During May, the Philippines celebrates Santacruzan, a Catholic festival honoring the finding of the Holy Cross. However, many Filipinos miss this celebration because they are working abroad. Nevertheless, despite the distance, the spirit of Santacruzan is still strong among Filipinos abroad; they found a way to celebrate Santacruzan, creating a unique sense of community and connection while away from their homeland. To recreate the atmosphere at home and experience the special celebration, Filipinos abroad organize a Santacruzan parade in their communities, just like in Mayfest 2024. This summer event introduces Filipino culture to foreigners and lets others see the parade's beauty. Some Delegates in Mayfest even chose to source their gowns from the Philippines. In this blog, we will delve into the economic impact of celebrating Santacrizan abroad on local businesses in the Philippines.

Demand For Authentic Materials

For Filipinos abroad they make the Santacruzan feel like they are still in their homeland. Some Filipinos chose to get products from the Philippines. Here are some examples:

Gowns from the Local Gownshop in the Philippines

The highlight of the Santacruzan parade is the “Reynas” or “Queens,” who wear glamorous gowns, each representing religious and historical figures and Marian characters. Four Reyna delegates, Erminda, Joy, Caren, and Rizzy, decided to get their gowns made in the Philippines for Mayfest to preserve the authenticity of the procession.

Maria Cristina Halili, a fashion designer and local gown shop owner in the Philippines, was the talent behind their beautiful gowns. Cristina initially only had customers from around her hometown. But because of the Filipinos abroad who want to celebrate Santacruzan, her customers became broad. Among the four gowns she created, Rizzy’s gown is the most intricate and detailed because it has gold glittering laces and gold 3D flower designs. Not only did the Filipinos abroad help Cristina, but she also helped them by providing authentic, elegant gowns.

Barong with Authentic Materials from the Philippines

During Santacruzan, Reynas doesn’t walk alone in the parade. They have an escort. The Escorts from Santacruzan usually wear Barongs. Barong is a national garment and standard formal wear. This long-sleeved embroidered shirt typically comprises abaca or pineapple fibers, which are plant fibers. From a straightforward shirt design baro, which in Tagalog means "shirt" or "clothes." Asymmetrical or symmetrical embroidery on the shirt's front adds complexity to the designs. For Filipinos abroad celebrating Santacruzan, some choose to customize their barongs with a Filipino. Filipinos abroad who customize barongs get their materials from the Philippines, so even though they are creating barongs abroad, they can also support the Philippines’ economy by buying authentic materials from local shops.

Virtual Assistants From The Philippines As Organizers

Organizing an event like Mayfest is challenging, but it became easy with the help of virtual assistants from the Philippines. Virtual assistants are independent contractors who work from home and offer clients remote administrative services. These assistants helped Filipinos abroad by creating the needed graphics and marketing, helping with logistics, creating promotional materials, planning the programs, and finalizing the event. Virtual assistants are also why Filipinos abroad found local designers from the Philippines. These assistants also helped promote the Philippines' culture to other countries.

Tourism Boost For Foreigners

Santacruzan celebrations abroad are enjoyed by Filipinos and foreigners who watch the parade. This event can be an excellent opportunity for overseas Filipinos to introduce the Philippines' culture to them and encourage foreigners to visit and tour the Philippines.

Marketing and Branding Opportunities for Local Businesses in the Philippines

When overseas Filipinos buy products from the Philippines for Santacruzan, this is also an excellent opportunity for local businesses in the Philippines to showcase their products in other countries. This event will be a great stepping stone for them to get clients and show other countries how tremendous and talented Filipinos are.

Influence on the Younger Generation of Filipinos Abroad

Not all young Filipinos abroad are born and raised in the Philippines. This Santacruzan event in Mayfest 2024 is an excellent opportunity for young Filipinos abroad to introduce the Philippines' culture, even if they’ve never been to the Philippines. Let’s continue to celebrate events like these so that when these young generations of Filipinos abroad become parents, they can also pass down the culture of the Filipinos.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the colorful Santacruzan celebration is significant for Filipinos worldwide and firmly ingrained in Filipino religious and cultural customs. Filipino communities overseas continue to preserve the essence of Santacruzan, particularly on occasions like Mayfest 2024. These festivals foster cross-cultural understanding while increasing demand for authentic materials and traditional clothing in the Philippines, benefiting local companies.

Register now for Mayfest 2024 and join us in celebrating Santacruzan to see how talented Filipinos are and how these local businesses strive. Let’s all preserve Philippine culture.

The Economic Impact of Santacruzan Celebrations by Filipinos Abroad in Local Businesses in the Philippines