Samar governor clarifies viral ‘money-showering’ video as part of cultural tradition

Samar governor clarifies viral ‘money-showering’ video as part of cultural tradition

  • Samar Gov. Sharee Ann Tan clarified that the viral “money-showering” video was part of the traditional Kuratsa dance
  • She said the “gala” or money showering symbolizes generosity and community spirit, not luxury or wealth
  • Tan emphasized she joins such traditions to honor the Samarnon identity and support local causes like the church
  • The Kuratsa, common in Samar and Leyte, is a cultural practice during fiestas, weddings, and religious celebrations

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Samar Governor Sharee Ann Tan has spoken out after a viral video circulated online showing her dancing while being showered with money.

Photo: Wikimedia
Photo: Wikimedia
Source: UGC

She explained that the act was not intended as a display of extravagance, but rather part of a long-practiced cultural tradition in Samar and Leyte.

“Part of this custom is 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,” Governor Tan said in a statement.

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The video, which quickly spread on social media, drew mixed reactions from netizens.

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Some criticized it as inappropriate, while others defended it as a reflection of local culture.

Tan clarified that she participates in such practices not for personal display but to honor the heritage of her constituents.

“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,” the statement added.

The “Kuratsa,” a traditional courtship dance in Eastern Visayas, is often performed during weddings, town fiestas, and religious festivities.

The money showering, or “gala,” serves as both entertainment and a way to raise funds for community causes.

By addressing the controversy, Tan emphasized the cultural significance behind the practice, underscoring that it reflects generosity and solidarity rather than luxury.

News, photos, or videos that arouse the interest of netizens would often go viral on social media, due to the attention netizens give them. These viral posts appeal to the emotions of netizens, and in rare cases, this could also happen to ordinary people, making them very relatable stories that people could easily understand and relate in their lives.

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In other news, a 60-year-old Okayama teacher was fired for working part-time at a convenience store, violating Japan’s strict ban on secondary jobs for public school teachers, Bombo Radyo reported. The school principal confirmed the violation after personally visiting the store on the teacher’s rest day. The teacher admitted taking the job in November 2023 to supplement her reduced salary after being rehired post-retirement. The case sparked online debate over Japan’s prohibition on side jobs, with critics questioning its fairness for honorable, off-duty work.

Still in other news, the parents of two of the students injured by falling debris in Quezon City have issued a statement detailing their sons' conditions and calling for accountability. One son is in critical condition and requires surgery, while the other sustained injuries and is traumatized. The families are requesting an expedited investigation and plan to pursue legal remedies against those deemed negligent. The parents expressed gratitude for the support received and acknowledged the assistance of Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte and other local officials.

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Source: KAMI.com.gh

Authors:
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Stacy dela Fuente (Editor)