Isinay

Christmas in Dupax is indeed very nostalgic. It is one of the most exciting and memorable time in Dupax. Why? Because of its very festive and grand activities, decorations and preparations. When Aguinaldo Mass starts, it signifies that Christmas is officially commencing. What gives the great feel of this season is the "diana" around the town. For those who might forget, "diana" is a group of musikeros which goes around the town to wake them up. This is very peculiar in Dupax. Every morning, throughout that nine day Aguinaldo Mass, these group of Musikeros are going around the town. In fact this very unique tradition is very much near the heart of all Isinays. They even tagged the Aguinaldo Mass into "diana"! Thus when they'll go to church for the masses, they'll say, "amoy an mi-diana?" See, in Dupax, we don't name it Aguinaldo Mass... rather, we call it "diana"! This traditional "diana" tells us of many things regarding us Isinays. Not only that it is handed to us by our forefathers, it also tells us of the greatness of the Isinays. First, Isinays are patient people. Going around the town in the wee hours of the morning is not that easy. Or worst, getting too early in the cold morning is too unbearable. Mamis pora ri meyo ar. Second, Isinays are industrious and hard working. They know and have the sense of sacrifice. Imagine, doing the "diana" for free is something. They are doing that without any pay. Third, isinays are artists, particularly in the line of music. Most of the musikeros are not even students in the conservatory... for most of them are not even school trained, but they can read musical scores. Some can even do it by widowing or through hearing alone. Fourth, isinays are festive people. They are happy people. Their songs tell us of the joyful life of the Isinays. They want and are lovers of Fiesta! And finally, they have deep religiosity. This diana around the town is a manifestation of the spirituality of the Isinays. They manage to sacrifice all in the name of their faith. Indeed, by trying to look at our traditional "diana" we can say that Christmas the Isinay way is indeed unique and very meaningful. Can you still remember the tune of the "diana"? Waking up in the morning with this "diana" tells us that indeed, life has hope... mayat pora ri mabilayar! Merry Christmas Isinays!

Labels: christmas, dupax, dupax del sur, isinay, nueva vizcaya