As the month of May comes, fragrance of blossoms fills the air, children gathering during the hot summer afternoon once again sharing laughter as they get to experience this year's Flores De Mayo.
"Tara pangamuyo na," children yell as they run excitedly towards the humble chapel of Brgy. Pinamopoan, Capoocan, Leyte.
Pangamuyo as they say, is a traditional Filipino term referring to the act of serenading the Virgin Mary with hymns and prayers.
It's a deep-rooted Filipino custom where devotees gather in chapels or shrines with blossoming vibrant flowers on their hands to offer their respect to the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Youth Ministry
It has also been a tradition in the Philippines were every month of May, Youth Ministries of different places initiate this activity. Children will be gathered for a procession, floral offerings and a novena.
For Abegail Picao, member of the Youth Ministry of St. John the Baptist Chapel, in almost 15 years of homaging her devotion in youth ministry, Flores De Mayo is one of the church activities that strengthen her devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary.
"Usa gihap ine nga higayon makigkausa ha akon igkasi YM ha pagserbe ha simbahan ngan pagbahin han akon nababaruan ha mga kabataan."
As the sun sets and the evening sky is aglow with lanterns and candles, a procession starts from the church all throughout different zones along Pinamopoan.
Participants who are mostly children will the be gathered for the distribution of foods coming from the generous hands of hermanas (sponsors).
Concerns and Tradition
With the passage of time, given different circumstances, including the high heat index and the schedule of classes, a great concern hovers: will we be able to continue this tradition?
"Kumpara dati mas gumamay it kabataan nga natambong hine nga Flores de Mayo. Pati man gihap an intra han Youth Ministry." She also put emphasis on her sadness with the decreasing number of Flores De Mayo attendees.
"Nakakasubo nga it kabataan napeperde na hit ira kahiligan nga mga butang/mulay kaysa sumabat ug mag-ampo ha simbahan."
Concerning on the waning participation of children given the current class schedules, the youth ministry come-up with ideas that will help encourage young people to rekindle their interest in Flores De Mayo.
"Bago pa man magtikang, amo na ine naisip nga may klase an kabataan. Tungod nga pareho importante ine nga mga butang, gi-sched namon an Flores ha 3:30-5:00 PM para makahabol ngan makatambong pa hira."
Embracing the inevitable change, Abegail shares that the youth ministry leaders is giving their best in keeping this most cherished tradition within the community. And if by chance children aren't able to attend, "an pinaka importante mayda gihapon mangangadi nga membro han simbahan para dire mauundang an novena."
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