Tags: Festivals and Fiestas, Indigenous Culture
By Nikka Garriga
BUENAVISTA, MARINDUQUE–This humble town is known not just for its tourist attractions and savory delicacies but also for a tradition that has long since established the hospitable nature of the Marinduqueños.
Putong is a ceremonial welcoming of guests which seeks to give thanks for having arrived to the shores of this heart-shaped island safely.
According to Joseph Sosa of Barangay Tres, this unique custom has been passed on to them by their ancestors, making it an integral part of their culture.
The gesture starts with the local well-wishers singing and dancing to a particular melody. Visitors will then be showered with flower petals and coins for good luck and long life.
This will be followed by the main highlight of the tradition–crowning each guest with a headdress made from flowers or nito vines, which are abundant in the province.
A man or a woman, meanwhile, stands from each end of the group while holding a candle. They represent the “guardians” who will safely guard guests during their stay at the province and their journey back home.
The putong comes to a close with a cheer of “Mabuhay!” and everyone gathers to feast on native treats like kakanin, arrowroot cookies and other delights made from coconut milk.
“There are also instances where a short play is performed besides the customary singing. This is also our means of thanksgiving for someone who has recovered from illness and during fiestas,” Nora Sadiwa of Barangay Dos explains.
Each town has their own version of pag-pu-putong. For instance, the people of Mugpog express greetings in a gentle, slow pace while those in the capital of Boac have a more upbeat rhythm in its song.
“The putong is an important part of our being Marinduqueños as it is one cultural heritage we can proudly claim as ours. This is why we preserve the practice and ensure that the next generation values it as well,” Nora adds
However it is done, being part of a putong is one experience that every local or foreign tourist alike visiting Marinduque should not miss.
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