Samar Gov. Sharee Ann Tan says viral video throwing money part of traditional Kuratsa dance
The office of Samar Gov. Sharee Ann Tan explained that a viral video of her throwing money with her peers while dancing was part of the traditional Kuratsa.
In a statement on Aug. 25, Tan's office said the footage wasn't taken during a lavish dinner or wasn't connected to government programs or projects. Rather, it was taken during the Hermano Night of the Catbalogan City Fiesta, in which the Kuratsa was performed.
"The Kuratsa is a cultural tradition long practiced in Samar and Leyte, from the city centers to even the farthest barangays. It is not limited to fiestas but is performed in many occasions such as weddings, birthdays, school events, and other community gatherings," it said.
It explained that the dance includes the "gala" or money showering, which symbolizes generosity and community spirit.
"It is in no way a display of luxury or wealth, but a practice deeply embedded in our way of celebrating faith and togetherness," it added.
It noted that Ruben Panaligan, the Hermano Mayor 2025 of the Feast of St. Bartholomew, served as the celebration's host. Tan, meanwhile, was an invited guest who participated in the Kuratsa.
"It must also be highlighted that it was not only the Governor or the Hermano Mayor who took part in the gala, almost all of the people present during Hermano Night joyfully gave as part of the tradition," it said. "Most importantly, all proceeds from the gala were donated to the St. Bartholomew Parish Church, the Diocesan Marian Shrine of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Parish of Ubanon, the Our Lady of Ransom Chapel of Barangay Mercedes, and the Our Lady of Salvation Chapel of Canlapwas, all in Catbalogan City."
Nevertheless, Tan's office acknowledged sentiments that public officials must avoid joining public activities like the Kuratsa "in order to remain sensitive to the people's concerns."
"We deeply respect this view," it said. "Governor Tan joins these cultural traditions not to display wealth or power, but to honor the Samarnon identity and to support the causes they represent, in this case, the local church and its communities."
It assured Tan's constituents that it would remain "committed to accountability, transparency, and improving public service delivery."
"These valid concerns guide us every day as we continue to strengthen programs for the welfare of every Samarnon," it said.
"As we honor our cultural traditions, let us also remain grounded in their true meaning, community, generosity, and solidarity. These values are the same principles that guide the Provincial Government of Samar in serving our people faithfully," it added.
Writing for UNESCO's International Information and Networking Center for Intangible Cultural Heritage in the Asia-Pacific Region, Filipino dance scholar B.E.S. Villaruz said the Kuratsa is an indigenized version of Mexico's courtship dance, La Cucaracha (cockroach), which was believed to have been introduced by Mexican soldiers and traders when Mexico had administrative and trade relations with the Philippines.
But the Kuratsa "does not exhibit any trace of the pesky roach nor of the impassioned Mexican in movement, style, or rhythm," with Waray folks saying their dance depicts "the flirtatious movements of the rooster and the hen in courtship."
It's traditionally accompanied by a rondalla or live string band, though as times evolved, music recordings on compact discs have also been used.
