Singkaban Festival Presenting Bulacan's Finest Crafts

Singkaban Festival Presenting Bulacan's Finest Crafts

By: Khyrus Santos

September 8 marks a joyous occasion as the province of Bulacan celebrates its annual Singkaban Festival, a representation of a long tradition and a time to be proud and ecstatic.

As a province, Bulacan has its pride on history and tradition. The province birthed the poet Francisco Balagtas, the journalist Marcelo H. del Pilar, the musician Francisco Santiago, and many more faces that are recognizable among Filipinos, and let one not forget the many crafts and traditions of Bulacan, from pastillas to carabaos to houses of antiquity, and, of course, "Singkaban", the subject of this festival.

What even is "Singkaban"? Singkaban, literally, refers to a type of bamboo archway, usually decorated. Singkaban, however, can also be an acronym, "Sining at Kalinangan ng Bulacan", or Arts and Culture of Bulacan. Using this latter definition, that would mean that the festival is in celebration of Bulacan and its people, the Singkaban being a sort of emblem that represents Bulacan. That being said, the question now is: what is "Singkaban" for the people of Bulacan, both spectator and participant?

Indeed, the Singkaban Festival seems to be like any other festival. Floats of extravagant designs (keeping with the bamboo theme, of course), music either from speakers or from marching bands, dancers with their intricate steps, an audience that will join in the jubilation of such festivities, and so much more. It is like any other festival, and yet, it also isn't.

The parade's route seems symbolic if anything. The parade started, after a slight delay, at the Malolos Cathedral, where the First Philippine Republic was run over a century ago, and ended at the Malolos Capitol, where the current government is to watch over Bulacan. There is an historical link that is inseparable in this festival.

And what of the people? Well, it is simply a celebration of culture, a cultural appreciation. Each one wearing something that is distinctly Filipino, floats of bamboo design that showcases the ingenuity of Bulakenyo, stalls that sell things distinctly Bulakenyo, from pastillas, to bamboo craft, the festival, other than a call to the past, is a celebration of what it means to be part of Bulacan, the history, and the culture around it. As one of the dancers from Bulakan would state, it is how each municipality of the province represents the culture that, together, collectively makes them "Bulacan".

As dancers dance on, floats continue to amaze, Singkabans show excellent craftsmanship, people looking on, age and background losing all definition as all smile with delight, the Bulacan government smiling from a stage as the festivities go by, and the music continuing to play, the pride of being a part of Bulacan never disappears, and in fact, grows ever stronger.

This is just the first day of the festival. As this is a week long occasion, many people have the opportunity to come and see the wondrous culture of Bulacan. And so, if you wish to see an infusion of culture and history, with festivities that brings cheer for a few moments, then come to Bulacan, and witness the wonderful Singkaban Festival.