Chapter 8

Chapter VIII: Fiesta The vibrant sounds of the Longganisa Festival echo through the streets of Vigan, drawing crowds from every corner of the city. Benigno, Christine, and Isko join the throng of spectators, eager to witness the festivities. As the Longganisa Street Dancing begins, dancers clad in vivid costumes parade down the cobblestone streets. Their movements tell stories of tradition and celebration, with every step synchronized to the beat of lively Ilocano music."Wow!" Isko exclaims, his eyes wide with wonder."Ang saya pala dito sa Vigan! Sobrang makulay at ang ganda ng sayaw nila!" Benigno chuckles."Iba talaga ang kultura dito. Hindi mo ito makikita nang ganito ka-rich sa Maynila." Christine nods in agreement."Sa Manila, puro commercialized na ang mga piyesta. Pero dito, ramdam mo ang tradisyon." Isko smiles brightly."Sabi nila, may Grand Parade pa raw sa 25th. Mas masaya pa siguro iyon." Hearing this, Christine's face lights up."Talaga? Aba, hindi natin dapat palampasin 'yun!" As the day winds down and the family returns home, Isko gravitates towards the piano in the basement. Sitting at the bench, he begins to play a lively and catchy tune. Christine, hearing the music from the living room, raises an eyebrow."Ano kaya 'yang tugtog na 'yan?" she murmurs, walking towards the basement. Benigno follows, equally curious. As they reach Isko, Christine asks,"Anak, ano 'yang tinutugtog mo?" Isko shrugs, grinning."Narinig ko lang po kanina sa mga performers. Natuwa ako kaya ginaya ko." Benigno shakes his head in amazement."Ibig sabihin, nakukuha mo lang 'yung tugtog basta naririnig mo? Napakahusay mo!" Isko scratches the back of his head sheepishly."Kahit po anong instrumento, kaya kong gayahin basta marinig ko lang." Christine places a hand on her chest, memories of Regie surfacing once again."Ang galing mo talaga, Isko. Para kang si... yung anak namin noon." Her voice trails off, and she takes a moment to collect herself. On the evening of January 24th, at precisely 6:30 PM, the sound of Banda de Musicas fills the air as the Fiesta Procession makes its way down their street. Isko, Christine, and Benigno step outside to witness the sacred event. The procession begins with a marching band, followed by devotees carrying lit candles and praying the Holy Rosary. Each barangay presents their patron saint, but the highlight is the image of St. Paul, Vigan's patron saint.As the statue of St. Paul passes by, a choir sings:

"San Pablo, kamang ti ili,

San Pablo, a katalek mi,

San Pablo, pagayam ti Diosmi,

Ministro ti Dios nga Apo.

Ti Gaget mo inkam pagsarmingan

Ti Ayat di maartapan

San Pablo, Daniw mi indengam,

San Pablo, Patron mi"

 Christine's eyes widen as she recognizes the melody. She turns to Isko, her voice full of wonder."Isko, ito 'yung tinutugtog mo sa piano kahapon!" Benigno looks equally astonished."Anak, paano mo nakuha 'yun? Narinig mo na ba ang kantang ito dati?" Isko smiles."Hindi po. Pero kanina sa ensayo nila, dumaan kami at narinig ko. Tapos, nung nasa piano ako, ginaya ko lang po." Christine shakes her head in disbelief, her voice trembling."Grabe ka, Isko. Para kang may regalong hindi basta-basta nakukuha. Napakahusay mo." As Christine gazes at Isko, memories of Regie fill her heart once more. For a moment, she feels as though her son is still with her, watching over them through Isko. The air buzzes with excitement as the Grand Procession continues through the streets of Vigan. Christine and Benigno, hand in hand, watch intently, taking in the sight of devotees, the beautifully adorned images of saints, and the solemn yet festive music. Isko stands beside them, eyes sparkling with awe."Ang ganda po talaga," Isko whispers, his voice almost drowned by the marching band."Mas lalo pa bukas, anak," Benigno says, patting his shoulder. "Abangan natin ang Grand Parade." The next morning, January 25th, the family heads to Quezon Avenue early to secure a good spot for the Grand Parade. The streets are already bustling with locals and tourists, eager to witness the highlight of the Vigan City Fiesta. As sirens blare, signaling the start of the parade, the crowd cheers. Floats of all shapes and sizes roll down the avenue, each more vibrant and intricate than the last. Representing schools, organizations, private enterprises, and even government sectors, the floats celebrate the rich culture and history of Vigan. One float, adorned with miniature replicas of ancestral houses, catches Isko's attention."Tingnan n'yo po, parang miniature ng Calle Crisologo!" he exclaims. Christine nods."Napaka-detalye. Talagang pinaghandaan nila ito." Candy and small merchandise are tossed from the floats, filling the air with excitement. Children and adults alike scramble to catch them, while the streets begin to fill with candy wrappers and other debris. Despite this, the city's electronic street sweepers hum to life, quickly tidying up the roads, ensuring the beauty of Vigan remains intact. After the parade, the family heads home to prepare lunch. Over the meal, Isko brings up another festival."Alam n'yo po ba," he begins, his tone eager,"Malapit na rin 'yung Kannawidan Festival. Sabi nila, nagpapakita raw ito ng heritage ng Ilocos Sur." Christine claps her hands in delight."Wow, Isko! Puwede natin 'yang puntahan! Kelan ba 'yan?""Sa January 29 po," Isko answers."Magkakaroon daw ng mga activities sa Lagoon sa Plaza Salcedo." When January 29th arrives, the family heads to Plaza Salcedo, where the Kannawidan Festival is in full swing. They admire the various exhibits showcasing the heritage of Ilocos Sur, including traditional crafts, local delicacies, and performances by cultural groups. As the Los Patrones Grand Procession begins, Isko nudges the couple."Pwede po tayong sumali," he says, smiling. Christine hesitates."Sigurado ka, Isko? Baka nakakahiya. Hindi naman tayo parte ng organizers.""Ok lang po, maraming sumasama kahit hindi taga-organize," Isko assures her."Masaya po 'to." Benigno glances at Christine, shrugging."Kung gusto ni Isko, bakit hindi natin subukan?" The couple finally agrees, joining the procession as it winds through the historic streets of Vigan. The rhythmic beat of the drums and the lively atmosphere fill them with energy, and they find themselves immersed in the celebration. As the procession comes to an end, the family returns to Plaza Salcedo. The sky darkens, and the crowd gathers around the lagoon. Suddenly, the first firework shoots into the air, bursting into a brilliant array of colors. More follow, painting the night sky with dazzling patterns. Christine and Benigno watch in awe, their faces illuminated by the vibrant lights, while Isko claps and cheers with the crowd."Ang ganda, parang painting sa langit!" Isko exclaims. Christine smiles, pulling Isko and Benigno into a warm hug."Salamat, Isko. Dahil sa'yo, parang bumalik 'yung sigla ng buhay namin." As the fireworks finale lights up the entire city, the family stands together, hearts full of gratitude and joy, ready for whatever the future holds.