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

The joint Patronal and Town Fiesta of our beloved Dupax del Sur for this year is set on April 6-8, 2006. Mrs. Lilia C. Magquilat is the General Director for this year's fiesta. Solicitaions are distributed and fund raising drives were initiated to augment the continuous renovation and development of the St. Mary's Dupax classrooms and premises. The highlight of the fiesta will be the unveiling and blessing of the newly refurbished and restored baptismal nave and pillars of our precious church, the Ct. Vincent Ferrer Church. This renovation endeavor was made possible through the efforts of the National Museum under the recommendation of the National Commission for the Culture and Arts and the financial assistance of the USA embassy. Indeed, Dupax del Sur is blessed again because its church is declared by the NCCA as one of the National Treasures of the country. Right now, Dupax is again made alive through the presence of the "peryas" and the "halo-halo puwesto". It is just unfortunate that videoke or KTV bars which promote prostitution, drug addiction, abusive drinking, and worst, untowards fighting are proliferating and allowed. Most victims as could be verrified from the past fiestas were young people and married men that led to separation and detriment of families. Ukay-ukay and changge-changge are also setting their posts around the plaza.

A son of Dupax del Sur and a proud alumnus of St. Mary's Dupax, Fr. Romulo Castaneda Felix, was ordained last December 10, 2005 by Most Rev. Ramon B. Villena, D.D., at the historic church of St. Vincent Ferrer Parish. He is the Son of Rogelio S. Felix and Lourdes Castaneda. He attained his Bachelor's degree in Philosophy at San Pablo Major Seminary, cum laude. He finished his Bachelors in Sacred Theology at the University of Santo Tomas with a distinction, magna cum laude. Immediately after he finished his seminary formation for only eight straight years, he was ordained to the priesthood. The ordination of Fr. Rom-rom was truly a great success and honor for the people of Dupax. Once again, the people of Dupax showed to the world their great hospitality and accomodating prowess. Fr. Rom-rom was ranked in the rooster of distinguished priests from our town. He actually is the 6th to be ordained native of Dupax del Sur--Frs. Lopez (?), Moises Somera, CICM, Michael Reyes, CICM, Elmo Tactacan, MJ, Vic Abijay and now, Fr. Romulo C. Felix. So young, so energetic, and so talented, Fr. Rom-rom will certainly be one of the pride of Dupax del Sur.

The St. Vincent Ferrer Church was recently declared by the National Commission for Culture and Arts (NCCA) as a national treasure because of its peculiar and well ornated pillars and baptistry. These artistic pieces are on their way of rehabilitation and preservation under the expertise of the National Museum through the financial assistance of the USA Embassy. The picture seen at the side is a portion of the baptistry. Great artistic merit could be ascribed to this work of our Isinay forefathers, the builders of the St. Vincent Ferrer Church.

The St. Vincent Ferrer Church, the home of every Isinay 

Umali Ayu! Welcome to the isinay blogspot.
This is the picture of the St. Vincent Ferrer Catholic Church built by the Dominican Friars in the 18th century. This was of course built through the hardworks and ingenuity of every Isinay. It therefore continuous to be the symbol of every Isinay's aspirations, dreams and greatness.