Behind The Curtains by Chezie Tormis

".. The measure for a true Filipino is his knowledge of the cultural activities and traditions of the past."

We usually thought that Caranza is merely an entertainment. But do we really know what Caranza is all about and who is its founder? The founder of Caranza is Mr. Vicente Araneta, a teacher of biology for 40 years. We where given a privileged to interview him. Here is our one-on-one interview with the man who is behind Caranza:

C&M: Where did Caranza originated?

DVMA: Actually, Caranza is a form of joyous celebration taken from Danao which focuses more on joyous dancing.

C&M: How did you come up with the idea to bring Caranza to CNU?

DVMA: Usually, Liberal Arts month focuses only to the students and the faculty staffs are left with nothing to do. So, I came up with the idea with Dr. Angel Pesirla to make an event solely for the teachers.

C&M: What is Caranza, and how will it help the teachers?

DVMA: It is an event to revisit the cultural practices of the past. So that, the new generation of teachers will know the dances and traditions. In short, they will know the past practices and will have an insight of what is moro-moro, balitao, and other intangible heritage.

C&M: Is there a change with the Caranza this year and the two Caranzas before?

DVMA: Yes, because the first event exclusive for the faculty teachers only. The next year the students were invited but it was held in the evening. And so there were only a few students who went because of its time schedule. This year it is held in the afternoon so it’s more convenient for the students to see it.

C&M: What is your most memorable experience in Caranza?

DVMA: The first Caranza was really great. It was the most entertaining of all. I remember the ladies (faculty teachers) where wearing long gown with the male dance troop carrying their umbrella.

C&M: What are the first awards in Caranza?

DVMA: It where the Bitoon sa Kagabhion, Mananayaw sa Kagabhion, Labing Matahom sa Kagabhion and Labing Gwapo sa Kagabhion.

C&M: The students nowadays don’t know how much about our past. How will Caranza help the students?

DVMA: The students will be exposed to the practices of the past, they will have the feel of the past and they will remember it.