The traditional Mayuhan, sponsored by the Quezon Province Association of Manitoba (QPAM), was held recently at the Maples Community Centre, showcasing the best of Quezon Province’s cultural jewels.
Led by Olie and Precy Merluza, candidate, Mrs. Philippiines-Manitoba 2014, as Hermano and Hermana Mayor; together with their son, Neil and Larica Merluza, as the Hermanito and Hermanita Mayor, respectively.
Casey Ignacio, daughter of Cesar and Marilou Ignacio as Reyna Elena, with some other sagalas including Chrystalle Omaga, Miss Teen Manitoba, young debonair consorts, including angels and their partners, led the procession in the QPAM’s annual Santacruzan, a religious rituals venerating Virgin Mary and San Isidro Labrador, patron saints of he farmers.
Along the religious route, the “agawan” ritual became the focus for the first time. After the procession, a mass was held inside the gym, Fr. Sarce, as the officiating priest. With more than 400 guests, everyone got his or her share of the bounty; added to this was the raffle of the “aranya” and the winners got all the goods from the aranya.
“I am thanking all the participants in the Santacruzan, food donors, prize donors, Vickar Automotive Group, Inc. and the Filipino Journal, and to all officers and members of our organization, without their dedication and involvement, the celebration of this wonderful tradition would be be possible,” Maggie Maan Chan-Urbano, president of QPAM, said with smile.
Photos by Alden Novallasca and Ron Cantiveros | Filipino Journal
