Culture, Sports and Recreation

Traditional and Beliefs

Many Waray-Waray traditions can be traced to pre-colonial times. For example, the Kuratsa dance is a very popular traditional dance of the Waray-Waray at many social gatherings, especially weddings. It is very common throughout Samar. The couple who dances the Kuratsa are showered with money by the people around them. The belief is that the more money showered upon them, the more blessings will come their way. The culture is basically Visayan. The Waray-Waray are often stereotyped as brave warriors, as popularized in the tagline, “basta ang Waray, hindi uurong sa away” (Waray never back down from a fight.) Farming and fishing are the main livelihood. In the entire cropping season, from land preparation up to post harvest, the farmers perform rituals invoking the nature spirits and ancestor spirits for a good harvest. This is also complemented by Christian customs as the recitation of novenas (9-day). Fisherfolk likewise ask permission from the water spirits for safety at sea and a good catch. Their religious devotion is very evident in their celebrations like feasts honoring their patron saints. Fiestas are celebrated with prayer, food/drinking dance and music. Many Waray-Waray traditions can be traced to pre-colonial times. For example, the Kuratsa dance is a very popular traditional dance of the Waray-Waray at many social gatherings, especially weddings. It is very common throughout Samar. The couple who dances the Kuratsa are showered with money by the people around them. The belief is that the more money showered upon them, the more blessings will come their way.

Religion

Catholics comprised 96.76 percent of the province’s household population in 2000. Other religious groups in the province are the Aglipays, Iglesia ni Kristo, Islam, Buddhists, Baptists, and Protestants from the United Church of Christ of the Philippines and other Protestant sects.

Festival

1. Homonhon Landing – March 16 Homonhon, Eastern Samar- Reenactment of the discovery of the Philippines in 1521 by Ferdinand Magellan. 2. Karayapan Festival – March Guiuan, Eastern Samar – A colorful festival depicting how the early Guiuan Townsfolk enjoyed nature’s bounties, rich marine life, fertile land, verdant forest. It is also a thanksgiving to their Patroness, the Blessed Virgin Mother. 3. Padul-ong -September 7 A mythical presentation of how the image of the blessed Virgin was mysteriously transported to Borongan from Portugal and its connection to the Lady in White who frequented the Hamorawan Spring and caused its water to miracuously heal the locals. 4. Balangiga Incident – September 21 A commemorative pageant on the Philipine-American encounter in 1901. A reminder of the Filipinos’ quest for freedom.

 

Here are the photos of festivals:

Photo Credit: pinoyphotography.org

External Links:

http://pia.gov.ph/provinces/eastern-samar

https://theboronganhistoricalsociety.wordpress.com/

http://adventuredaze.com/borongan-philippines/