Chapter XV: Repazzo
As the days of September dwindle, the air around Vigan grows lively. The streets are adorned with colorful banderitas strung high above, swaying in the gentle breeze. Plaza Burgos transforms into a hive of activity—students practicing plays, dancers rehearsing routines, and stalls being set up for the festivities.
Christine, Benigno, and Isko stroll through the bustling plaza, curious about the vibrant preparations.
"Ano kaya ang pinagkakaabalahan ng mga tao?" Christine asks, her eyes scanning the decorations.
Benigno nods in agreement.
"Parang malaking event 'to. Pero ano kaya?"
Isko smiles, recognizing their curiosity.
"Solidarity Cultural Festival po 'yan," he begins.
"Isang linggong selebrasyon para ipromote ang heritage ng Vigan bilang UNESCO World Heritage City at isa sa New 7 Wonders Cities of the World."
Christine looks intrigued.
"Solidarity Cultural Festival? Ano-ano ang mga events dito?"
Isko's face lights up as he explains.
"Marami pong activities. Merong Repazzo de Vigan, isang historical reenactment ng nakaraan ng lungsod. May street dancing din kung saan nagpaparada ang iba't ibang barangay at eskwelahan. Tapos, may cultural exhibits, food fairs, at mga competitions gaya ng panagabel o weaving at paggawa ng burnay pottery."
He continues.
"Meron ding heritage tours sa mga ancestral houses at museums. Bukod pa ro'n, may gabi-gabing performances sa plaza, kasama ang musical shows, plays, at traditional dances tulad ng pandanggo at ilocano folk dances."
Christine and Benigno exchange glances, clearly impressed.
"Ang ganda naman ng layunin ng festival na 'to," Benigno says.
"Parang ang sarap makiisa."
Christine nods enthusiastically.
"Oo nga. Isko, paano tayo makakatuwang dito?"
Encouraged by their enthusiasm, Isko suggests ways they can participate. They volunteer to help with decorations, assisting in hanging the colorful banderitas and arranging tables for the exhibits. Christine and Benigno also lend a hand in preparing food for one of the community booths, sharing recipes they've learned from locals.
As the sun begins to dip, painting the plaza in shades of orange and pink, the trio decides to take a break and enjoy one of the highlights of the festival—the Repazzo de Vigan.
The crowd gathers at Plaza Burgos, the atmosphere brimming with anticipation. Actors in traditional costumes take the stage, reenacting pivotal moments in Vigan's history, from its founding to its flourishing as a trading hub. The dramatic storytelling, paired with the intricate choreography and music, captivates the audience.
Christine leans toward Isko, whispering,
"Ang galing ng pagkakagawa nila. Parang nabuhay ang nakaraan."
Benigno nods in agreement.
"Napakaganda ng mensahe nito. Parang sinasabi nilang huwag nating kalimutan kung saan tayo nagmula."
Isko beams with pride.
"Oo nga po. Kaya espesyal ang Solidarity Cultural Festival. Parang paalala na dapat nating ipagmalaki ang ating kasaysayan at kultura."
As the reenactment draws to a close, fireworks light up the sky, their vibrant colors reflecting in the fountain of Plaza Salcedo. The trio stands in awe, feeling a deeper connection to the city and its rich heritage.
Walking back home under the glow of the plaza lights, Christine and Benigno thank Isko for sharing the spirit of the festival with them.
"Salamat, Isko," Christine says.
"Ang dami naming natutunan dahil sa'yo."
Benigno adds with a smile,
"Talagang bagay kang maging bahagi ng Vigan, Isko. Salamat sa pagpapakita sa amin ng tunay na diwa ng Solidarity Cultural Festival."
Isko, humbled by their words, simply replies,
"Masaya po ako na naipakita ko sa inyo. Sana marami pa tayong makitang maganda dito sa Vigan."
The night ends with the trio sharing laughter and stories, their bond growing stronger as they embrace the vibrant culture of their beloved city.
After watching the Repazzo de Vigan, the trio decides to continue their venture through the lively streets of Vigan. As they pass by the imposing structure of the Arzobispado de Nueva Segovia, Christine pauses, her gaze fixed on its facade.
"Ang laki nito," she remarks, awe evident in her voice.
"Ano nga ba ang kwento ng building na ito, Isko?"
Benigno chimes in,
"Oo nga, parang may napakalaking significance nito. Bakit nandito ang ganito kalaking Arzobispado?"
Isko, ever the eager historian, smiles as he begins to explain.
"Ang Arzobispado de Nueva Segovia po ay napakaimportante, hindi lang sa Vigan, kundi sa buong Pilipinas," he starts.
"Ito ang nag-iisang Arzobispado na itinayo noong 18th century na nananatiling buo hanggang ngayon. Naging opisyal itong tirahan ng mga Arsobispo ng Nueva Segovia noong inilipat ang See mula sa Lal-lo, Cagayan, papunta dito sa Vigan noong 1758."
Christine raises a brow, intrigued.
"Bakit inilipat dito ang See ng Nueva Segovia?"
"Dahil po sa strategic location ng Vigan," Isko explains.
"Malapit ito sa kalakalan, at mas accessible para sa mga misyonero na naglalakbay mula sa iba't ibang bahagi ng Ilocos at mga kalapit na rehiyon. Ang pagtatayo ng Arzobispado, pati na rin ng Cathedral at Belfry, ay naging sentro ng pagpapalaganap ng Kristiyanismo at paglago ng komunidad dito sa Vigan. Sa totoo lang, malaking bahagi ito ng dahilan kung bakit naging lungsod ang Vigan."
Benigno looks at the structure thoughtfully.
"Grabe pala ang papel ng lugar na 'to. Napakalalim ng kwento."
Isko nods.
"Opo. Kung mapapansin n'yo rin po, nasa harap lang ng Arzobispado ang Plaza Maestro. Dati po itong seminaryo na nasunog at inilipat na sa Pantay Daya. Ang seminario na iyon ay tinatawag noon na Colegio-Conciliar de San Pablo at naging Colegio-Seminario dela Inmaculada Concepcion. Katuwang nito ang Colegio de Ninas na kalaunan naging Colegio del Rosario, ang colegio noon na para sa mga kababaihan—'yon po ang Rosary Building ngayon na kalapit ng mga ito. Ang school ko rin po, ang Divine Word College of Vigan, ay dating seminario at colegio rin na unang pinangalanan, Colegio dela Inmaculada Concepion. Talagang intertwined po ang kasaysayan ng Vigan sa Simbahang Katolika."
Christine clasps her hands together, clearly impressed.
"Napakayaman naman ng history ng lugar na ito. Salamat, Isko, sa pagpapaliwanag. Ang dami naming natutunan."
Benigno chuckles, patting Isko on the back.
"Talagang walking encyclopedia ka na namin, Isko. Salamat sa pagbabahagi. Saka parang mas na-appreciate ko na ang Vigan. Hindi lang siya maganda sa paningin, maganda rin sa kwento."
The three stand silently for a moment, letting the weight of history sink in as they gaze at the grand facade of the Arzobispado.
"Ang galing lang talaga," Christine finally says.
"Ang daming kwento sa bawat kanto ng Vigan."
Isko grins.
"Opo. Kaya nga po espesyal itong lugar na ito. Parang isang malaking aklat ng kasaysayan na bawat pahina ay may kwento ng kultura, pananampalataya, at tradisyon."
The couple nods in agreement, their appreciation for Vigan deepened by Isko's knowledge. They thank him for the impromptu history lesson and continue their walk through the city, feeling even more connected to the rich heritage surrounding them.