids and adults still revved up for the parlor games. Our street's closed for vehicles on this day,monetary prizes await the games's winners.Seryoso kami sa bente pesos.
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| Coke drinking contest. |
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| Putukan Ladies |
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| Spot & Catch the Egg. |
Running Race for $100
Oh mygoshhh!!! Hirap kumita ng pera!LOL! We ran for like 300 meters on this competition. No warm up,just Fitflops on my feet, sige takbo! The race was actually an extension of the jovial activities after lunch. I really wanted to win because in the past years, I was always the cause of loss.I could hear the strident voices of my cousins,nakakahabol na kalaban ko.No,please!!Yayyy!!We won,we won!!
The boys ran barefooted. Totoo pala $100.Hahaha!Thanks Ate Baybee for the $200 moolah.:)
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| Legs wobbled,oxygen vanished. |
3. KARAGULAN PROPER
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| Mamang & Bea |
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| Baby Beih has grown up bonny and beautiful. |
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| John Medina aka "James" in Walang Hanggan |
The Sta Cruzan is one puissant tie that binds the members and families of Cruzada Social.Thank you to everyone who did their share in making this year's Karagulan a success. The merry celebration is a way of thanking God for all His gifts. We are indeed blessed. Till next year.
To God Be The Glory.
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