By Nathan Allen

To Honor Santo Niño…

This religious festival is to honor the Santo Niño, which is the oldest religious image of Jesus in the Philippines. Devotees believe it to be miraculous.

However, the event is also to celebrate the arrival of the Malays on Panay island, which was sold to them by the indigenous Ati tribe.

The festival is broken up into 3 separate parts: Ati-Ati Street Dancing, Kasadyahan Street Dancing, and the search for Miss Dinagyang. Performers must wear costumes created from native materials. Each tribal dance includes drumming – much of which is done live.

(More photos)

The dancers really give it their all…sometimes, the performances made me smile. Other times, the intensity humbled and overwhelmed me. I felt so proud. Often, these are high school kids competing, and I couldn’t help but imagine all the hard work that goes into their costumes and routines.

The passion and dedication of these young performers really shines throughout the festival!

So Many Fiestas in the Philippines…

Dinagyang is one of many colorful festivals, or fiestas in the Philippines. If you include town fiestas all over the country, the number is likely over 10,000 each year! Christmas celebrations are the largest, and unbelievably, the festivities extend all the way from September to January! No, it’s not a white Christmas, but it very well could be the longest in the world:)

Dinagyang is impressive, but it hasn’t blown up in popularity yet. That’s another reason why I love it so much…because other well-known festivals like Sinulog in Cebu are quickly becoming choked with crowds.

I am very tempted to come back to Dinagyang again! Next time I might also visit Gigantes Island – Iloilo province’s very own paradise island a few hours away!

More Information About Iloilo, the “City of Love”

I think Iloilo is one of the most progressive and forward-thinking cities in the Philippines. Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog seems to be well loved, and as far as I can tell, sets a great example for other Philippine leaders.

I was also impressed by the “food culture” there in Iloilo – what a wide variety of sleek, independently-owned restaurants they have! Ilongos seem to have good taste. While visiting, try to stop by the Deco’s or Netong’s at the market, so you can enjoy their signature dishes: Pancit Molo, and Batchoy.

Of course, Iloilo is also known for it’s beautiful churches. be sure to check out the “growing statue” of Jaro Cathedral, and the women saints of Molo Church. Also worth noting are the city’s lovingly restored heritage houses.

Many thanks to my “new family” at Days Hotel for taking great care of me during my stay in Iloilo. As always, I only partner with businesses that strive for excellence, and Days Hotel is no exception:)

Please tell them I said hi!

You can find more information in my Iloilo blog below…enjoy Dinagyang!!

-Nathan Allen

www.idreamedofthis.com

Related Links:

My Iloilo Blog Post

My Miagao Blog Post

My Antique Blog Post

Like my page to follow along with me:)  – Nathan

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By Nathan Allen

What an unexpected surprise to find this yearly festival in the Philippines – please enjoy my Masbate Rodeo photos below…

So The Philippines Has a Rodeo

I have to be honest. I am from the U.S…from the state that held the world’s first rodeo over a hundred years ago. This does not make me some kind of immediate expert, but I know a genuine cowboy when I see one. When I heard there was a rodeo in the Philippines, I just imagined a bunch of Filipinos wearing cowboy boots and hats for show.

I mean, how could there be real cowboys in Asia?

I only mention this to show how ignorant I really was…because when I arrived at the rodeo, I realized that these guys are not playing around! This is serious business, and these Filipino cowboys are tough!

Yup. Filipino Cowboys are 100% Legit

Cowgirl Competitions Include BULL RIDING.

You read that right. Rodeo Masbateño has some of the only female bull riders in the world! Of course, they also participate in the lassoing, calf-wrestling, and bullwhipping competitions as well. Clearly, these are not women to mess with.

A Link To Home

The world’s first rodeo was held on July 4th, 1888 – in Prescott, Arizona. Who would have thought that, on a tropical island out in the Pacific Ocean, I would find a direct link back to this small U.S. town…a town my family is actually from, and where we spent our childhoods?It’s no wonder I felt so at-home here in Masbate.

The Competitions – Man Vs. Beast

Your heart really races as you watch these competitions! It seems that man and beast take turns showing each other who’s boss. The first photo seems to show that man has the upper hand…the second shows that he’s about to get the horns! Challenging these bulls is definitely not for the faint-hearted.

The Cattle Drive…and “Kapitan Du”

While trying to find a good place to take pictures during the cattle drive, a friendly local waved me down and told me I should visit his house nearby. Of course I agreed – it’s part of the magic of travel! You never know who you’ll meet – or where you’ll end up.

