Rain Dance

On one of my last days in the Philippines, I went to the Karakol Festival in Malagasang. In short, it's a religious event where people participate in a dance procession around the town on the streets to traditional Filipino music. Onlookers who don't participate in the dance often throw candy and money into the crowds of dancers for good luck.

I was surprised to wake up to find it pouring rain, but I was immediately told by enthusiastic cousins that the dance would continue rain or shine. Actually, I was pretty excited for a few reasons. First, I love the rain, and it hadn't rained much yet since I'd been in the Philippines. Second, one of my absolute favorite things in the world is when it's sunny and raining. And third, imagine the pictures!

By the time we got to Malagasang and the dance procession began, the rain had let up a bit. But the constant steady drizzle that lingered didn't dishearten those ready to dance. I was promptly handed a tray full of colorful candy and money, and was told to start throwing them into the crowd as soon as they came by the house again. I can't even begin to describe how much fun I had. Just imagine throwing money and candy into a crowd of dancers passing by while simultaneously trying to take pictures of all the local children diving into the crowd trying to collect as much money as they can. And don't forget the fact that it's still raining. And kids plus rain plus puddles plus candy and money can only equate to something incredible. And yea, I definitely got sick. But playing in the rain has never been more worth it.



















There's something about taking pictures of children that I'm so drawn to. I think it has to do with being able to capture real raw emotions in kids.