The Diminishing Numbers of Camareros

in the Municipality of Macabebe

Pampanga Colleges Inc.

Macabebe, Pampanga

A Case Study

Presented to the Faculty of Pampanga Colleges Inc.

Education Department

Submitted by:

Reyes, Jonas Rigor M.

Sta Maria, Jamaica S.

Bustos, Clarence Jefferson

Sunga, Christian Jay Q.

Lacap, Albert John

BSED Social Studies 3A

2024
INTRODUCTION

Kapampangans are known to be naturally and deeply religious. According to Puaben,

PhilGrace T. (n.d.), the most devout Catholics in the Philippines are found in Pampanga.

Additionally, Kapampangans have these admirations towards santos and retablos (icons and

altars) that they would spend a lot of money to take care of these santos and retablos. According

to Peter Romerosa, and John Francis Antonio (2021), Spanish colonization brought the Catholic

devotion of pagsasanto or the tradition associated with the preservation of religious images, to

the Philippines. This passion of taking care of religious images is called being a “camarero”. As

stated by Jose Antonio Lorenzo L. Tamayo (2020), in the Philippine context, the word

“Camarero” refers to individuals who are considered to be caretakers of religious images.

On the other hand, as per the study performed by the Social Weather Stations (SWS)

from November 21 to 25, 2020, the percentage of Filipinos who think that religion is “very

important” in their lives has decreased by 10 percentage points, from a high record of 83%

reported in December 2019 to 73% now (Gabriel Pabico Lalu, 2021). In the abundant culture and

dynamic religion of Macabebe Pampanga, “Camareros” plays a pivotal role in preservation of

cultural heritage of the Municipality. However, the decline in the numbers of camareros is

apparent. Various challenges can lead some camareros to lose their passion. On top of that, the

importance of funding in maintaining the tradition and changes in religious practices can

influence the decline in numbers of camareros in Macabebe.

This study aims to inquire into the insights and lived experiences of Camareros of Macabebe

regarding the diminishing numbers of camareros in the municipality of Macabebe. Specifically,

it seeks to answer the following:

  What religious images does the respondents have in their care?

 What influences the respondents to become a camarero?

 What are the benefits that respondents do receive in being a camarero?

 What are the challenges that respondents have been facing as a camarero?

 What do the respondents think are the contributing factors to the declining numbers of

camareros?

The presented study was significant to the government, community, students and future

researchers.

Government: this study will provide a basis on making or improving government policies

regarding fundings and the benefits that the camareros must receive in order for them to preserve

and continue the tradition.

Community: this study will allow them to find ways on how they can help their camareros in

dealing with challenges that they face, and also to provide recommendations on how they can

encourage their residents to take the path of being a camarero of the community.

Students: in this study, students will help them to know the reasons or factors on why the

numbers of camareros are declining. They will have an idea about the different challenges of

being a camarero, and why does being a camarero mean so much to them.

Future Researchers: this study can be used as their future reference or source of information in

making their research in relation to the topic.

METHODOLOGY

This study employed qualitative research method that depends on gathering information

through questioning. An in-depth interview will be conducted using semi-structured type

questions as the main instrument of the study to gather the data.

Respondents and Sampling Techniques

Five (5) Camareros from the different Barangays of the municipality of Macabebe were

the respondents of this study. Specifically, the respondents were from Poblacion, Macabebe, Sto

Niño Macabebe, San Jose Macabebe and San Gabriel Macabebe. Using purposive sampling,

respondents were chosen in this study. A collection of non-probability sampling techniques

known as “purposeful sampling” pick units based on the qualities or characteristics you require

in your sample. In other words, purposeful sampling involves the “on purpose” selection of units

(Kassiani Nikolopoulou, 2023).

Instrument

In this study, the researchers will ask different questions through an in-depth interview.

Respondents are responsible for the study’s validity and correctness. The instrument contains

questions to be answered by the selected camareros of the municipality of Macabebe. The

questions were designed to know the factors affecting the diminishing numbers of camareros in

the municipality of Macabebe. The first part contains the profile of the respondents, having the

name, age, gender, occupation and adresss of the respondents. The second part would be what
religious images they do have in their care right now. The third part would be the influences that

made them to take the path of camarero. Fourth part includes the challenges that the camareros

faces in their devotion. Final part would ask their insights about the contributing factors to the

declining numbers of camareros in the municipality of Macabebe. The researchers used thematic

analysis to analyze and interpret the responses of the respondents.

