The Valenzuelanos celebrated the 262nd Mano Po San Roque Festival on Mother’s Day, May 12.
Rhythmic drumbeats, streams of colorful buntings, clusters of stalls selling sweet rice delicacies, unified dances, and praises filled the streets in Barangay Mabolo.
The celebration started with the Sayaw-Pasasalamat parade, with each barangay performing dances and chants while raising a unique banner. Sayaw-Pasasalamat means “dance of thanksgiving” in honor of San Roque or St. Roch.
The parade relived the traditional dances for people yearning to find true love and offering prayers for healing.
(Valenzuela City PIO)
After the parade, a Concelebrated Mass was held at the San Roque Chapel.
SWAT vans, mobile showers, and toilets were blessed after the Mass.
(Valenzuela City PIO)
To conclude the festival, a solemn procession was held ushering the San Roque image back to the chapel.
A musical jamboree featuring bands and artists also livened up Barangay Mabolo as the final festivity of the night.
The San Roque Festival is one of the most celebrated feasts in Valenzuela City in honor of San Roque, the patron of the sick, invalid, dogs and bachelors.
Present during the celebration were Mayor Weslie “Wes” Gatchalian, Senator Win Gatchalian, Mayoress Tiffany Gatchalian, Bianca Manalo, Vice Mayor Lorie Natividad-Borja, city councilors, and former Liga ng mga Barangay president and councilor Jonjon Bartolome.