Taguig celebrates history

Unveils ‘selfie-worthy’ pagodas for annual River Festival

Preserving centuries-old tradition, Taguig City has started its celebration of the annual River Festival this time with the opening of the most colorful pagodas to the public for “selfie” opportunities.

The beautifully-decorated pagoda, which is among those that will be used tomorrow (Saturday) in the Grand Fluvial Parade, is displayed on the river near Bambang Bridge in Barangay Sta. Ana.

“The designs of the boats are ‘selfie-worthy’, we decided this year to display one of them days before the parade for the people to capture the moment and appreciate its beauty,” Taguig City’s Events Team head John Dekster Santos said.

While parked on the river, the pagoda has been entertaining several Taguigenos with its festive lights and sounds every night. It will be displayed there until tomorrow.

Pagodahan and Regatta

This year’s two-week celebration highlights the fluvial parade –known to local residents as “Pagodahan” – and the Regatta (boat race). The festival preserves centuries-old tradition and is considered the most important historic and cultural event in the city.

“This celebration showcases and reminds us of the beliefs and practices of our ancestors that make up our unique ethnic base as ‘taga-giiks’,” said Mayor Lani Cayetano.

“Through this event, we also wish to foster camaraderie and brotherhood among the different communities in the city,” she added.

The boat race, also known as Karera ng Bangkang Lunday, pits local fishermen against each other in a friendly race. While the Pagodahan symbolizes the unity of Taguigeños as it features an exchange of traditional food between the boat riders representing the different communities in the city.

During the Pagodahan, the local chief executive will ride the first boat and lead the parade. Once the colorful boats, loaded with figures of St. Anne, float down the river, the exchange of foods, called “Pasubo”, between the boat crews and the crowd gathered on the bridges and at the riverside will start.

Prior to this, a Day of the Elderly and Hataw Sayaw were held last July 17 and 18, respectively.

Last July 24, the annual Indakan sa Daan was held. Today, a fireworks display, Pasayo (Brass Band) and a grand procession will also be held. ###