Sample Interview Questions:

 Profile of the respondents

o Name

o Age

o Sex

o Occupation

o Address

1. What are the religious images do you have in your care?

2. What influences you to become a camarero?

3. What are the benefits you receive in being a camarero?

4. What are the challenges you've been facing as a camarero?

5. What do you perceive as contributing factors to the declining numbers of camareros in

the municipality of Macabebe?

Thematic Analysis

Thematic analysis will serve as the primary method for identifying and interpreting

patterns, themes, and meanings within the collected data. Thematic analysis involves
systematically coding qualitative data to identify recurring themes and patterns that emerge from

the participants' narratives. This approach allows for a comprehensive exploration of the data,

enabling the researcher to obtain insights and understandings regarding the research topic.

Illustration for the coding process:

Codes Themes

Coding Iterative
Comparison

The figure above shows how did the researchers analyzed and decoded the qualitative

data collected. Thematic analysis will involve several key steps, including data familiarization,

coding, theme identification, theme review, and theme interpretation. Initially, the researchers

immersed themselves in the qualitative data collected through interviews with Camareros in the

different Barangays of Macabebe. After that, the researchers systematically coded the data,

identifying meaningful data that relates to the case study questions. Through repetitive coding

and constant comparison, themes will be identified and refined, capturing the important patterns

and insights present within the data.

 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Name Age Sex Address Occupation

Lai Manlapaz (Interviewee 55 Female Poblacion, Macabebe Jeweler

A)

Mercedes Flores 70 Female Brgy. Sto Niño, None

(Interviewee B) Macabebe

Erwin Viray (Interviewee 32 Male Brgy. San Jose, Massage Therapist

Macabebe
C)

John Russel Rodriguez 23 Male Brgy. Sto Niño, Private teacher and an
online seller of religious
(Interviewee D) Macabebe
images
Joseph Yabut Mandap 45 Male Brgy. San Gabriel, Truck driver, puj driver, at
ahente sa tambakan ng
(Interviewee E) Macabebe
daan
Profile of the Respondents

Table 1. Religious images/icons of the respondents

Respondents Religious Images

Lai Manlapaz (Interviewee A) Puong Nazareno, Santo Niño, & Santo Kristo

Mercedes Flores (Interviewee B) Puong Nazareno, Santo Niño, Mahal na

Birhen Maria

Erwin Viray (Interviewee C) Santo Niño, St. Joseph, St. Mary, Jesus Christ

(Holy Family)

John Russel Rodriguez (Interviewee D) I have the image of Virgen Milagrosa de

 Orani, Virgen Divina Pastora and San Felipe

apostle

Joseph Yabut Mandap (Interviewee E) Sto Cristo del Perdon, El Calbario, San Juan

Evangelist, Mother de la Rosa

Table 1 shows what are the religious images do the respondents have in their care. Lai

Manlapaz have Puong Nazareno, Santo Niño, & Santo Kristo in her care. While Mercedes Flores

have Puong Nazareno, Santo Niño, Mahal na Birhen Maria in her care. As for Erwin Viray, he

does have Santo Niño, St. Joseph, St. Mary, Jesus Christ (Holy Family) in his care, while John

Russel Rodriguez have the image of Virgen Milagrosa de Orani, Virgen Divina Pastora and San

Felipe apostle in his care. Lastly, Joseph Yabut Mandap have the images of Sto Cristo del

Perdon, El Calbario, San Juan Evangelist, Mother de la Rosa in his care.

Table 2. Influences that made the respondents to be a camarero/camarera

Themes Description Interview Statements

Heritage Cameros taking in charge “Actually, una hindi naman talaga ako ang nag

of the responsibility of aalaga sa mga Santo, ibinigay sa pangagalaga ng

taking care of religious kapatid ko and then hanggang sa sinwerte siya at

images from their family nakaalis siya papunta ibang bansa at sa akin

members. naipasa ang pangangalaga sa mga Santo.” –

Interviewee A

“Hindi talaga ako ang original na may ari nyan

 pina-alaga lang sakin yung kapatid ko na nurse na

nasa America sya talagang tunay na may ari nyan,

mana lang sa kanya yan yung mga apung ginu na

yun.” – Interviewee B

Family Camareros being “2012 ako nag start, may pumunta dito at nag

Influence influenced/pushed by karoon sila ng mission nagbigay sila mga regalo

their relatives to take the sa mga tao tapos may nag invite sa mga pinsan ko

path of being a camarero sa mga ginagawa nila at hanggang na

of religious images. impluwensyahan narin ako apat pala kami at doon

nabuo ang aming grupo.” – Interviewee C

“Maybe it's just because of my faith, because I'm a

certified catholic and because also of my auntie

which is a religious person…” – Interviewee D

“Ang imahen na pinagawa ko ang nagtulak sa akin

at ang aking mga pamilya…” – Interviewee E

The first theme that emerged was the hereditary of religious images from the family

