A tourist seeks pleasure from portraits of paradise but it is the traveler that marvels upon the soul of a scenery. Certainly, Tanay is a place not lacking in portraits, sceneries and a vibrant soul.
It was a few minutes past ten in the evening when I arrived at the town of Tanay, and the fiesta was underway. The chilly January winds blended perfectly with the illuminating street lights and the smell of delicious bibingka. As I alighted from the two hour jeepney ride, I was greeted by the booming music emanating from the iconic town park where a sea of people has come to sing, dance and enjoy the festivities. They came to celebrate, and celebrate they did.
It was this time of the year, a time when families reunite; friends catch up on each other’s lives and visitors flock to see how the people of Tanay celebrate their annual town fiesta. Standing strong some 404 years, the town is a testament to the strength and will of its citizens and their spirits.
I stayed with my guide and his family for a good two days which I could label as two exciting days. It was a perfect mix of parties, culture and food. Upon my arrival, my host took me on a ride around town where I saw the people getting ready for the next day’s celebrations. The streets are lined with parties, banquets and good old karaoke machines. The young people are out in the plaza and the old timers were already helping themselves to a round of drinks. I went with my host to a grill along the highway where his family was having a get-together party. Like all the other families in Tanay, relatives from abroad were coming home to take part in the fiesta.
I woke early next morning to get a quick tour of the must see places in the whole of town. Riding behind a motorcycle, with the wind rushing through your face will definitely give you a rush. The overwhelming feeling of a visually stimulating lush, green and wide landscape and the smell of fresh, virgin air is an ecstasy, producing a natural high. When my guide and I arrived at the parola, the sun was already peaking from its slumber. Its rays were already piercing the thick morning clouds eventually landing on the still surface of the lake. Rows of fishing ships were docked along the edge of the reclaimed port for the fishermen were taking the day off. As I sat on the bench which perfectly situated along the scenic coast, the sight of the high rising tower caught my eye. It was so enticing that I urged my guide to accompany me up along the winding staircase of the immaculate structure. The dizzying climb was well worth it for at the top, you will feel the warmth of the sun embracing your body as you look at the ripples forming in the surface of the water. No other feeling equals this divine state.
We got back to my guide’s house just in time for lunch where I had my fill of beef caldereta, embotido and adobo. Dessert consisted of crema de fruita and ripe mangoes served with fresh milk by my guide’s very hospitable wife. As I helped myself to this gorgeous buffet, neighbors where already dropping by to eat, drink and invite us to come and also eat at their place. There was so much food but so little stomach space.
Mid-afternoon was when the mood started to rise. The music from front porches got louder and the smiles of people got wider. Visitors from nearby towns and even Metro Manila started to arrive in flocks ready for some music, eats and good times. The sun was starting to go down and the lights were starting to glow brighter. The mood was set and the evening has begun.
Tanay is place that holds special meaning to the history of the Philippines. One of the oldest towns in the country and with the second oldest church in all of Rizal, Tanay played an important role during the Philippine revolution and the American Revolution. Guerrillas from Tanay were one of the first ones to rise up against the Japanese occupiers and fight for Filipino freedom. Indeed with this rich history alone, Tanayans are deserving of and ecstatic celebration.
From an agricultural base to its present day tourism industry and stable commerce, Tanay has embraced development gracefully without forgetting its rich tradition. Restaurants coexist with traditional carinderias. Supermarkets stand side by side with the palengke and modern sound systems play old time folk songs and favorite dances. The young live modern lives but practice age old values and the old are updated with today’s technology and trends.
As the night embraced the peaceful horizon, Tanay grew brighter and brighter. The evening celebrations started with the raffle and concert at the already crowded plaza. The young went to party with friends and I was lucky enough to witness one when my guide invited me to theirs. It was not long before I felt like I have known them for all my life. Truly, being warm is natural to the youth of Tanay. After a few rounds of drinks, countless plates of pulutan and a whole lot of missed notes I was already looking forward to next year’s fiesta, but the celebrations are far from over. In fact, it was still early in the evening and we still had one more party to go to.
Arriving at our next venue, a bar along the highway, the band was already in full blast. The dance floor was a sea of people in rhythm with the music having the best time of their lives. They rocked, they swayed and they danced in ecstasy and being a person with two left feet, I envied how the others could groove with the beats and sway with their hips. Another round of food, drinks and merrymaking greeted us as our companions where those who live and study in the Metro but made it back just in time for the 404 th fiesta.
We partied until morning of the next day and retired worn, full but with smiles as wide as the Sierra Madre. One word could best describe my second day, and the word is epic.
Waking to the sound of the rooster crowing before the sun peeked from the clouds, I was ready for the main event. My excitement was overflowing as from afar we could already hear the beats of the drums and the sound of trumpets telling us that the parade is about to begin. The annual band parade and competition is the highlight of the whole fiesta. Different bands from the different baranggays of the town of Tanay would march, play and expend all their creative energy to give the people lining the streets one spectacular show. It was a parade of colors that has everything. From the mystical majorettes, the daring drum line and the master motorcyclists performing mind blowing stunts, the parade would never fail to dazzle, enchant and electrify all those who came out to watch.
They walked all around town playing catchy melodies and serenading the audience. The parade culminated in an exhibition of formation, playing skills and grace which was held at the plaza. By this time, the whole town was already out to watch, and root for their respective baranggay representatives. The cheering was loud and the people are jubilant. We wowed at each stunt performed by the talented majorettes and was left standing with awe with the precision and skill exhibited by each instrumentalist. We sang with familiar tunes and applauded after every well executed performance. I could say that all those who watched had a good time.
It was such a shame that my trip was coming to a conclusion. I was filled with powerful emotions caused by a great experience like a child first discovering the fun and excitement of learning how to ride a bike. The same energy and thrill of feeling the cool wind touching every part of your skin I did feel during this first fiesta of mine in Tanay. With the unique people and the exciting activities it is no wonder why the residents of this lovely town take pride in their heritage and fiesta. It is one for the keeps and is worth going back to every year.
With all the fun, excitement, new friends and remarkable characters that Tanay gave a visitor such as me, it is no mystery why the town has so many pilgrims going out of their way just to experience the soul of its people. I am a witness to its gracious hospitality and ecstatic atmosphere. I have seen how it cares for guests like me and I know that It does make you want to come back.
The retreat offered by Tanay is perfect for people who want to experience the back to basics fiesta which is well loved by the modern Filipino. The fun does not get old and the experiences gained are sure to be treasured. It is a dream place for a traveler like me; great landscape & vibrant soul.
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