Putong Gaseño

utong is a traditional ceremony unique in Marinduque which is held
usually to celebrate a birthday. However, the ceremony was extended to welcome and honor visitors and at the same time bless them for a long and fruitful life.

The ceremony starts with a group of "mamumutong" or "manunubong", mostly women and kids, quietly assembling in front of the host's home. With guitar accompaniment, they start singing and announcing to the host that the "mamumutong" have arrived. As tradition dictates, they come to seek and entertain the celebrant fondly called a "saint". They also sing praises for the good weather that coincides with the celebration. The politeness of the people of Marinduque is evident in the song where the "mamumutong" humbly acknowledge that they cause disturbance to the host, but they can't be stopped because they are all set to celebrate regardless. They compliment the host about the cleanliness of the path that will lead them to the celebrant. They playfully take a peek at the celebrant, and shower him with admiration ("sakdal ng rikit", means very, very beautiful). "Tao po" is a Filipino way to knock at the door. ("Tao" means a person and "po" is a particle that indicates respect or politeness) The mamumutong greet the host a peaceful, good evening (putong is normally held at dusk) while they rush towards the hall where the celebrant sits.

The second part of "putong" starts when everybody arrives at the hall. The tempo of the song quickens. At the center of the hall is the celebrant flanked by two little "angels" holding lighted candles. The "mamumutong" tell the celebrant that they brought a crown, a palm and a variety of flowers. As the song progresses, one of the "mamumutong" comes out of the group and gracefully crown the "saint". Another person hands him a palm, which signifies success and joy. The rest of the crowd tosses flowers towards the celebrant.