Jaro Fiesta often gets bad press when it comes to the maintenance of the plaza and streets, but nobody talks about UNWANTED guests. It’s true that the celebration is a time for connection and nostalgia by sharing time together with friends and family to strengthen relationships. But opportunists lurk in every nook and corner and can be a headache for most Jaro families.
Have you experienced that? Some random people are asking to be inside your house because they’re friends with you. We’re not simpletons who would let them in. And often, they would remind you that it’s a fiesta and they have every right to be in somebody else’s home, or they’ll find ways to insult your name in every way. Oh, how we pity them for delivering such poor threats.
Dealing with unwanted house guests is an annual problem. To quote one favorite FUN song that describes them: “That’s my life, nothing is sacred. I don’t keep friends. I keep acquainted. I’m not a prophet. But I’m here to profit!”
But not all of them are annoying. Some visitors might be friends or family whom you’ve never seen for a long time.
The types of people you encounter during Jaro Fiesta
Them annoying people
“Ma miyesta kami da sa inyo, ha?” – Friends, kita haw?
One time, 50 nuns were coming into a particular home and took most of the food, before going to the next one. Please, don’t announce that you’re poor and hungry on the next flag ceremony. We all know you’re carrying Bulgari bags and spritzing Victoria’s Secret fragrances. Your Facebook accounts also show where you eat around the city and outside.
“Prong! Makadto kita kay kwan sa piyesta.” – Daw, imo balay kag?
And then, there are “friends” who would also bring their friends in your house. And the next thing you know, some figurines and cutlery went missing. You ask yourself, how did they even get in the house? Someone must’ve let them in without knowing that you don’t know these people.
“Nang, manok da abi. Piyesta bala subong.” Wala kami manok. Seriously.
And then, some non-Jaro residents would threaten you if you don’t give them a slice of your meat. Never let your guard down even if they shove the Lord’s Prayer on your throats. If you stand your ground, they’ll apologize and leave. But, good gracious. They just sullied religion with their folding hands.
Note: We understand that Jaro Fiesta is also a time where our less-fortunate community members ask for food because they have little to none left in their house. It’s up to you whether you want to donate some to them. Just bear in mind that you’re going to be the first person they’re going to ask for more next time.
The good and tolerable ones
“Ijo, ija!” “Uy, naka puli lang gid ako subong.”
Relatives who work outside the country and return for a break in the Philippines, might find the fiesta the perfect time to visit their families. We see nothing wrong with that. Some relatives come alone and often mingle with your parents, grandparents, aunts, or uncles only. So, the food ration seems manageable – which is a good thing.
Relatives with foreign or non-Jaro friends seem to have a pattern of not staying long in the house. They would say hello, probably eat a little, before taking their friends to see more attractions of Jaro.
Some close friends of yours who work in Manila might also be on a vacay and would like to meet you. It depends on who they are and how much they mean to you that determines whether they’re welcome inside your house or not.
“I have extra food.”
Firstly – thank you. The food ration for the Fiesta is only well-enough for the number of people you’ve invited. Now, your friend might be something else though. He might have brought extra food, but what are his intentions of being there? Should you let him in?
Some people who brought food have come with proper considerations for you and your family. While others think it’s a way for them as house guests to stay long inside your house and do whatever they want. Even if it’s downright bastos.
Simple tips to get rid of unwanted visitors
You’re not discourteous if these house guests who invite themselves in pressing you against your will. Now, you might be a godly person, but, how to get someone to leave your house without being rude?
Here’s a piece of advice: never let polite social behavior or fiesta etiquette get to you when someone is trespassing in your house. Especially, those without your consent.
- Keep the gates closed. Hang some wooden boards to prevent prying eyes from looking at your house.
- Unwanted visitors? Don’t even smile. Limit your words to “Yes” and “No.” Stop being a good host.
- Just tell them to leave. Why all the unnecessary fluffs?
- Just say to them honestly that the fiesta is limited to family or a small group. You have to let them know that the rations are only meant for some people because you can’t afford more.
- If you can’t say anything nice, then, just smile and wave to them politely towards the door.
- Turn off all the WiFi. Don’t let them have access to your internet. Chances are, they’ll leave your house faster.
- If they tell you of their intentions of coming to your house days before the fiesta, then tell them that you’re not going to hold one. Or you and your family are planning to go to someone else’s feast.
- Have someone guard your gate. Let him know who’s coming or not. Or, let him call you first before allowing unwanted guests in.
- Tell them directly that you’re not a 24/7 refrigerator or convenience store.
- Ask them to clean their own mess.
Seems rude? If they break into your house impolitely, sometimes, you just have to be firm with your decision to have them leave your doorstep, pronto.
Jaro Fiesta to the perspective of many people
Jaro Fiesta is one of the largest religious celebrations in the country. This means, plenty of people, wares to buy, and good food to enjoy. The frivolity of the celebration prompted people to partake in the grandeur of the festivity with little or no nods to Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria.
And since it’s one of the most magnificent fiestas, many Jaro families prepare abundant food even when it means cashing out all the money or loaning to some friends and relatives. Not only it drains the wallets of many people, but it gives fiesta goers a perspective that Jareños prepare much for the celebration. And that’s why unwanted guests go from house to house just to chug and chow the grub.
Now, it left us with two kinds of people: (1) the families who loan to prepare big meals; (2) and the people or the unwanted guests who’ll be eating them.
There’s nothing wrong with a household that does not prepare meals during fiestas. We know many families suffer incessant jokes and insults because they could not afford to celebrate one. Actually, it’s even better to just observe a simple one at home (or none at all!) without the bother of unwanted visitors. It saves people so much time and the looming of debts.
And to the people who are not invited – please, accept the idea that most people in Jaro have a hard time preparing the house and dishes. Don’t take it personally. Just move on.
