In the heart of Aklan, the third week of January is not merely a date on the calendar; it is a spiritual and cultural convergence. For the members of BCBP Kalibo, participating in the traditional Sadsad during the Ati-Atihan festival is a profound expression of devotion to the Señor Sto. Niño. While the world moves toward modernization, the persistence of this street-dancing tradition serves as a testament to the power of norms in fostering identity, unity, and a lived experience of faith.
1. Spiritual Identity and the “Hala Bira” Spirit
At its core, the Sadsad is an act of cultural and spiritual identity. For a BCBP member, dancing in the streets is not just about the rhythmic beat of the drums; it is a physical prayer. By adhering to this decades-old norm, members connect with the history of the Aklanon people who have long turned to the Holy Child in times of both trial and triumph.
This tradition acts as a “spiritual anchor.” In the high-pressure world of business and professional life, the Sadsad allows members to strip away their titles and corporate personas, donning the costume of a devotee. It reaffirms their primary identity as children of God, following a lineage of faithful Kalibonhons who have shouted “Hala Bira!” for generations.
2. Radical Unity and Social Cohesion
Traditions like the Ati-Atihan Sadsad serve as the “social glue” for the BCBP community. In the Brotherhood, the “norms” of the festival—the shared meals, the coordinated attire, and the synchronized movement through the streets—break down social barriers.
- Equalization: In the Sadsad, the Chapter Head and his officers dance alongside the members. The tradition creates a space where hierarchy vanishes, replaced by a collective rhythm.
- Communal Support: The physical exertion of dancing for hours under the sun mirrors the Christian journey. Members look out for one another, sharing water, cerveza and encouragement, which strengthens the bonds of the “Breakfast” community far beyond the festival week.
3. The Transmission of Values
Following the norms of the Ati-Atihan is a vital way of preserving wisdom and values. By involving the families of BCBP members in the Sadsad, the “veneration of the Sto. Niño” is passed down to the next generation. It is a form of “kinesthetic learning” where children observe their parents’ humility and devotion.
The Sadsad is a reminder that some things are “time-tested.” The persistence of this tradition teaches the youth that success is not just about financial gain, but about gratitude and honoring the source of all blessings. The “Sadsad for Christ” becomes a ritualized lesson in putting faith at the center of one’s professional and personal life.
4. Psychological and Spiritual Renewal
From a psychological perspective, the repetitive, rhythmic nature of the Sadsad offers a powerful emotional release. For the professionals of BCBP, the festival provides a “liturgical break” from the stresses of the fiscal year.
The tradition functions as a ritual of renewal. The physical act of dancing through the streets of Kalibo acts as a “reset button,” clearing the mind and re-energizing the spirit. The collective joy experienced during the Sadsad provides a “spiritual high” that sustains members through the challenges of the coming year, proving that traditions are essential for maintaining mental and spiritual health.
5. The Case for Institutional Support: The Drum and Xylophone Band as a Chapter Investment
While individual members often contribute through their time and devotion, there is a compelling reason for BCBP Kalibo to bear the cost of the drum and xylophone band as a Chapter expense. This is not merely a logistical shift, but a move that aligns with the core traditions and operational philosophy of the Brotherhood.
a). The Band as an “Evangelization Tool”
- In the context of the BCBP, every public activity is a form of Marketplace Evangelization. The drum and xylophone band is the “voice” of the Chapter in the streets. It signals the presence of Christian businessmen and professionals to the wider community. When the Chapter officially funds the band, it acknowledges that this is a corporate act of mission. Just as the National Office would support the branding for a Grand Breakfast or a CLP (Christian Life Program), the band serves as the “auditory brand” of BCBP Kalibo during its most visible week of the year.
b). Upholding the “Culture of Generosity” and Inclusivity
- One of the most cherished norms within the BCBP is the spirit of Brotherhood. Relying solely on individual contributions for essential festival elements can create an unintended barrier to participation.
- Financial Inclusivity: By absorbing the cost of the band into the Chapter fund, we ensure that every member—regardless of their current financial standing—can participate with equal dignity.
- Corporate Responsibility: Tradition dictates that the body supports the parts. Utilizing Chapter funds (often built through the collective tithes and business efforts of the members) to pay for the band reinforces the idea that the Sadsad is an official Chapter function, not a private party.
c). Administrative Efficiency and Continuity
- Relying on “pass-the-hat” contributions for a recurring, essential tradition creates administrative instability.
- Professional Standards: As an organization of professionals, the Chapter should reflect professional financial planning. Budgeting the band as a fixed annual Chapter expense allows for better negotiation with performers and ensures the quality of the music remains high year after year.
- Preservation of the Norm: When an expense is institutionalized, the tradition is protected. It ensures that even in leaner years, the “Sadsad for Christ” will always have its rhythm, unencumbered by the fluctuations of individual pockets.
Conclusion
The adherence of BCBP Kalibo to the tradition of Sadsad during Ati-Atihan is far from a mere formality. It is a vital pulse that keeps the community’s faith vibrant and its identity secure. By dancing in the streets every third week of January, members do more than celebrate a fiesta; they honor a sacred contract with their past and provide a beacon of light for their future. In the rhythmic step of the Sadsad, the professionals of Kalibo find their rhythm in God.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS:
Images are courtesy of their respective owners. All rights reserved.
Special thanks to our brothers and sisters from BCBP Roxas Chapter for hitting the pavement with us!
BCBP Kalibo Rising 
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