Mayor Eric Olivarez at the awarding of Sunduan Dolls Exhibit participants (Photo courtesy of Parañaque PIO)
The Parañaque city government awarded the barangays that won in the “sunduan dolls” exhibit and contest held at the Ayala Malls Manila Bay on Monday, Feb. 5.
Parañaque Mayor Eric Olivarez said the activity was participated in by 16 barangays, which showcased the rich cultural tradition of the city.
Olivarez said the exhibit is also part of the activities and programs prepared by the city government in celebration of the 26th Parañaque cityhood anniversary.
He said the participants in the exhibit showed their talents in creating unique and colorful dolls.
The Sunduan Dolls Exhibit winner, Barangay Merville (Photo courtesy of Parañaque PIO)
The mayor said the winners are Barangays Moonwalk which got the 5th place; San Dionisio, 4th place; Sun Valley, 3rd place; San Martin de Porres, second place; and Merville, first place.
Olivarez said the dolls that were submitted for the exhibition wore hand sewn barong tagalong for men and Maria Clara dress for the ladies.
He said the “sunduan dolls” exhibit portrays the “sunduan festival”, the romantic tradition of Parañaque being held during the celebration of the cityhood anniversary.
The mayor said that during the "sunduan", a gentleman fetches his lady love at home to bring her to the church or town plaza. The man brings with him a marching band that accompanies the couple on their walk to the church.
The romantic tradition started during the Spanish colonial period, with the very first “sunduan” recorded in 1876 in Barrio La Huerta, Parañaque.
The mayor said the tradition is kept alive today with the city’s Sunduan Festival wherein men dressed in barong escort the community’s loveliest ladies dressed in elegant gowns during a colorful parade.