G. P. Martin

     The fiesta of Barangay Buting is a vibrant expression of tradition, family, and community spirit. This annual celebration reflects a unique blend of cultural heritage and communal warmth. From the early morning preparations to the evening processions, the event is a sensory feast of sights, sounds, and flavors that bring people together. It is nostalgic to revisit the festive activities of Barangay Buting from two decades ago, and glimpsing into its rich cultural tapestry.      Every fiesta morning began early, with households bustling with activity by 4 AM. Relatives from nearby provinces, many of whom had grown up in Buting but later moved away, returned to honor their childhood patron saints, San Guillermo de Maleval and the Virgen del Rosario. This yearly gathering transcended religious tradition, becoming a celebration of shared memories and familial bonds.      In the household, elders welcomed guests and prepared meals for th...

       While browsing through old fiesta souvenir books of the Pasig Church, I stumbled upon a beautifully written article by Marcial Esguerra. Featured in the 1955 souvenir program for Pista ng Bayan in Pasig, this piece offers a fascinating glimpse into the town’s rich spiritual and cultural heritage.      Pasig, the town-turned-city where I grew up, feels vastly different from the Pasig my parents knew. This article takes me back to a time we can only wish to experience—a time when life revolved around simple joys, close-knit communities, and deeply rooted traditions. It paints a vivid picture of Pasig before it became the bustling, highly urbanized, and populous city we know today. So I share this beautiful article to look back into the past.      To the younger generations in particular, it would be interesting to know about Pasig at the turn of the century, for then Pasig was a far cry from what it is today. Then, we had no autos...