Ibaan Parish Priest Fr. Arnel Hosena Hits Pagbati Process

Fr. Arnel Hosena on his homily.

Rose petals were all ready to be sprinkled with participating young lady angels lined up to take their steps on Galileo for "Dagit" almost after the mass 5am in the morning. But instead of putting more fire on Ibaan's Easter Sunday celebration, everyone was stunned by Parish Priest Fr. Arnel Hosena's statements before leading faithfuls to final sign of the cross at the end of the mass. Ibaan Parish Priest Fr. Hosena made big canons explode  with his last words before ringing the bell for Ibaan's Easter Sunday celebration.

Almost five months (correct me If I'm wrong) since Fr. Arnel was assigned as Parish Priest of St. James The Greater Parish, he has already made drastic changes with Ibaan's traditions to the distaste of many. First of which was the system of choosing "Pagbati" participants as to how one could become a "Kapitana". Kapitana, of course, refers to the lady who do most of the dancing after "dagit" as a sign of celebrating Jesus Christ's second life on flesh to revitalize everyone's faith. The problem is, according to him, "pagbati" and every other church's celebrations are for everyone..regardless of social status and with big regards to Kapitana's character and everything.

Referring to one of the books written that I've come across with about Ibaan's liturgical history published between 2003 and 2005, it's  hard to imagine that "pagbati's" committee (if there exists a committee) has listed "Pagbati" participants, the "Kapitana" in particular, up to 2034!. How is that possible? Thus, even an unborn child is already committed to do the "pagbati" dance.

For Fr. Arnel, the system is already bias for there already exists a monopoly where there's nothing to bide about as to how things are to be done. As per interpretation of his words, .the selection of "pagbati" participants can not be a monopoly of the few. Everyone should be given the chance to become a "pagbati" dancer. Even those from far flung Ibaan barangays, and not only from Poblacion. Not because he or she is a member of Ibaan's prominent family, but one should be considered as per his/her character and other criteria set by the Committee. For so long since it started in 1890s up to present, the only prevailing system for one to become the lady on hat is to become a "Kapitana' of the town proper's "tuklong", be visible with church activities and something else. As per this criteria, there exists unfair treatment. What about "Kapitanas" from different barangays?

This is what Fr. Arnel primarily wants to be given consideration. Everyone may not agree. But for Fr. Arnel, traditions or what, things have to be done the democratic and the right way. Everyone is part of the celebration. And everyone should be given the fair opportunity to be the "Kapitana".

At this juncture, he proposed that a Screening Committee be set up together with Ibaan Historical Institute. It's not an executory  suggestion, but he firmly suggests that such tradition should be done in democratic way, and not on personal reasons alone. Every barangay can field their candidates subject to the assessment and evaluation of the Committee. Then by December, at the end of the year, the chosen one shall be introduced to the public. And that's only when the practice should commence. However, it was not not mentioned as to how the "Kapitan" and "Bise-Kapitan" will be chosen. As per practice, the "Kapitana" will have the prerogative to choose both of them.

Bottom line is, everyone, not only from Poblacion but also from other barangays, can file their application to be the "Kapitana", subject to the assessments based on the criteria set by the Committee.

Pagbati is every Catholics' tradition with no referrence as to who is making or saying all the prayers. Thus, everyone must be part of it, Fr, Arnel ended.

(There were actually three more issues thrown to him. He was able to ansewer to all of them. But for now, let it sink in first before we deal on the others.)