Cathedral de San Sebastian

 There is an old  belief that Lipenos keep coming back to Lipa the way its patron saint, San Sebastian is perpetually tied up to the Lipa tree.  Somehow, symbolically, Lipenos never severe their umbilical ties with this city of many traditions.

The eve of the feast of San Sebastian is a much-anticipated occasion for many Lipenos. As a tradition, a ball takes place at the Plaza Independencia which is adjacent to the majestic San Sebastian Cathedral at the heart of the city.

On the miraculously balmy night of January 19, 2011 (the few days prior had Lipa experiencing windy, drizzly and very unpredictable weather), townsfolk came in droves to attend the ball and witness the coronation of the year’s Mutya ng Lipa.

MUTYA NG LIPA

There couldn’t have been a better choice for this year’s Mutya than a true-blooded Lipeña, the very lovely Maria Kristina Peña Katigbak.

Keena is the daughter of Ma. Teresa Umali Peña-Katigbak and Joaquin Cecilio Espinili Katigbak from prominent Lipeño families known for being dedicated educators, proponents of social service, and maverick businessmen.  She is currently in her third year taking up Dental Medicine at the Centro Escolar University.

Members of the reception line included Lipa Mayor Meynard Sabili and his wife Bernadette, Education Secretary Armin Luistro, Batangas Vice Governor Mark Leviste, Vice Mayor Lydio Lopez Jr and wife Ellen, Dr. Lennybeth Latido, Consul Evie Luz Costa, designer Criselda Lontok,  B/Gen Gregorio Macapagal and wife, Dr. Lorna, art patron Danny Dolor, Noemi Lirag-Saludo, City Councillor Avior R. Rocafort, Glecy Mojares, Dr. Roberto M. Magsino, Dr.Vicky Reyes-Narciso, Atty. Leo Latido and wife, Genevieve, Gerald Villa , Joaquin Cecilio Katigbak and wife Ma. Teresa and Joyce Ann Tapay, Mutya ng Lipa 2010. Uncomplaining, they stood for two hours as they graciously welcomed the guests who came all glammed up in their finery.

At about 8 p.m., dancers started filling up the dance floor to the music of Gloria Gatmaitan live band. Interestingly, quite a number of them came from abroad. Sources say Lipeños time their homecoming every year just to be able to attend the festivities.

KAPENG BARAKO AND RIGODON DE HONOR

The ball was an astounding success judging by the raves it got after the affair. Noteworthy was the energetic ballroom dancing by the elder Lipeños that lasted till after midnight. The crowd also appreciated the kapeng barako, food and San Sebastian tokens distributed by smiling barong-clad young men to everybody at the plaza.

The event was likewise able to showcase the musical talents of the Lipeños with the numbers rendered by the Lipa Integrated Performing Arts and The Lipa Chorale Ensemble.

The evening was extra special for me because I was given again the privilege to be one of the dancers of the Rigodon de Honor which was masterfully choreographed by Bujing Danao, ably assisted by Dalah Pia and Renato Delgado. Not only did it provide me the rare chance of bonding with old friends and acquaintances, it also gave me an opportunity to meet other Lipeños who share the same pride and love I have for our dear hometown.

With a grateful heart, I thank the organizers of the ball - the indefatigable Mr. Danny Dolor who has been at the helm of the Lipa fiesta balls since the '60s (Keena is his 18th Mutya, he proudly shared), the zealous and remarkable Mr. Joel Peña who painstakingly attended to every detail to ensure the success of the event, and to the Lipa City Culture and Arts Council, for the beautiful experience of having been a part of that distinctly memorable night.

Somehow, it always is a good reason to come back.