What's On & Expat - Philippines

Camarines Sur... from page 2

   First stop was the Basilica Minore in Balatas Road, Naga City, home to the patron saint Nuestra Señora de Peñafrancia. Her feast day is celebrated on the third Saturday of September when after the nine days of prayer, the image of the saint is brought back to its shrine via a river route in an evening procession of lit candles and devotees shouting “Viva La Virgen!”
   Next is the biggest church in the whole Bicol region, the Naga Metropolitan Cathedral constructed in 1816–1831. Beside it stands the Holy Rosary Minor Seminary and the Museo del Seminario Conciliar de Nueva Caceres where artifacts dug from the region are displayed.
   Other churches of interest are the Bombon Parish and the Leaning Bell Tower and the Quipayo Church in Calabanga.

            More than Massage
Next to Naga City is the town of Magarao, where a similarly impressive church built in 1750 stands.

But what I find more amusing are the signboards “Parahilot” found in almost every alternating home throughout the town. Intent to find out what it means, I stopped to get a word with the “Anfamosong Felizardo B. Villamer alyas Legid” (The famous Felizardo B. Villamer also known as Legid) whose house has a parked ambulance outside. He wouldn’t budge, saying he has a very ill patient.
   Parahilot is a Bicolano vernacular meaning a masseuse employing the traditional Filipino massage called hilot. If the signage says Babaeng Parahilot, that means it’s a lady masseuse. There are more men who practice this art of healing massage that goes beyond the mere physical kneading of knotted muscles, says Novie Rosalinas, a babaeng parahilot. The hilot here promises to cure, if not alleviate, medical conditions from skin diseases and arthritis to goiter and other internal sicknesses with the use of a mix of secret oils and of course, prayers.
   Camarines Sur is indeed a province of discreet charms. Far be it from being

storm-wrought, it beams with a distinct provincial pride. In its capital is a spirit of action bursting into the seams. In its towns is an enigmatic melody silently resounding beyond the patina walls and old bells of the churches.