Farmers Festival Carosa Parade

  

In the Province of Ilocos Norte, the City of Batac celebrated the most awaited Farmers Festival in honor of Saint Isidore the patron saint of farmers.  This is a week-long celebration to acknowledge, laud and support the farmers of the city.  Mostly, the occupants of the town are primeval farmers. No wonder Ilocanos are known for being hardworking, you can never be a farmer without that kind of trait. Farming is obviously a hard work.

 

During the parade, I kept smiling and admiring while taking these photos.  See that very comfy attire of a farmer? You don't need branded and expensive clothes for that, you just have to look for a pair of relaxing duds to protect yourself from the heat of the sun.  I am proud to say, I had that kind of pair when I was younger. Those days of experiencing how it is to be in the field so we can give importance to education. A famous song says, planting rice is never easy. So true!  I treasure those farming experiences I had! Farming is humility. It takes a lot of sacrifices and prayers.

 

Carosa ti Balasang ti Away. Traditionally, carosa, usually pulled by a carabao, serves as a way to transport produce crops from the fields to every farmer's home.  But during the farmers festival, carosas are transporting "balasang ti away" (lovely dames from the countryside) The carosas were exquisitely and uniquely designed became human-drawn.

 

 

 Find "ragsak" while looking at the photos. (",)

 

 

Saint Isidore Labrador, the patron saint of farmers. 



                  PHOTOGRAPHED BY ALITTLETHINGCALLEDRAGSAK, MAY 2013
                  ILOCOS NORTE, PHILIPPINES

As the patron saint of farmers, Saint Isidore reminds us once again about the dignity of work and that ordinary life can lead to holiness.

Carabao Painting Fashion Show

 

What is our national animal?

 

CARABAO (asian water buffalo) is the Philippines National Animal (ang pambansang hayop).

Traditionally, carabao plays a vital role in farming activities, an important draught-animal in the rice fields.   I, myself have witnessed that, I grew up observing, taking care and even talking to our very own carabao when I was a kid.  I observed that carabaos have their own way of soothing their bodies from a tiring day of work at the field,they love to rest in a place of water and mud.

 

A quick glance at a carabao gives you an idea that this is the most hardworking creature in the animal kingdom.

 

I have witnessed a different kind of fashion show.  Each community (baranggay) painted a chosen carabao and with a escort walk like a real model. 

 

One of the judges is our very own Madame Imelda Marcos (wife of the late President Ferdinand Marcos who was also an Ilocano).  She ceded with a mollifying remarks that her heart is very close to the Ilocanos and that she loves the Ilocanos so much.

 

Now, are you ready to gawk and yawp? (",)

 

Have fun!(",)

 

                      PHOTOGRAPHED BY ALITTELTHINGCALLEDRAGSAK, MAY 2013

                      ILOCOS NORTE, PHILIPPINES

                   Learn from a carabao, a hardworking, humble and simple animal yet it makes a difference in the lives of the common people and for the prosperity of our economy.

 

Next time you see a carabao, give a pat, take a photo and say thank you. (",)