An Lab-asero is an occupational dance from Catbalogan, Samar, the hub of the fishing industry in the Maqueda Bay.
An Lab-asero literally means “The Fish Vendor”. Early in the morning, the sound of the budyong or conch shell trumpet, calls the people to the seashore where the lab-asero has brought fresh fish from the sea. The lab-asero vending fish along the streets on his way to the market is a familiar sight in Catbalogan.
This dance depicts the simple gaiety of the fisherfolk, who after vending fish merrily dance their way back home with fish baskets and budyong. When they make a good sale for the day, the night becomes an occasion for merry-making which lasts until the wee hours in the morning when the lab-asero has to sail out to the sea again.
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