LAKWATSERONG PAYATOT /
M A R K P I N E D A P H O T O G R A P H Y
P A N A G A P O Y | Fujifilm X-E1 and X-A1
SAGADA, MT. PROVINCE, PHILS
"Panag Apoy" (to set a fire/to produce a fire) is an annual tradition in the town of Sagada, Mt Province, Phillippines. Its held every November 1 which is also the Filipino date for "Undas" where people gather to the cemeteries to visit and honor their departed love ones.
"Panag Apoy" was introduced when the Anglicans arrived in Sagada, and because candles during those times are very limited, they used "Saeng", old Pine Tree wood chunks that are usually used for bonfires and torches which is locally available in the province, to produce fire in front of the tomb of their departed. This is the difference of PanagApoy from the normal "Undas".
After the mass, the Anglican priest blesses the "Saeng" before the local light them up. Also, while the bonfires are lit, the priest also blesses the tombs in the cemetery.
