• Anthropology of the Hometown: The workings of Migration and Intimacy in the town of Dollars, Philippines. Chapter 4: Rehearsing Faith, Migrants’ Homecoming, and Kinship with the Sacred Chapter 5: Of Houses, Care, and Kinship: From Nabua to Manila to Los Angeles • Author: Ma Ledda Brina Docot
What activities do you participate in during Holy Week?
Black Saturday in Nabua A photo of the Easter Angel descending from the bell tower during the balo-balo . On Black Saturday, the eve of Easter Sunday, the town of Nabua , Philippines, comes alive with the " balo-balo ," a spectacular rehearsal for the "ton-ton" ritual. The balo-balo is a public performance where a child, the Easter Angel, chosen through a money contest, symbolizes a family's covenant with Inang Katipanan (Mother of the Covenant).
This chapter challenges traditional views of ritual as unconscious or solely symbolic It focuses on the balo-balo as a unique phenomenon of connections, exploring the lived experience and the production of consciousness in ritual. The balo-balo is more than just a religious drama; it's a complex interplay of migration, family, and faith in a postcolonial context. Beyond Traditional Interpretations of Ritual
The Easter Angel's Family “Family tree showing devotion to Inang Katipanan through the generations. This is printed in the festival souvenir program commemorating the 300 years of the veneration of Inang Katipanan in Nabua . “
The Easter Angel's family, a Filipino-American couple, returned to Nabua to fulfill their covenant with Inang Katipanan . Their journey reflects the global forces influencing Filipino migration and family life. They made a promise to Inang Katipanan in hopes of divine intervention, specifically for a child.
Inang Katipanan : A Local Marian Icon The image of Inang Katipanan in Nabua , with the altar of Nabua’s Holy Cross Parish in the background. Source: ( Katipanan 300: 1711-2011 2011) Inang Katipanan is a locally venerated Marian icon, believed to be approachable and compassionate. Nabueños have a deep devotion to her, making covenants with her for protection and blessings. The novena, a nine-day prayer cycle, narrates Inang Katipanan's history and miracles, highlighting her role as a protector of the town.
The Novena: Blending History and Faith -The novena incorporates local history, drawing from the Cuaderno (The Chronicles), a historical document about Nabua . -It emphasizes the power of natural disasters and Inang Katipanan's role as a mediator between the people and God -The novena also reflects the town's experiences with colonialism, though it often minimizes the violence and oppression.
The Easter Angel Contest: A Public Display of Family Wealth Solicitation envelope of the Search for Easter Angel. Upon confirming participation in the contest, each family receives a bundle of specially-printed donation envelopes from the local church. The candidate’s name stamped on this envelope was edited out for privacy purposes. -The Easter Angel contest has become a monetized pageant, with families competing to raise the most donations for the church. - The contest demonstrates the families' transnational networks and economic power, showcasing their success and solidarity. - The balo-balo blends religious practice with economic and social aspirations, reflecting the changing dynamics of faith in a globalized world.
The Balo-balo as a Rehearsal - Text: The balo-balo , despite being a re The balo-balo , despite being a rehearsal, is a grand public performance. It involves rehearsals, elaborate costumes, and gimmicks, adding to the spectacle and excitement. The "not real" ritual highlights the importance of preparation and perfection, showcasing the families' commitment to fulfilling their covenants.
: Troubling Ritual: A Postcolonial Perspective The balo-balo reveals the complexities of religious practice in a postcolonial context. The families participating in the ritual are often "new elites," reflecting the impact of migration and changing social structures The balo-balo highlights the enduring power of the sacred in a world shaped by globalization and economic change.
Conclusion? The Town of Dollars' linked forces of migration, family, and faith are embodied in its smallest form through the balo-balo . It provides an atmosphere for tales of achievement, unity, and the abiding influence of the spiritual to be shared. It takes an intricate method to comprehend the balo-balo , taking into account the complicated nature of postcolonial life in the Philippines.
Kinship in a Globalized World The intricate idea of kinship is examined in this chapter in light of Filipino migration. The author's mother defines kinship as "when you help your family go abroad," highlighting the profound impact of migration on family dynamics.
Rethinking the Filipino Family The challenges of the traditional, universalized notion of the "Filipino family." The argument puts out a deeper understanding of the family as a dynamic and adaptable structure that is always changing in reaction to migration. The concept of the "house" is offered as an effective structure for recognizing the family as a network of connecting places covering several places in the world.
The Three Houses of the Family The author's family has three main "houses": The " ginikanan " (origin place in Nabua ) The city house in Manila The overseas home in Los Angeles Each house represents a different stage in the family's migration journey, showcasing the interconnectedness of their lives across different locations.
The Ginikanan (Origin Place): A Network of Houses The " ginikanan " is not just one house but a network of houses in Nabua , where the family traces its roots. The " kingurang " (elders' house) serves as the center of family activity, built with profits from the family's bamboo craft business. The family's network of houses reflects their commitment to staying together and supporting each other, even as they disperse across the globe.
The City House: A Hub for Education and Mobility The city house in Cubao , Manila, served as a temporary home for family members pursuing education in Manila It housed multiple generations, showcasing the family's aspirations for upward mobility through education. The city house also reflects the changing cultural landscape of the Philippines, with its transition from a rural to an urban society.
The Overseas Home: A Symbol of Success and Aspiration The family's overseas home in Los Angeles represents the culmination of their aspirations for a better life. It showcases the economic achievements of family members who have immigrated to the United States. The house also reflects the challenges faced by Filipino immigrants, including precarious labor conditions and cultural adjustments.
Auntie Dianne: A Caregiver and a Symbol of Sacrifice Auntie Dianne, a single aunt, played a crucial role in caring for family members in the city house. Her dedication to the family is seen as a sacrifice, as she chose to remain single to provide care and support. The chapter challenges the traditional view of women as simply caregivers, highlighting Auntie Dianne's agency and her own aspirations.
Challenging the "Smoothness" of Filipino Relations The idea of " pasali " (subdued performance) means of comprehending complicated family dynamics. Pasali can be used as a tactic for establishing control within the family as well as a means of expressing affection. This emphasizes the conflicts and difficulties of family life while challenging the idea of "smooth interpersonal relations" (SIR) as a universal Filipino norm.
A Homecoming Drama: Pasali in Action The chapter recounts a story of an aunt's homecoming from Los Angeles, showcasing the dynamics of pasali . – Auntie Dianne's actions, while perceived as disruptive by her sister, reflect her own sense of authority and her desire for recognition. The story highlights the importance of understanding the context and motivations behind pasali to avoid misinterpretations.
Migration as a Family Project The importance of understanding migration as a collective family project. The family's interconnectedness across different locations, their shared aspirations for a better life, and their ongoing negotiations of care and support are all shaped by migration. It challenges us to rethink the "Filipino family" in light of the changing realities of global migration.