Samar governor's office explains money dance in viral video

The office of Samar Gov. Sharee Ann Tan on Monday said that the video of money getting thrown while she and her companions danced wasn't taken at a lavish dinner party, but a traditional dance to mark a town fiesta.

The governor’s office issued the statement after the video went viral and the local chief executive drew criticism.

“The Office of the Governor of Samar wishes to set the record straight regarding the video that has been the subject of misleading reports. The footage was not taken during a lavish dinner nor was it connected to government programs or projects,” the office said in a statement.

The office said the video was taken during the Hermano Night of the Catbalogan City Fiesta, a community celebration where the traditional Kuratsa dance 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 on many occasions such as weddings, birthdays, school events, and other community gatherings,” the office said.

Tan’s camp said a part of Kuratsa is called gala or money showering, symbolizing 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,” the statement said.

Based on the accounts of the National Commission on Culture and the Arts, Kuratsa is performed on various occasions such as birthdays, baptisms, weddings, political events, and sports events, among others, and it is performed on level ground with the audience surrounding the dancing space, whether indoors or outdoors.

Moreover, the NCCA said the dancers are called out by a “parag-adu” (one who pairs off or matches dancers). The pair then approach each other in the “paseo” (from Spanish ‘pasear’ or to stroll). 

“We recognize that some may feel that public officials must avoid joining activities such as the Kuratsa in order to remain sensitive to the people's concerns. We deeply respect this view," the office 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 added.

Tan’s camp also said that the gathering was hosted by the Hermano Mayor 2025 of the Feast of St. Bartholomew, Ruben Panaligan, and that the governor was just one of the guests who took part in the Kuratsa.

The governor said that all proceeds from the Kuratsa were donated to the following Catholic churches:

• St. Bartholomew Parish Church
• Diocesan Marian Shrine of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Parish of Ubanon
• Our Lady of Ransom Chapel of Barangay Mercedes, and
• Our Lady of Salvation Chapel of Canlapwas.

All of these churches are in Catbalogan City.

The governor's office said that she remained “committed to accountability, transparency, and improving public service delivery.”

“We acknowledge the sentiments of our people regarding broader issues in governance, and these valid concerns guide us every day as we continue to strengthen programs for the welfare of every Samarnon,” it added. –NB, GMA Integrated News