Heritage, family and revelry
Ka- Angkan or the Kapistahan ng mga Angkan Festival is an annual festivity that coincides with the founding anniversary of Marikina on April 16. While the Sapatos Festival is centered on the revitalization of the shoe industry and is focused on Marikina footwear products and the skills and creativity of shoemakers, Ka-Angkan exclusively honors the clans native to Marikina. It also gives tribute to Marikeños who have excelled in many facets of life and have given pride and honor to the city.
The people-oriented event was initiated by former Mayor Bayani Fernando in 1998, paving an occasion for the present generation to get to know their ancestors and acquaint themselves with fellow clan members. By celebrating family traditions, kinship and belongingness, Marikeños continue to intensify solidarity in their beloved city.
To qualify in the Ka-Angkan, a clan must have an ascendant family member who is a native of Marikina or must be born in areas that used to be part of Marikina, such as Krus na Ligas in Diliman, Quezon City. The clan must also be at least 100 years old. This year, 36 clans are joining Marikina’s annual celebration.
A traditional parade of angkans rounds up the weeklong merriment, with members of each clan turning up in huge numbers, artistically presenting their clan by what it is known for. The Angkan ng Sili, for example, used to present its delegation with gigantic images of red sili (hot pepper). Other clans have unique monikers such as Ampalaya, Kalabaw, Pertong Intsik and Tetong Magtatakong — which make for an animated and very colorful procession.
“It reflects the age-old tradition of identifying a person or clan by another name by which it is also known,” says Marikina City Mayor Del De Guzman, who himself belongs to a clan. “It is typically a unique family trait; a distinct physical feature or idiosyncrasy; an occupation, skill, or trade; or a serendipitous event. An angkan’s name may also be derived from its political lineage.”
Mayor De Guzman muses, “Our clan, the Angkan ng De Guzman, participates yearly in this festivity where our family members and relatives gather altogether.”
Ka-Angkan is virtually a family reunion of Marikeños, with kubos (sheds) stalled at the festival venue, where clans can eat together, relax and exchange stories. Some clan members who are already based overseas see the festival as an opportune time to revisit the country.
As early as January this year, the local government was already busy in the preparation and proposals for the Ka-Angkan, which presently centers on the theme, “Pamilyang Sama-sama sa Lungsod ng Marikina.”
Marikina Day or the city’s founding anniversary is typically highlighted by a Thanksgiving Mass and breakfast with the clans, city officials and representatives of the multi-sectoral groups. This year’s special Mass was held last April 16 at the Old Dela Peña Church, where the Jesuits historically built a chapel during the Spanish colonial period.
During the week-long celebration, the city launches the Ka- Angkan, which is shortly followed by the turn-over ceremony for the Hermana and Hermano Mayor. In observance of the Holy Week, the launch and continuation of the festivities this year was moved to April 21.
At 9 am, after the flag ceremony at the Freedom Park in Brgy. Sta. Elena, the Art Wednesday Club led the opening of an exhibit called, Marikina: Pagbabaliktanaw sa Nakaraan. Another exhibit with the theme, Ang Aming Kuwento, was shown, which depicted the clans and their respective historical background. Photographs and memorabilia of family members from decades ago up to present were included in the collection, demonstrating the strong relationships and impressive family trees of Marikina clans. An Angkan Selfie clan photo contest at the City Hall Quadrangle even heightened the exhibit.
As a culminating event, clan members will be joining the Ka-Angkan parade tomorrow — the most anticipated part of the Ka-Angkan Festival. It will start on Bonifacio Ave. in Brgy. Barangka and will cap off with a program at the Roman Garden in Brgy. Jesus Dela Peña.
This year, the city also lined up the following activities for the Ka-Angkan Festival: tree-planting at the Marikina Watershed (April 22), a lecture about the importance of family and relationships at the Sentrong Pangkultura ng Marikina (Kapitan Moy Building, April 23), Ka-Angkan Piknikan sa Ilog (April 24) and KaAngkan Amazing Race (April 25).
“Our celebration of the Marikina Day and KaAngkan Festival are part of our deep connection with every member of every clan in our city. Their stories give a richer color to this bond, and we are expecting our present clans to pass this legacy to the next generations. This way, the values and traditions will not deteriorate and otherwise flourish until the next generations to come,” Mayor De Guzman expresses.
“I hope that the angkans manage to preserve their traditions and close ties. Although we want to highlight the traits, we also urge them to strive for improvement and show compassion for their fellow citizens.”