Slowing Down with Joy: Reflections from Our Town Fiesta

Hello, friends of Hive! 🎉 I hope today is fantastic for you.

I want to talk about a fantastic event from our most recent town festival today. With its vibrant colors, lively music, foods and customs, it's one of those festivities that unites people and gives our barangay a sense of foody lovers. By the way I should not be participating to this because of relationship. (Christianity) Yes, we aren't but we cook more than usual because we don't want to eat other people's food, this is just like new year's foods to us that is so common. It is hard to explain.

Everyone in the barangay was excited since it was a festive day. I got up early with my camera and an inquisitive mind, eager to take part in the celebrations, just to take photos of my cousins.

By mid-morning, the parade had begun, complete with flower-filled floats, colorfully costumed dancers, and upbeat musicians. The aroma of mouthwatering regional specialties filled the air, and I couldn't help but try leche dulce.

The spirit of community it fostered was more impressive to me than the exquisite costumes or the festive fare. People from all walks of life gathered together, putting aside their differences and just taking in the moment.

While celebrations may help to preserve culture, I, as a Christian, consider them as gentle reminders to slow down, express gratitude, and acknowledge God's blessings in our everyday life. They provide opportunities to consider His kindness and to express His love in straightforward, genuine ways.

This is Tito, He is the head cook that day.

After all, Christ, the source of all life and the greatest cause for celebration, is the source of true joy, not parades, cuisine, or customs alone.

The way such festivals express our innate yearning for joy and community, rather of just the hues and music, really got to me. I was reminded of how the Lord intended for us to live in relationships, both with Him and with others, by witnessing the community coming together.

This is Tita, she was the one who cook for us. So delicious foods on the table. Her husband is the head cook.

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Once again, hear me out!
I am your NINANG — an ESL teacher finding beauty in small wins, both inside and outside the classroom.
A genuine soul sharing lessons from life, culture, and coffee breaks, using the platform of personal blogging from the heart.