Pastores A Belen in Oas, Albay

@article{1719057,
      author = {Roe T. Camasis},
      title = {Pastores A Belen in Oas, Albay},
      journal = {Iconic Research And Engineering Journals},
      year = {2026},
      volume = {9},
      number = {12},
      pages = {2577-2592},
      issn = {2456-8880},
      url = {https://www.irejournals.com/formatedpaper/1719057.pdf},
      abstract = {Pastores a Belén in Oas, Albay is a lively Christmas folk practice that embodies the rich religious devotion and cultural traditions of the Bicolano people. This study aimed to document Pastores a Belén as practiced by the locals in Oas, Albay. Specifically, it sought to answer the following questions: (1) What is the historical basis of Pastores a  Belén?; (2) What is the context of the dance in terms of: Dance step, Music, Costume, Implements, and other dance properties: (3) What is the significance of the dance in terms of: Cultural values, Religious Devotion, Community Identity, and Heritage Preservation; (4) What is the level of awareness of the respondents along: Existence Awareness, Content Familiarity, Cultural Relevance, and Preservation Importance; and, (5) What learning resource material can be developed based on the findings of the study?.  The study was premised on several assumptions. It was assumed that Pastores a Belén in Oas, Albay possesses a verifiable historical foundation and has been transmitted across generations through sustained community practices and performances. It further assumed that the essential elements of the dance, such as steps, music, costumes, implements, and other performance features, have been preserved and continue to reflect the cultural and historical identity of the locality. Moreover, the tradition was regarded as a significant cultural expression that reinforces values, religious devotion, and community identity while contributing to the preservation of intangible heritage. The study also assumed that respondents exhibit varying levels of awareness regarding the tradition, and that a relevant learning resource material can be developed based on the findings of the study.  The respondents of the study were purposively selected individuals directly involved in the practice and preservation of Pastores a Belén in Oas, Albay. The participants consisted of five (5) key informants: one (1) community elder, one (1) head of the dancers, one (1) active dancer, one (1) local official, and one (1) musician. The responses were classified and tabulated systematically according to the variables of the study. All data gathered were presented both qualitatively and quantitatively. The statistical tools used were thematic analysis, frequency count, weighted mean, and a Likert-type scale, which were employed to analyze the data and determine the respondents’ level of awareness and perceptions regarding Pastores a Belén.  The findings reveal that (1) Pastores a Belén in Oas, Albay originated through both individual and communal efforts, particularly under the leadership of Maestra Metring, with strong participation from local families and church members; it has been continuously transmitted through mentorship, practice, and storytelling, evolving in aspects such as dance, music, costumes, and group composition to adapt to community events and competitions while preserving its religious and cultural essence, further strengthened by annual celebrations that reinforce local identity and pride; (2) In terms of its descriptive components, the dance is characterized by graceful movements such as the waltz, heeland-toe polka, sway balance, and jubilation steps; its music reflects a blend of Spanish influenced and Filipino folk traditions using rondalla instruments and tambourines in varying time signatures and multiple musical sections; its costumes integrate traditional attire with symbolic colors representing religious meanings; its implements such as arko, fans, and tambourines enhance storytelling and devotion; and its other dance properties emphasize memorization, expressive performance, and disciplined choreography to maintain its cultural integrity; (3) The significance of Pastores a Belén is strongly evident in its high ratings across cultural values (4.60, VMA), religious devotion (4.66, VMA), community identity (4.56, VMA), and heritage preservation (4.56, VMA), indicating its vital role in strengthening tradition, faith expression, social unity, and intergenerational cultural continuity; (4) Moreover, the respondents demonstrated very high levels of awareness across all dimensions, including existence awareness (4.78, VMA), content familiarity (4.70, VMA), cultural relevance (4.68, VMA), and preservation importance (4.78, VMA), reflecting strong recognition, understanding, and commitment to sustaining the tradition; (5) Finally, the study highlights that a learning resource on Pastores a Belén may serve as an effective supplementary tool for teaching its history, performance elements, and cultural significance, while also enhancing awareness and supporting its preservation for future generations.  The following conclusions were drawn: (1) The Pastores a Belén in Oas, Albay emerged through the combined efforts of individuals and the community, with key organizers and local families passing the tradition through mentorship, practice, and storytelling; (2) The dance incorporates core steps, Spanish-influenced and local folk music, symbolic costumes, handcrafted props, and choreographic guidelines that maintain its technical, cultural, and spiritual integrity; (3) The Pastores a Belén in Oas,  Albay is significant in reinforcing cultural values, religious devotion, community identity, and heritage preservation, as reflected in the respondents’ high average weighted mean scores; (4) The respondents’ level of awareness on Pastores a Belén along existence awareness, content familiarity, cultural relevance, and preservation importance is high; and, (5) There is a need to develop a supplementary learning resource on Pastores a Belén to teach its history, dance elements, music, costumes, implements, and cultural significance for future preservation and appreciation.  In light of the foregoing conclusions of the study, the following recommendations were advanced: (1) History teachers, and local cultural officers should conduct workshops, storytelling sessions, and h},
      month = {June},
      doi = {https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV9I12-1719057}
  }