by: Maricris Guerrero In the Philippines where Roman Catholics make up 81 percent of the po pulation, it is no surprise that Filipinos have numerous traditional events during Holy Week. In the early days, these traditions and practices where done for reflection of their sins and the sacrifice Jesus Christ has made. One of these traditions is ‘penitensya’ [penance], which is derived from Old French and Latin ‘poenitentia’. It means repentance or the desire to be forgiven, but traditionally, it is viewed as punishment varying from the sins they have committed. It is usually done during Maundy Thursday and Good Friday; this involves severe discipline, which could be both humiliating and harsh but was considered as spiritual act. Many Filipinos participate this taboo practice, which the Catholic Church prohibits and does not endorse. This Kapampangan tradition began in 1955 after writer Ricardo Navarro came up with the play narrating Jesus’ story, and the actual c
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by Rochelle Acse The practice of foot washing on Catholic churches every Maundy Thursday has been around for years, wherein a priest leading the mass will wash those feet of twelve chosen men dressed as apostles as part of Holy Thursday’s mass ceremony. This pattern is not only observed by the Catholics but also by other Christian religions as Adventists, Anabaptists, Baptists, and Pentecostals. Foot washing has been based on Jesus’s act among His disciples the night before His passion and death on the cross. At that time, when sandals were the primary footwear used against the dusty roads of Israel, foot washing was a common hygiene practice among Eastern countries before a meal. Since their food is placed in a low table where a dirty feet is closely evident. In history, by Jesus’s deed to His disciples, he was doing the work of the lowliest of servants. Furthermore, on the 13th chapter of John, Jesus stood up get himself ready to wash His apostles’ feet that was when they are st
by Maja del Rosario Senakulo is a tradition play here in the Philippines that tells the story of Jesus Christ before and after he was crucified on the cross. Foreigners and and even fellow Filipinos are amazed how senakulo is played by different actors. It is a kind of drama or a play that is usually played in provinces like in Bulacan during the time of Holy Week. ]in Hagonoy, Bulacan, Senakulo happens every year. It is played by professional or youth actors. It is noticeable how the actors are playing good as well. Every year is different. It is beautiful, well prepared as may see it, from the staff, stage productions, costumes, the scripts and even the characters were amazing. This year, Senakulo will be presented in a different way. Pretty sure that it would be fantastic. That will be exciting. That will be a great idea especially for the kids in the younger ages. They will know what happen to the history of Jesus before he was crucified in the cross for us.
by Maja del Rosario Visita Iglesia is being done as repentance for the Holy Week that starts on the evening on Maundy Thursday when the Catholics visit Seven Churches to pray for the Blessed Sacrament in each church. Spending your Holy Week and Visita Iglesia in Bulacan spells a number of Spanish-era churches that you should include in your itinerary. Bulacan is also known for its agriculture industries, having both plains and coastal areas. Here are the best 7 churches for Holy Week and Visita Iglesia in Bulacan, Simbang Gabi, and Misa de Gallo. 1. Saint Joseph the worker Parish Church in Balagtas, Bulacan 2. Sta. Monica Church in Angat, Bulacan 3. Barasoain Church in Malolos, Bulacan 4. Parish Church of San Agustin in Baliuag, Bulacan 5. St. Michael the Archangel Parish in Marilao, Bulacan 6. St. Francis of Assisi, Church in Meycuayan, Bulacan 7. San Isidro Labrador Parish Church in Pulilan, Bulacan
by Mary Mica Derutas Planning to go on a road trip this Holy Week? We’ve got some travel tips for you. Most families usually go on road trips during Holy Week season, but before heading out to your planned destination here are some tips for you regardless of your mode of transportation. 1. Keep your house secure. Home safety should be one of your top priorities before leaving the house, secure the doors and lock the windows, unplug your appliances. You have to double check everything because safekeeping your home will give you peace of mind while you’re on your road trip. 2. Check your vehicle. After knowing that everything in your house is secure the next thing you should keep an eye on is your car. Make sure that the engine, lights, and windshield wipers are properly functioning. Check the Brakes, Lights, Oil, Water, Battery, Air and Gas or BLOWBAG. Change the fuel to avoid unnecessary stops and test if the air condition is as cool as it should be so everyone
