BACOLOR -- Mayor Eduardo Diman Datu had no reservations when he ordered the revival and inclusion of the Makatapak Festival in this year's La Naval Fiesta Celebration.
Makatapak, which means barefoot, is in honor and remembrance of the town's struggle during the Mt. Pinatubo eruptions when residents of the town had to walk barefoot to save their lives and whatever was left. People had to remove their slippers and step firmly on the soft, hot mud. Walking over lahar is similar to walking through quicksand. The experience was humbling as people from different social classes walked hand in hand to reach safety.
City of San Fernando Tourism Officer Ching Pangilinan said the festival started in 2008 when Fr. Jess Manabat was the parish priest at the sunken church. At that time, then vice mayor Diman was also the Centro president and served as festival co-founder. The festival went on a hiatus in 2013.
What makes Makatapak Festival unique is that it both commemorates and celebrates faith and resilience of Kapampangans. "It is one of the best ways in which this generation and the next ones remember the Mount Pinatubo and lahar experiences," Pangilinan said.
Datu revived the festival in the hope that young generations of the town are reconnected with their history. Makatapak is a dance festival that recalls the Pinatubo experience through dance expression.
Several elementary schools participated in this year's celebration, which started in front of the San Guillermo Parish Church, which still serves as a reminder of the Pinatubo episode with its half sunken facade.
Datu said he will continue to promote the festival while he is in office.