Weekend Snapshot : Frustrated Sagala
Posted by kongkong622 on May 26, 2008
During the month of May, the Philippines is host to several processions known as the Santacruzan. Also called the “Flores de Mayo” (flowers of May), the Santacruzan pays reverence to the Blessed Virgin Mary.
A Santacruzan procession is composed of several “sagalas” or princesses decked in gowns and escorted by their “consortes”. It is the wish of many mothers that their daughters be invited to be a “sagala” in their town’s yearly festivities. It is an honor that you will carry with you for the rest of your life. And if one gets to be invited, you are suddenly thrust into a world where very few can boast that they were once there.
Here in my husband’s hometown of Bacolor, Pampanga, the Santacruzan is a joyous event. Only the most beautiful are invited to be part of it. My husband was “consorte” to several “sagalas” in his youth.
Now it is his daughters’ turn. We received word that my eldest was to be invited to participate this year but, alas, she fell way below the age limit. The youngest “sagala” in these parts has to be at least 7 years old. She’s only 5 so we still have a 2 year wait until she gets to walk the walk.
San Guillermo Parish Church (Bacolor, Pampanga)
Prepping for the Santacruzan
Frustrated Sagala
rowena said
O sayang naman..di bale wait na lang sila Gaby and Adi. I remembered when I was young, I was always invited to join the santacruzan but my Dad didn’t want to, kaya hayun hanggang watch na lang ako. Btw, we have many relatives in Bacolor (mom’s side). Kapampangan keni, he he…
maiylah said
don’t worry, the the two years will be here before we know it, specially with kids!
wonderful shots! that’s such a lovely place!
happy WS
EM said
Awwww….too bad. It would’ve been so grand and you’re little princess would shine!
anyway, you’ll have that moment soon enough.
happy WS!
ettey said
miss ko na sagala! nong bata pa ako naalala ko nag uunahan kami ng kapatid ko tumakbo sa labas para makapanood sa prosisyon tapos lalaitin un mga hindi kagandahan haha bait noh! hay sarap maging bata. ngayon siguro pag nanlait pa ako at may makarinig baka awayin na ako haha! salamat po sa pagbisita
Indrani said
It was interesting reading this, nice to know about your cultures and traditions.
Lynn said
Didn’t know may age standards pala sa Santacruzan. But I guess that’s good. At least hindi na magpapakarga at kaya nang maglakad kahit mahaba ang prosisyon.
Mar said
What an interesting tradition and beautiful pictures!!Two years go by faster than you think!
julie said
Ay, wawa naman ang baby. Di bale, one more year and she would be qualified na. Kung di kaya, gagaa tayo ng Santacruzan for our kids
Have a great week, Cookie.
abie said
ohh, i remember those days…
too bad your daugther is still too young for the santactruzan this year. but don’t worry, she will enjoy it more i think when she is already 7 years old.
mine is up. hope you can check it out:
http://www.myplanetpurple.com/2008/05/weekend-snapshot-6-philippine-eagle.html
http://howellabie.blogspot.com/2008/05/weekend-snapshot-4-father-daughters.html
genny said
Oh thats a nice shot of Sta Cruzan and i did not see Santa Cruzan before hope to see one day. happy WS! mine is up…
feng said
hi Cookie. alam mo, confused ako what’s the difference between Santacruzan and Flores de Mayo. good thing, you reiterate it here.
sayang naman ang sagala stint for Gab. naku eh, if it isn’t bad to make white lies, pwede mapagkamalian si Gab as 7 year old, kasi she’s tall. di bale, two years more to go and she’ll be frustrated sagala no more.
handa mo na Rajo Laurel or Inno Sotto gown ha.
napaboaniya said
Hope she didn’t get real disappointed. 2 years would fly by before we know it. Hope she’ll get her chance soon the moment she reaches the required age!!
Heart of Rachel said
Great photos. I’m sure when Gaby and Adi’s time come, they will be among the prettiest sagalas.
Belle said
ahh, two years go by fast and you will be one proud mama. my daughter was one of the reynas then, too. i actually forced her to accept the invitation because she didn’t know what was the Santacruzan all about and so she wasn’t going to join.
nina said
I remember my Santacruzan days. I always have a gown available/made to make sure I have something to wear when I am invited. The most memorable one was being chosen as Reyna Elena paired with Illac Diaz back in 1996 or 1997.
Don’t they have santacruzan for small kids? When I was a little girl, there is this small santacruzan that goes around our barangay almost every night. We call it Santacruzang bumbong because a bamboo torch is used. It’s just a simple one with small kids as sagala and snack consisting of biscuit and juice is served afterwards.