Wawa, Pilar

Wawa is one of the 19 barangays in the municipality of Pilar in the second district of the province of Bataan, the Philippines. Located in the eastern part of the town, it is bordered by the Wawa River to the north and west and Manila Bay in the east. Apart from the river and sea, Wawa is isolated from the other barangays by vast paddy fields and fishponds. The barangay's name derives from the word wawa, meaning "along the sea" or river mouth.

Economy

Formerly, the barangay's primary source of livelihood was fishing owing to its healthy seas. Fisherfolks usually go a sea for weeks or even months navigating the whole area of Manila Bay and often reaching as far as Bulacan, Cavite, and Batangas. On their return, the people celebrate as they wait by the sea shore. Today, only a few people depend on fishing, and usually use canoes instead of large barges.

Culture

The feast of the barangay's patron saint San Rafael the Archangel is celebrated annually on 24 October. Traditionally, the festival is celebrated with a fluvial parade and festive dance or karakol (locally known as Sambale). Locals bring the image of the saint to the middle of the sea as part their traditions and beliefs that the saint will give them a plentiful catch of fish.

Notable individuals

This article is issued from Wikipedia - version of the 8/31/2013. The text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution/Share Alike but additional terms may apply for the media files.