May 5 | Tayabas, Quezon, Philippines.

The clamor for suman and other pabitin as their sweat, strength and rivalry pervade in the air. Impelled by their yearly panata or sacrificial devotion to San Isidro, they participate in "Hagisan ng Suman" believing that the bounty gathered in their sacks heralds economic upliftment. It portends the amount of their next harvest or income for the year. Suman is the ritual gift of Hagisan. The Tayabasin cook it with great enthusiasm because Hagisan is an opportunity to share their prosperity. Bundles of suman are gaily tied in the pabitin, which is made out of a special kind of bamboo called bagakay. Pabitin is actually an installation art that is not simply exhibited . As soon as the image of San Isidro passes by, pabitin must be emptied of its colorful array of abundance, which, besides suman, includes banana, buko, pineapple and other summer fruits. Unstoppable is the outpouring of voices during the Hagisan ng Suman. Full of primeval joy for both the giver and the receiver, Hagisan has two inseparable gestures: Letting go for those who freely give, and openness for those who wish to receive. One is nourished by the other, and the experience graces, both with deep gratitude for a life of plenty.

Source:

Tourism.qzn.ph