“Kapitan Du”, as he is known, is a local artist with an eclectic mix of odds and ends decorating his home. There is even a rabbit running loose there! Truly a one-of-a-kind, his place is located near the cattle pen where the run starts. I’m sure you can ask just about any local about him – he seems like the kind of guy everybody knows!

If you’re hungry, make sure you check out “Ham’s Cup” coffee shop nearby! It really is a hidden gem in Masbate! Foodies will love it.

“Like” my page to follow along with me! – Nathan

The cattle drive itself is quite thrilling. The crowds line up along the sides of the road, and the cowboys herd the cattle by on horseback. You never know what will happen…sometimes the bulls get confused and start charging toward the audience, or just turn around and run backwards! They put on quite a show, and the audience loves every minute of it.

Mess With the Bull, Get the Horns

Being a photographer, sometimes I’m not paying enough attention while I try to get the best shots. A few times I put myself in front of a charging bull and had to dive out of the way just in time!

Grand Rodeo Festival Parade

The parade is a lot of fun, but make sure you bring sunblock or an umbrella to keep the sun off you. There aren’t too many foreign visitors at the rodeo yet, so the locals seemed very happy to have a guest from out-of-town. I really loved the warmth and hospitality of Masbateños!

Cowboy Culture in the Philippines

The “cowboy culture” in Masbate is not just for show…being here really is like visiting the scenic ranches of the American west. The people live and breathe this “western” lifestyle…it is very much a part of who they are. From the minute I stepped off the boat in Masbate, it was cowboy hats, boots, and belt buckles as far as the eye can see!

The rodeo even has its own catchy theme song (“Rodeo Masbateño”), and you’ll hear it everywhere you go!

It’s difficult to find much history about Masbate online, but Governor Vince Revil told me that the cattle was originally given to the Philippines as reparations by the U.S. government. These days, it is commonplace for Masbate youth to grow up riding horses and tending cattle. This shatters all my preconceived notions about life in the Philippines!

More Grand Parade Photos

Rodeo Activities and Information

The Masbate Rodeo is held every year in mid-April, though the kick-off ceremonies and carnival rides start in late March.

There are many different events and activities each year, so make sure you search for an updated rodeo schedule to plan accordingly.

For me, the highlights were the bull riding, cattle wrestling, and bullwhip competitions. I hear the Street Barn Dance is also popular.

Make sure you check out the live music, food, and drinks at the rodeo saloon / beer plaza.

Masbate has their own spicy black bean version of Adobo, the Filipino favorite. Also be sure to try lechon baka, or slow-roasted beef. Manamit (delicious), as the locals say!

Most people would never expect to find authentic cowboy culture in the Philippines, but  they might also be surprised to learn that Masbate also has (in my opinion) some of the most beautiful beaches in the world! It is also known for being the football (soccer) capital of the Philippines.

Getting To The Masbate Rodeo / Where To Stay

For more information about hotels, transportation, and safety, please check my Masbate blog link below. Such a diverse and fascinating province – I’ll never forget this place!

– Nathan Allen

My Masbate blog can be found HERE

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The post PHOTOS: Masbate Rodeo’s Tough Filipino Cowboys appeared first on I Dreamed Of This.

  Words & Photos By Nathan Allen

Legend states that the Hindu mother goddess gave a spear to Murugan, the god of war. With this spear, she helped him destroy an evil demon.

Once a year on the full moon, Tamil Hindus around the world commemorate this during the fascinating Thaipusam Festival. They do so by fasting for 48 hours, and carrying heavy pots of milk on their heads. Others, incredibly, by “spearing” their own skin.

Some even wear heavy, elaborate metal cages that are literally “fish hooked” and chained into their bodies – in up to HUNDREDS of places. Here are more photos of these fascinating rituals…

Nighttime Festival Photos

Singapore’s procession starts quite late on the eve of the full moon.  Devotees gather at Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple in “Little India”. The first group of worshipers depart carry pots of milk or offerings (paal kudam) on their heads.

For many, this is where the (intentional) suffering begins. Men and women stand and walk in this position for many hours. Friends and relatives join them on the festival route (3kms – 5kms), to offer not just moral support, but physical support as well. As you can see, it’s quite exhausting.

This suffering is seen as a way to pay back the “debts” owed to lord Murugan.

However, not everybody seemed to be suffering. Many devotees appeared to be in good spirits, laughing and visiting with each other along the way. Perhaps they were just getting started on the route, and exhaustion hadn’t set in yet.

This man is carrying a “kavadi”, a colorful, intricate cage that rests on (or all around) you. He is burdening himself with this weight to assist in the healing of a loved one…or perhaps to repay his own spiritual debts.

