Pastores de Naga

There are many versions of the Pastores - a dramatic account of the shepherds' search of the Holy Child, which is done through songs, verses and dances. But one of the most interesting among the many Pastores practices is the one from Naga City, Cebu.

In the mountains of an upper barangay in Taghagimet live the Requinto clan who have been practicing a rich tradition of presenting the Pastores in their locality and in the neighboring towns during Christmas. The practice has become one of the most awaited presentations every year.

The Requinto clan presented their famous Pastores to Governor Gwen Garcia and the tourists who went on the southern trail of the "Suroy Suroy Sugbo. It was during this time that the Naga City government decided to make the Pastores tradition the festival of the city.

The 45th festival in the province, the Pastores is the only festival in Cebu that promotes the accompaniment of a live Rondalla. It is also the only religious festival celebrated during Christmas in honor of the Child Jesus and the only tradition traceable to Spanish times.

The Pastores Festival was formally launched at the SM City Cebu last November 28 and was celebrated last December 23 at the Naga City stage near the baywalk area. The celebration was joined by the many barangays and schools in the city.

Last December 30, I braved the muddy trail leading to Taghagimet to  personally meet the Requintos for a research-demonstration. Taghagimet is a remote barangay, which is reachable by a 30-minute habal-habal (motorcycle for hire) ride from barangay Balirong.

Narcisa Requinto led the clan in welcoming us. It was from Narcisa that I found out that the Pastores tradition did not actually come from the place. Narcisa, who is originally from Sibago, Pinamungajan, married a Requinto from Taghagimet. She was the one who taught the clan about the Pastores, a practice she learned from her parents.