EDGAR ESLIT Website
An “E” novation
SMC Hugyawan 2009
Everything but “Hugyawan”
By: Edgar R. Eslit
By: Edgar R. Eslit
What about “Hugyawan”?
Don’t foist this term with that of Shakespeare’s “What’s in a name?” for you might end up grumping terminologies in literature. For now, let’s settle with SMC’s novel term used to mean a unique festivity which we can call “Hugyawan”.
Festivals and Feasts, in secular society, are communal celebrations involving carefully planned programs, outpourings of respect, rejoicing, or high revelry, established by custom or traditions and sponsored by various cultural groups or organizations. Such secular celebrations differ from religious festivals and feasts and that the focus is not on the significance of the rituals of holy days of a particular faith but on the whims honoring the outstanding entities, the commemoration of important historical or cultural events, or the re-creation of cherished folkways. In some parts of the world, however, particularly in Latin America and southern Europe, traditional secular festivities follow attendance at religious rituals and services. This is also true in the Philippines.
Yes. The origin of communal celebration is a matter of conjecture. Folklorists believe that the first festivals arose because of the anxieties of early people who did not understand the forces of nature and wished to placate them. General agreement exists that the most ancient festivals and feasts were associated with planting and harvest times or honoring the dead. These have continued as secular festivals, with some religious overtones, into modern times. A particular event may spontaneously generate a national festival, celebrated many times, as in the case of the EDSA people power, the commemoration of the Independence day and, of course, the feast of St. Michael the Arch Angel. And that’s where we could hypothesize concepts about the “Hugyawan”. By the way, the term “Hugyawan” is taken from Cebuano’s “hugyaw” which literally means “sadya” or merry, festive or simply revelry.
In conjunction with Iligan’s multi celebrations, this year’s “Hugwayan” marks another milestone. It succeeded in amplifying its trivial essence for the whole world to see when it caught ABS-CBN’s attention during the launching of the “Boto mo, Ipatrol mo” coverage last September 21, 2009. Thanks to the creativity of Dr. Romero C. Hermosilla, the present VP for administration, for the innovative concept of festivity that shifted the traditional perspective of merrymaking to a welcoming and more conspicuous one--“Hugyawan”. Now, it has come to its portal distinction as it concluded in unleashing the Michaelites’ festive ingenuity at par to that of the country’s renowned festivities. In sheer joy and total excitement, the Michaelites are made fervent in producing a real-life, not effigy, representation of St. Michael the Arch Angel to life, the “Yawa-yawa” (with my profound apologies to Satan whose role is fairly played by talented gay impersonators in a very exotic manner) is blazing in aesthetic artistry while the rest of the Michaelites’ actors and actresses are cursively enacting the mode of the common settlers in full colourful costumes, in a convincing and elaborate actuations, that boils down to an idyllic presentation or one hilarious street dancing showdown. That’s “Hugyawan” by name.
There’s no denying though that this festivity is marked by some influences of both colonial and other cultural undertones. The “Sinulog” beat, for example, heard during the street dancing in Cebu, is typical carnival music fastidious from that place but has been laid afloat in an upbeat local tune using the localized instruments made from the indigenous materials made by the Iliganons.
What can I say? In a week or two, I may forget the other facets of SMC’s “Indigay 2009” but “Hugyawan”. For participants, it’s tonic and civil. Really. As people and societies change, the characteristics of the festivals and feasts may also alter; new ones often emerge as others decline in popularity. Most likely, however, some festivals will remain unaltered for generations. Believe me when I say, “Hugyawan” found its place in Iligan’s Socio-cultural history.
One more thing, in prehistoric societies, festivals provided an opportunity for the elders to pass on folk knowledge and the meaning of tribal lore to younger generations. Festivals celebrating the founding of a nation or the date of withdrawal of foreign invaders from its borders bind its citizens in unity that transcends personal concerns. Modern festivals and feasts centring on the customs of national or ethnic groups enrich understanding of their heritage. For “Hugyawan”, with its religious theme, made an impeccable character not only for the public to enjoy but for generations to keep as their inspiration.
So, what about “Hugyawan”? It’s everything!
Juxtaposing Iligan’s fiesta celebration, Saint Michael’s College with its present administration has defied the usual fiesta tradition and came up with its own “Hugyawan”. It’s not aversion but in conformity with the City’s unique tradition. The “Sinulog”, “Diyandi”, “Kadayawan”, “Ati-atihan”, “Pinagbinga” and “Mardegras” are some of the festive street dancing activities that can be likened to “Hugyawan”. They got their best feat in history and so with their names per se. For observers, they offer a nostalgic experience if not paranoia. Certainly communal celebration—in its various forms—is part of the lifestyle of all people that makes contribution to the living history of every civilization. More than anything else, “Hugyawan” succeeded in fostering the value and love of socio-cultural diversity, religiosity, camaraderie and life. It has given the Michaelites sense of ownership and pride. It’s marking a humble distinction!
Soul food