Lagaylay in Odang’s Life: Retelling Oral Narratives on Faith and Local Traditions in Calabanga, Philippines

Faith and religious practices have long been intertwined with the art of oral storytelling, transmitting sacred knowledge, spiritual wisdom, and cultural traditions across generations. The influence of retelling oral narratives on the development of a script for a stage play is important, as it improves various cognitive and linguistic skills that are crucial for effective storytelling and scriptwriting. In the Philippines, religious beliefs and cultural traditions are transmitted through oral narratives while being susceptible to transformation as a means to adapt to be relevant and respectful of its authenticity. The purpose of this research is to explore the retelling process of a religious heritage known as Lagaylay, practiced in Quipayo, a sitio in Calabanga composed of four (4) barangays. Lagaylay is an age-old Catholic tradition performed through singing and dancing to honor the Holy Cross. Given its significance to the town and its cultural heritage, the study documented this practice through actual observation and series of interviews with the devotees to understand its importance and significance and examine thereafter the transformation of oral narratives into a script for theatre production. The implication to education is that research on the Lagaylay tradition and the development of “Odang†may prove essential particularly in teaching and learning about local history and culture. An opportunity is provided for both teachers and students to engage in learning about the town’s history and traditions and to appreciate and value its cultural heritage. It also offers a unique approach to learning, where students can engage in the process of documenting and showcasing their local culture through creative outputs such as plays or literature. By integrating local culture and history in the curriculum, it enhances the learning experience of students and promotes cultural diversity and understanding. The impact of oral narratives in faith communities is profound.