Viva San Clemente

Feast of San Clemente (Higantes Festival) (Angono, Rizal)
This is the festival in honor of San Clemente, the patron saint of the fishermen. On the actual feast day, the image of San Clemente is carried on a barge on the lake with a fluvial procession participated in by most of the residents of the town.

Little children of every barangay (neigborhood) called "parehadoras" are dressed in local costumes, wooden shoes, and carry boat paddles. Then the townfolk and the "higantes" (giant wooden figures made from papier mache and bamboo) accompany the image back to the church through a joyful parade with a brass band and "parehadoras."

I was in Virginia Beach this weekend to take part in the celebration--where several families from Angono, including my family, continue to celebrate the 'Feast of San Clemente.' I created the heads of two of the "higantes" over a decade ago and they still are holding up. We had such a blast with a small indoor parade; plenty of filipino food; line dancing; and games for young and old. We have been so busy that we haven't been to the 'Fiesta' for several years. I am glad we were able to attend this year; eventhough, everyone kept asking my wife and I when we were having children.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Angono,_Rizal

Angono is known for its giants and its painters... fitting since I am 6'3" (tall for a filipino) and an artist.