Grandma joins Pastulan Festival fertility dance

San Pascual, Batangas—Not to be outdone, Lola Nene Pita, a 61-year old grandmother from Brgy. Poblacion of this town, danced the 6^th Pastulan Festival’s annual fertility dance in celebration of the town’s patron saint, San Pascual Baylon.       The procession, followed by the dance competition on May 14 that started as early as 7 in the morning, was the highlight of the week-long festivities that showcases several dance groups from the community clad in colourful costumes.
      It was Pita’ entry to the church patio where the contest was held that got the loudest cheer. Pita was the eldest, at 61, among the dancers.  The crowd cheered and jeered, as they couldn’t believe that someone her age would still want to get pregnant.

"I want a grandson!" was Lona Nene's wish when she danced at the recent Pastulan Festival.

     “I’m not here to get pregnant, I’m already a grandmother to several granddaughters.  I did the fertility dance praying  for a grandson,” Pita laughed.
     According to town mayor Antonio Dimayuga, entry to the fertility dance contest knows no age limits.
     “As long as a San Pascual resident wants to join and have children, he or she is welcome to dance here,” he said,” The grandma who danced here is proof of that.  Every Pastulan Festival is every childless couple’s chance to do the fertility dance. We have may records of childless couples who danced here and came back the next year with a son or daughter. ”

"There's no age limit at the Pastulan Festival's fertility dance. Even grandma can dance." San Pascual Mayor Tony Dimayuga said.

     This year, a total of 11 barangays joined the dance contest.  San Pascual has a total of 29 barangays.
      One of the festival’s major sponsors, Chevron Philippines Inc. (CPI), which has been operating its depot in this town,  is celebrating the 75^th year anniversary of its renowned Caltex brand of fuels and lubricants, just in time for the celebration of the Pastulan Festival.
      Chevron Philippines, as a long-time corporate resident of the community has been an active participant of the festival, with past Pastulans showcasing Chevron employee-volunteers among the street dancers. 
      This year’s revelers have extra reason to dance as Chevron offered a special award worth P10,000 in Caltex Starcash cards for the dance troupe that best epitomized the “Respectfully  Helpful” values of its famous brand
     For the 2011 festivity, the Chevron contingent is represented by a drum and bugle band dressed in the Caltex Supa Strikas uniforms that will lead the dancers through the streets. Supa Strikas is an innovative comic series seen on cable TV whose soccer team is sponsored by Caltex.
     “Chevron has been a good corporate neighbor since the days of our grandfathers. They have been our community partners for various other programs that benefit our community, especially our disadvantaged residents, “ Demy Dela Cruz, president of the Komite de Festejos, the Pastulan organizing committee said,  “We are always happy to see the Caltex star among our festival sights.” (Mei Lubis)