Why is Ryan absent today?

Blessed Virgin of the Remedy

Virgen de los Remedios

     Why is Ryan absent today? This was my first question upon noticing that one of the teachers was not around last Friday, December 18, 2009. His best friend teacher then answered me back that Ryan had sent me an e mail asking permission about his absence and inviting us all to join him in the celebration of their feast day. It was the "fiesta" feast day celebration of their barangay Patupat. Fiesta celebration is one of the Pilipino tradition famous in the Philippines. Patupat is situated some kilometers away from the heart of Poblacion, Barili, Cebu.

     Without a second thought right after our teachers' Christmas Party we all went to their residence just to address his invitation and satisfy our hungry stomach to join him for a get together lunch.

     After all the laughters and cheers, we then proceeded to their chapel to pay homage to their patron saint, "La Virgen de los Remedios" or what is internationally known as the Blessed Virgin of the Remedy which is a small statue of the Virgin Mary. The barrio folks dedication to their patron saint was so visible that all those who came to join the celebration would have to drop by to the chaped first and pray.