Study Guide

Pre-Visit 1. Historical background Make a timeline of significant events in the development of Pahiyas over the centuries. Cite sociological happenings that might have influenced certain changes in the festival. Actual Visit 2. Community immersion Interview at least five families from different areas. Ask them regarding their Pahiyas experience and how it changed as years passed by. How do families handle their neighbors, given the competitive playing field? Where do they get inspiration, and how do these ideas turn into a realitythrough an external designer sourced from other places, or through personal research and hard work? Can the designs be described as authentic Lucban, or are there foreign influences? What kind of influences are these, and are they enhancing the beauty and diversity in Lucban, or do they diminish it? Do you think competition improves the community rapport or damages it? 3. Community participation The number of houses not participating is increasing. What could be the reason for their decision? How do the local government increase and maintain community participation? 4. Geographical dimensions Are the traditions geographically rooted? How do commercialization and modernization affect these traditions? Consequently, how do modernity influence Lucban as a province? Is it still bucolic, or is it gradually become urban? How so? 5. Religious influences The church has been a significant driving force in the development of the Pahiyas festival. How did the church exactly shape the festival and the townspeople? Do other people from other religious denominations participate in the festival? What does this say about the influence of the community rapport that comes along with the festival? 6. Political motivations

Some festivals, including the Pahiyas, include a parade where politicians walk around with a marching band. When everybody stops and look at the parade, does it tells something about the local government? The government also organizes the festival, including the events and sponsors. Do the local government preserve the traditional Pahiyas festival (in relation with the timeline you made earlier), or are there modern influences? Do the organizers have a cohesive view of what Pahiyas should be? In the festival, do you think these modern influences enhance and complement or damage the spirit of Pahiyas festival? 7. Pasalubongs Pasalubongs are usually bought to remind a person of the visited place, in our case, Lucban, when one goes back to the city. How do Lucban longganisa, and pancit habhab distinguish themselves from the other varieties found all over the country (e.g. Vigan longganisa, pancit Malabon)? Are they authentically Lucban? Can they be found in the cityand does this reduce the authenticity when pasalubong materials are sold in supermarkets? The pasalubongs of Lucban, Quezon have similarities from other provinces; the kiping may or may not also have a similarity with a community art object in Mexico. With that in mind, are there pasalubongs that exist that can be considered original? How does one become originaland do originality really exist? 8. Kiping The kiping is an important metaphor for Lucbans colorful history, community diversity, and optimistic outlook. It is also a decoration, but after the festival, it becomes food. What does the instant conversion of kiping from an art object to a utilitarian item say about the ingenuity of the Pahiyas concept? Post-Visit 9. Make an online video blog about your adventures in Lucban. Narrate how your day went, and how the art installations in Lucban uplift the community spirit and rapport. Be creative. 10. Use your social media memberships (e.g. in Facebook, Twitter, and Tumblr) to promote Pahiyas festival. Emphasize your personal experiences to promote a local, cultural tradition.