members of camareros that made them to pursue the path of it. Respondents A & B both stated

that their siblings were the first owner of the religious images that they have, but due to the

circumstances of leaving the country, the responsibility of taking care of those religious images

was passed to them.

The second theme that emerged was the influence of the family that made them

camareros. According to respondent C, his cousins being invited to a group of missionaries

pushed him to become a camarero of his barangay. Similarly, respondent D & E were influenced

by their family members to become camareros of their respective barangays.

Table 3. Benefits of being a camarero/camarera

Themes Description Interview Statements

Social Mobility Camareros transtioning from “Swerte ang mga natatanggap

being in a lower class to namin mula ng mapunta sa

middle class or upper class in pangangalaga ng kapatid ko

the social strata in a society. si apong nazareno. nakapag

patayo siya ng Isang building

dto sa macabebe at nagkaroon

din siya ng iba't ibang mga

businesses.” – Interviewee A

“Madami syang binibigay

samen, hetong bahay namen

laging baha pero di namen na

isip na magagawa sya saka

yung kapatid ko di namen na

isip na makakapunta sya sa

ibang bansa at dun a-asenso.”

– Interviewee B

Protection Camareros receiving “Pero yung iba sinasabi na

protection and guide from the kahoy lang yan, oo kahoy

religious images that they lang pero kanya kanyang

 care that made them paniniwala lang yan pero yan

invulnerable against sickness noong nag 50/50 yung apo ko

or death. sa dengue lahat ng kasama

nya sa hospital namatay pero

kame nag dasal lang kame sa

kanila naligtas yung apo

ko…” – Interviewee B

“Una sa lahat walang

nagkakasakit sa pamilya,

anak ko at sa araw araw na

pamumuhay namin walang

mabigat na problema ang

dumadaan magaan lahat basta

nagdarasal sa kanila.” –

Interviewee E

The first theme that emerged was the social mobility of the camareros as one of the

benefits that they gained in being part of it. Respondents A & B describe it as blessings as it

made them to renovate their houses, build businesses and it made the siblings of them successful

in life.

The second that emerged was the protection that they receive in being a camarero.

Respondents B & E stated that one of the benefits that they receive from taking care of the

religious images was the protection against sickness and death.

Table 4. The challenges of being a camarero

Themes Description Interview Statements

Misconception Camareros often receives “Sinasabi man ng ibang

misconceptions and criticisms religion kung bakit sinasamba

about their devotion. namen yan e dyos dyosan

lang yan, pero hinde nasa

sayo naman kung sasambahin

nyo or ano…” – Interviewee

“Ang hindi pagka sundo-

sundo ng mga member at

dahil doon nagkakaroon sila

ng ibang grupo kanya kanya

at napunta narin kami sa

barangay or police station

dahil sa mga tao na hindi

maintindihan ang aming mga

ginagawa. – Interviewee C

High-Maintenance “Being camarero is not so

simple because you need to or

it is very expensive to have

imagery the maintenance and

even the different materials

 that you need to the images.”

– Interviewee D

“Pag prepare lunes santo pa

lang naglilinis, at kung

sakaling dahil sa luma na may

i re repair sa mga nasirang

parte tulad ng kamay at

mukha.” – Interviewee E

The first theme that emerged was the misconception of people about the practices and

beliefs of the camareros in their work. Respondent B stated that she receives criticisms about

praising the religious images and was told it is just some fake stuffs, while respondent C

encounters challenges about people misunderstanding their work that led them to troubles.

The second theme that emerged was the financial challenge of maintaining the high

quality of the religious images. Respondent D & E, highlighted that being a camarero is very

expensive, since you have to prepare a lot of materials to make them presentable, additionally,

repairing the damages taken by the religious images is also necessary.