This seems to be a simple, unattached kavadi. As you’ll see later, others are much larger, and are often hooked directly into the flesh.

The devotees continue down Serangoon Road until they get backed up waiting to cross Bukit Timah and head downtown. This was a great place to photograph the group as a whole.

I can only imagine how painful it must be to stay locked in this position, carrying these heavy milk pots for hours and hours…

Kavadi Photos in Daylight

The attendees walk through the early morning, and the procession ends at Sri Thendayuthapani Temple on Tank Road. I opted to go home and rest before returning the next day for more photos.

I returned the next morning to a beautiful, but oppressively warm day.

Here you can see a kavadi “cage” that is pierced directly into the skin of this worshiper. Countless chains are “fish hooked” into his chest, and decorative spikes have been pierced through his tongue and cheeks.

I believe even his ears are chained to the kavadi poles on his sides.

The Kavadi Attam “Burden Dance”

As if this burden wasn’t enough to bear already, these men stop along the procession route and dance under the weight of their chained bondage. The soft, traditional voices being played through the speakers are cut, and replaced with thunderous, energetic drumming and singing.

Again, the route is 3km – 5kms, depending on the festival location. In the harsh tropical sun, it’s downright grueling.

However, it is also a colorful, lively affair…the crowd claps and sings along, taking photos and video.  Amazingly, the performers almost seem to enjoy it…

Almost.

Women & Children Join The Procession

Men aren’t the only ones showing their strength and courage. I noted hundreds of women carrying milk pots along the route, and quite a few with pierced tongues and cheeks as well. The woman above even appears to have a pierced forehead…

While there were many children simply walking alongside their parents, a few went the extra mile and carried a burden for themselves. I think they must be 18 or 21 years old to take part in the piercing, however. https://lap.lazada.com/banner/dynamic.php?banner_id=5a7a80633bf5f&theme=1&p=1

This is where the photos get a bit graphic. These are not just fishing hooks – they are massive, industrial-grade meat hooks, pierced and looped through the skin of the back. For what I assume is continual suffering, they are attached to ropes, and kept taught during the entirety of the festival.

It was quite surreal to see so many smiles amidst the suffering. Since they were out in public, part of me wondered if attendees are encouraged to “soften” things a bit by smiling for tourists when they see them. It would make sense, because some uninformed tourists might mistake a festival that brings people closer to God for one of pure torture instead.

Yes, this is religious devotion at its most intense.

This is the front view of the man with hooks in his back – carrying on a conversation like it’s just a normal day…astonishing.

This group was accompanied by a large chariot, which blesses the crowds’ offering plates as it passes by. These plates are filled with fruits and sweets.

Perhaps the heat and exhaustion is just too much for some. Even in a “resting” position, the ropes are pulled tight to continue the devotion.

Those without a “rope puller” often attach heavy fruits to their hooks – the weight adding to the pain and suffering. Presumably this is for more blessings / attention from lord Murugan.

(Continued below…but I do hope you’ll consider following along with me)

What an honor to be a guest, and witness such intense cultural traditions.

More Info About Thaipusam

Of course, Tamil people originated from the state of Tamil Nadu, India, so the Thaipusam Festival is not just restricted to Singapore…it takes place anywhere there is a sizeable Tamil Hindu population.

I learned that in Tamil, “Thai” means month, and “pusam” means star. The festival always takes place during the full moon in the month of Thai, which falls in January / February.

Photography is permitted, assuming you are respectful and avoid interrupting the procession.

Where to Stay

Little India is actually a great place to find more affordable hotels in Singapore. There is a colorful “backpackers district” there, but of course, Singapore has options at all price points. If you’re looking for an modern, extravagant hotel, you can find that as well. Check out Booking.com:

Despite the (seemingly) brutal ritual, the participants and organisers were all in great spirits. They were very kind to me (and all guests), offering free water, juice, and snacks. I have to give it up to the police as well…it must be difficult running such a massive, cultural  festival through the heart of gleaming downtown Singapore, and on a workday no less.

It was masterfully done, and a joy to attend.

To those who still say Singapore has no culture, I offer this post…and many more to come:) This is part of the reason I love this country so much. You can simply walk through the city – and leave feeling like you’ve traveled the world.

– Nathan Allen

www.idreamedofthis.com

Thanks for reading, and feel free to share!

More Of My Singapore Photography

Dynamic Street Photography in Singapore

Festive Street Photography in Singapore’s Chinatown

Street Photography in Singapore’s “Little India”

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