Pastores Talisay: A phenomenological study

This study explored the phenomenological understanding of Pastores Talisay, a traditional religious folk dance in Talisay, Camarines Norte. It aimed to describe its cultural elements, examine the lived experiences of key performers, identify preservation practices, determine the factors affecting its sustainability, and propose recommendations for its continued preservation.
Using a qualitative phenomenological research design, the study gathered data through semi-structured interviews, questionnaires, and observation. Participants included key performers, elders, choreographers, and community members involved in the tradition. The collected data were analyzed using thematic analysis to extract meaningful patterns and themes.
Findings revealed that Pastores Talisay is deeply rooted in the community’s religious and cultural identity, particularly connected to the Nativity and Christmas celebrations. The dance is characterized by simple and repetitive movements, accompanied by music and songs with religious themes, and performed using colorful costumes and traditional props.
Based on these findings, the study recommends strengthening youth engagement, enhancing community and institutional support, and prioritizing the documentation and formalization of the dance. As a concrete output of the study, the researcher developed the Pastores Talisay Folk Dance Literature Lecture and Tutorial Notes, which aim to serve as instructional and reference material to support teaching, learning, and the continuous preservation of the dance tradition. Through these efforts, Pastores Talisay can be sustained as a living cultural heritage for future generations.