In one of Fr. Jerry M. Orbos, SVD’s books — Just a Moment — he asks a powerful question: “Was there a moment in your life when you experienced God in a very real and personal way?” My answer is a wholehearted yes — not just once, but many times. I didn’t grow up religious. I wasn’t taught to rely on God’s grace. As a child, life felt messy, hopeless, and out of control. I wanted to grow up fast so I could fix the things I hated most — especially the way we were living. Back then I didn’t know it, but God was already working behind the scenes. The first time I truly felt His presence was in 2008, when I passed the bar exam. That year, the passing rate was unexpectedly adjusted — something I saw as God’s perfect timing. Honestly, if that didn’t happen, I don’t know how I would have survived it. It was a turning point that made me believe God sees us, hears our whispered prayers, and knows how much we struggle. From that day, I promised myself to live ri...
The Sorteo Festival is a
unique triennial tradition in Carmona, Cavite, deeply rooted in the town's
agricultural heritage. Established in 1861, just four years after
Carmona—formerly known as Barrio Latag—became an independent municipality (formerly
part of Silang, Cavite), the festival's name derives from the Spanish word
"sorteo," meaning raffle or lottery. Historically, this event served
as a public lottery to allocate communal agricultural lands to deserving
farmers, ensuring equitable land distribution among residents.
Over the years, the Sorteo
Festival has evolved to remain relevant to the community's needs. While the
original practice focused on raffling agricultural lands, recent developments
have expanded to include substantial cash prizes. For instance, the 2025
festival offered 450 prizes of ₱50,000 each, 50 prizes of ₱100,000 each, five
prizes of ₱200,000 each, and five prizes of ₱300,000 each. This shift reflects
the local government's commitment to adapting the tradition to contemporary
times while preserving its core purpose of community support and unity. While
the festival’s mechanics have been modernized, its essence remains the
same—fostering unity and uplifting the lives of Carmonians. It has since become
a much-anticipated event, with each celebration growing more festive and
inclusive.
Participation in the
Sorteo Festival is exclusive to native-born Carmonians who meet specific
qualifications. The key requirements include being a bona fide resident of
Carmona, Cavite, at least 21 years old, and complying with local government
regulations and festival guidelines. Traditionally, both single and married
individuals are eligible, provided they meet the age requirement. In recent
years, the registration process has been streamlined for convenience; for
example, the 2025 festival introduced a new Sorteo ID or QR code system,
eliminating the need for a community tax certificate (cedula) during
registration. Qualified participants enter a lottery-style draw where winners
are randomly selected. Previously, prizes ranged from agricultural lands, which
serve to promote economic stability among the locals, to cash rewards that
provide financial assistance to the winners and their families. This time, all
prizes are in cash. The festival spans several days, featuring cultural
performances, parades, talent contest, Binibining Sorteo, and other community
activities that highlight Carmona's rich traditions and vibrant community
spirit. Once the names are called, the announcer will state the winner's roots
and how they became a native of Carmona. This year, all participants will
receive a text message if their names were drawn, along with the result—whether
it is "blanko" (no win) or "swerte" (lucky/winner).
Our family has been
fortunate to have had multiple wins in the Sorteo Festival. My mother, Eya, a
proud native of Carmona and the daughter of Dideng and Bandong (a former
councilor of Carmona), won one of the grand agricultural land prizes during her
time. Years later, my sister Abet also won a cash prize, further cementing our
family's deep connection to this tradition. This year, after years of waiting
and considering that I never had any luck in this kind of lottery, my name was
finally called as a winner. It came as a complete surprise, as we were already
sleeping when the news reached us through chat messages from my siblings and a
family friend. Since we were used to not winning in any game of chance, we
weren’t expecting nor even bothered to check the official Sorteo page for
updates. The same happened with my sister Kathy, who only heard the news from her
neighbors. Our family's blessings continued as both my sister, and I were
fortunate enough to win cash prizes in the latest Sorteo Festival. These
personal experiences underscore the festival's enduring impact on our lives and
the community at large.
Beyond the excitement of the raffle, the Sorteo Festival serves as a testament to Carmona's commitment to preserving its rich cultural heritage. It strengthens community bonds, fosters camaraderie among residents, and ensures that the town's history is passed down through generations. Whether one wins land or cash, the true essence of the festival lies in its ability to bring people together, celebrate local heritage, and provide tangible benefits to its participants. As Carmonians, we take immense pride in upholding this unique tradition, recognizing its significance in shaping our collective identity, and ensuring that future generations continue to treasure and celebrate the Sorteo Festival.
References:
- "Sorteo Festival." Cavite
Provincial Government.
- Deña, Carla Bauto. "Carmona,
Cavite's Historical Sorteo Festival Goes High-Tech." Manila Bulletin,
February 21, 2022.
- "Carmona City Lights Up for
Christmas, Launches Sorteo Festival 2025." Manila Bulletin, November
24, 2024.
- "Carmona City's Sorteo Festival
Set." The Manila Times, February 12, 2025.
- "Cavite." Wikipedia, last
modified February 2025.
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