After my class at 1:25, my sister called and invited me to watch her daughter's dance performance in a neighboring city. It's the city's Pre-Festival day and the mayor invited the dance troupe of a school and my sister's daughter is one of them. They are going to perform a traditional dance in the city's sports complex. I immediately took a shower and hurriedly got dressed. Woah my schedule is so hectic. I make use of my time off to go there because besides watching my niece, I have been wanting to participate in the traditional candle lighting in their famous church. My sister was already waiting outside to fetch us.
I love being with my sister who is one call away. She is funny, generous, and understanding and I enjoy her company. She was kind enough to wait for us for almost an hour.
On our way, I could see the rice fields beside the road. So green, so fresh.
It's a 30-minute drive to Cabadbaran. We first dropped my nephew off at his Aunt's house. Then we took a U-turn to the venue. When we arrived at the Sports Complex, it was already the Mayor's speech. Her speech was almost done. Luckily, we just arrived in time to witness my sister's daughter's traditional dance. It was too crowded and the police officers would not let us in for we were standing at an emergency exit. It's a way for emergency cases and an ambulance is on standby. We didn't know where the entrance was and my niece's dance had started so we just stayed there. These are the only pictures I took since it was too hot, humid, and sticky. We were happy to see my niece dancing though. We congratulated her and her group and felt proud as they were chosen and invited to perform by the city Mayor.
Then we drove to the city. It took us a few minutes to reach the church because we didn't know where it was exactly. We went there to light a candle at the famous Candelaria Church. The city's plaza is just in front of the church. We parked our car and got off. The roads were closed because there were too many people in the area. On our way to the church, we stroll and observe the people around us. The street was a little busy. Students ate street food at the corner. It was a famous Street food stall maybe.
Cabadbaran City's Plaza
There is this colorful cotton candy cart which I really loved back when I was a child. I realized how unhealthy it was. It's just sugar mixed with food coloring but kids love it.
These balloons with cartoon characters are Kids' weaknesses. hahaha... Good thing my niece is a behaving girl she doesn't demand.
Many different items are for sale surrounding the church. Sidewalk vendors sell rosary beads, altarpieces or statues, candles, and more.
It was the pre-Dagkut festival day. "Dagkut" means to light a candle. It's a tradition that so many people from other places visit this town to "dagkut"/light a candle at the Candelaria Church and pray what you need and want. Pray for love, for your finances, family, health, career, healthy relationship, etcetera. Every candle color has its meaning or representation of what you want to pray for. Well, whether I believe it or not, nothing is impossible with a heartfelt prayer. I felt great and unburdened after praying.
Candelaria Parish
So we went inside Candelaria Church, lit candles, and prayed. It was a well-spent day. All of us lit some candles. We bought all the colors. I finally got to lit a candle in Candelaria Church after many years of thinking and planning about it. Thank God for the chance and opportunity.
This is my daughter who is mistaken for Miss Cabadbaran. lol
Going back I took a picture of this beautiful ancestral house.
Dagani Ancestral House
Finally, we were tired and wanted to buy some snacks in Jollibee before heading home, but we decided to their drive-thru.
I saw this girl selling "walis tingting" or broomsticks. I feel pity for her because instead, she is in the playground, she's working hard, and at the same time, I'm proud of her for helping her parents. Maybe she just has no choice, no choice. It's quite humbling for me to see this girl being so positive about life when she has to go through this. I smiled at her and she smiled back.
So, that's how our three-and-a-half hour roam in CBR. Short but fulfilled.
Thanks for reading.
This has been me @celestyne15 🤗
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