Table 5. Factors that caused the decline in numbers of camareros

Themes Description Interview Statements

Conversion The appearance of different “Siguro yung iba

Christians Denominations naiimpluwensya sila sa ibang

influenced people to convert religion, marami na kaseng

 and follow the teachings of iba't ibang religion ngayon

those sects, thus, contributes e.” – Interviewee B

to the decline in numbers of “Dahil maraming paniniwala

camareros. ang mga nabuksan ngayon at

dahil doon naghihikayat ang

ibang relihiyon na mas akma

ang kanilang paniniwala kay

doon nagkakaroon ng

pagbabago sa paniniwala…”

– Interviewee C

“Simply because one of the

factors that i can say in

macabebe before the

dominant religion is catholic

but then dumating yung mga

born again dumating yung

mga iglesia and other sec, na

naimpluwensyahan ang mga

tao…” – Interviewee D

Technology Technology becomes more “Siguro dahil din ito sa mga

dominant as time goes by, gadgets dahil dati hindi

youth and elder people naman ito uso, saktong mga

became attached in using 6am palang ay nag rorosaryo

 technologies that made them na sila dati,

ignore the path of being a naiimpluwensyahan sila

camarero of their community. ngayon sa technology na

hindi sila mag attend pwede

naman sila manood sa CP…”

– Interviewee C

“Because of their hobbies

because nowadays teenagers

or even adults wants to spend

more time to use their gadgets

rather than strengthening their

beliefs where in one way or

another it is taking care of

image or religious relics.” –

Interviewee D

Free will People chooses the path of “Lalo na kung tumatanda na

doing something based on yung mga tagapag-alaga,

their ability to decide and do hindi na ganon kalakas yung

things out of their free will. impluwensya nila sa mga mas

nakakabata sakanila

pagdating sa pagiging

camarero/camarera…” –

Interviewee A
 “Siguro ay nasa kanila na din

ang naging pagbabago kung

bakit hindi na sila nag aalaga

ng santo sa panahon ngayon.”

– Interviewee E

The first theme that emerged was about the conversion of people from one religion to

another religion. According to respondents B, C & D, the appearance of other sects of

Christianity made others to be influenced and convert to those religions, thus, the number of

people that can be camareros is decreasing.

The second theme that emerged was the influence of the technology to the religious

practices of the Catholic people. As stated by respondents D & C, technology plays a huge part

in shifting the interest of the people (especially the youth) instead of taking over the path of a

camarero/camarera. The respondents emphasized that many believers nowadays do not have the

interest to strengthen their faith.

The last theme that emerged was the free will of the people in choosing which path they

would take in life. Respondent A stated that the influence of elders in terms of persuading the

youth to take their path is not strong as it used to be back in the day, while respondent D stated

that people nowadays have their own beliefs or paths to take, other than being a camarero of their

community.
Conclusion

The results of the investigation are clear that being a camarero is a challenging task.

Camareros chooses their path from being influenced and entrusted by their religious family.

Despite the challenges of criticisms and high-maintenance of the images, they continue to do

their part as it gives them the blessings and protection that they pray from the religious images.

On to the issue of the decline of numbers of camareros in the municipality of Macabebe, it is

apparent that many people got influenced by other religions that made them lose their passion of

being a camarero or to not take the path of being a camarero of their community. Additionally,

technology was a big part of the reason as it shifts the interest of the people (especially the

youth) that made them weaken the faith that they have towards their religion. On top of that, the

concept of free will made people to choose the things that they want for themselves. These

findings suggest that being a camarero may not be the trend right now, however, becoming one

can strengthen the faith and give fulfillment to one’s life. While the study is limited to the lived

experiences of the Camareros of Macabebe, further investigation in relation to the study is

needed.
References:

 Puaben, PhilGrace T. (n.d.). Beliefs and Practices

https://www.scribd.com/document/431329602/Kapampangan-beliefs

 Tamayo, Jose Antonio Lorenzo L. (2020). Contemporary camareros: santos sponsorship

in the Philippines today

https://www.ijih.org/volumes/article/947#n

 Gabriel Pabico Lalu (2021). SWS: Number of Filipinos who think religion is ‘very

important’ drops from 83% to 73%. INQUIRER.net

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1413554/losing-faith-filipinos-who-think-religion-is-very-

important-down-survey-says

 Kassiani Nikolopoulou (2023). What Is Purposive Sampling? | Definition & Examples

https://www.scribbr.com/methodology/purposive-sampling/#:~:text=Purposive

%20sampling%20refers%20to%20a,on%20purpose%E2%80%9D%20in%20purposive

%20sampling.