The Wattah Wattah Festival, a vibrant celebration of St. John the Baptist’s feast day in the Philippines, is meant to symbolize renewal and baptism through joyful water-dousing.

But in recent years, this tradition has spiraled into chaos, disrespect, and outright violence, sparking public outrage across San Juan City, Cavite, and beyond.

From elderly women soaked against their will to delivery riders harassed on duty, viral videos expose a dark side to the festivities. In 2025, despite new rules, the festival’s reckless spirit persists. How did a sacred celebration turn into a battleground?

In General Trias, Cavite, a heartbreaking video captures an elderly woman, soaked head to toe, climbing out of a jeepney after young boys doused her with water during the 2025 Wattah Wattah Festival.

Her clothes cling to her, her face etched with frustration. She looks dressed for something important—maybe a medical appointment, a family event, or a job.

Imagine the stakes: a missed doctor’s visit or a ruined day because of thoughtless revelers. Social media erupted, with netizens calling the act “cruel” and “disrespectful.”

Online posts from 2024 noted similar incidents in Cavite, where jeepney passengers were targeted despite pleading to stay dry. This isn’t just fun—it’s a violation of dignity, leaving vulnerable people humiliated in the name of tradition.

Another gut-wrenching clip from San Juan City shows a second elderly woman losing her cool after a man blasts her with a water gun. She’s half-drenched, her clothes sticking to her as she swings her umbrella at him in anger.

As she tries to retreat to her jeepney, he shoots again, mocking her. Enraged, she chases him down and lands a hit with her umbrella. The crowd laughs, but the scene isn’t funny—it’s painful.

Netizens slammed the man’s cruelty, with one post saying, “This isn’t a festival; it’s bullying.” The 2018 San Juan ordinance already banned forcing water on unwilling people, yet enforcement struggles.

This woman’s fight-back is a cry for respect, exposing how the festival’s “fun” can cross into harassment.

Watch the full video here…