by Rachelyn Pabines Philippines is one of a well-known country for its unique culture and tradition, especially when it comes to Faith where one of the largest population of believers are Filipinos. Different beliefs and customs are practiced during a particular or significant occasion and one of the special event in the Philippine time is remembering the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ or probably celebrating during Holy week. It is one of the important events that every Filipino people would never neglect for it is part of a tradition and culture that summed up Filipinos faith. Celebrating this kind of event in the Philippines requires various practices and one of the most common practices during Holy week is the ‘Pabasa’ or a chant - like songs that tells about the passion, death and resurrection of Jesus and consist his seven last words or the ‘Siete Palabres’ before Jesus died. The ‘Pabasa’ or chant is imported during Spanish era wherein it is started from Spanish missionaries,
by Enrico Miguel Maghinang For years the Black Nazarene has attracted millions of devotees due to its miracles and uncommon appearance. Ever year on January 9, Streets leading to the Quiapo Church in Manila are always known to be flooded with devotees, and each year their number grows. From the 15 million devotees that flocked to Quiapo to join the Translacion (literally ‘transfer’) the church estimated this year’s devotees to have grown around 19 million. But where did all this began? How did a statue of Jesus Christ carrying a cross manage to attract millions of Filipino? It is believed that in 1606 an anonymous Mexican carved the image of Jesus Christ bent from the weight of his cross from wood representing the passion and suffering. In 1605, the image boarded a galleon in Acapulco, Mexico, heading towards Manila. And from here, stories of how it became the ebony statue known today began. It was said that during its trip to Manila, a fire broke out in the ship but on
by: Mary Mica Derutas Staying home doesn’t mean sacrificing fun, when you need to unravel that knot of tension in your shoulders and get some real long rest, home is often the place to be. And if travel isn’t in the budget this holy week break, I hope you find these tips helpful in having the best staycation ever. Here’s how you can enjoy your staycation this holy week: 1. Get your house clean. “Cleanliness is next to Godliness” and is it a better way to start your holy week break? Get all of the mess cleaned, anything to freshen up your humble abode almost like you were in a hotel. You’re hitting two birds with one stone, not only you’ve cleaned your home but now you can sit back, relax and enjoy your staycation. 2. Read a book. Who says you cannot travel while staying at home? Books can take you to places you want to go without getting out of your bed, there are also novels that can transport you to other realms. So, read that one book you’ve been wanting to read
by: Maricris Guerrero It has been a tradition for Filipino Catholics to reflect on their sins and show their everlasting faith to the Creator when the Holy Week, which represents the sacrifice of Jesus Christ in paying our inherited sin, began – be it in a form of fasting, pasyon, or penitensya. However, some of Filipinos do not know what the Holy Week observances are followed by other faiths; so here is a list consisting of three different religions that tells us if they celebrate the Lenten season or not: 1. United Church of Christ in the Philippines - The United Church of Christ in the Philippines (UCCP), a Protestant Christian denomination, observes the same Holy Week practices as that of Roman Catholicism. They also observe Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Black Saturday. They also have a senakulo-liked tradition, but it is a Last Supper reenactment and they also do the seven last words. Their Easter Sunday serves as the culmination of the whole Holy
by: Deb Domingo Repent, and you shall return to the Lord. While the superstition beliefs are still rampant as ever, fasting and abstinence still remain strong as ever in to the notion of the Philippines Holy Week. For Catholics, meat are forbidden because they are the flesh and organs of mammals. Fish and any animals that have no meat taste are allowed. There are always exception if a person is ill and needing the nourishment the meat contains. Meat are being singled out because they believed it is associated with feast and celebration since the purpose of the Holy Week is to remember the sacrifices Jesus Christ and penance. Also said that meat is “unclean” and inappropriate during Lenten Season since the first century. Christ Himself ordered His disciples to fast once he leave. Therefore, it is believed that the general law of penance is part of the law of God for man. There are no “substitution” in fasting and abstinence it is still obligatory during Good Friday inc
by: Enrico Miguel Maghinang photo from Rappler.com (2016) Para sa mga magdiriwang ng Semana Santa, mahalagang malaman ang pinagmulan ng pagdiriwang na ito upang maunawaan ang kahulugan nito, pati ang mga nasa likod sa pagpi-penitensya ng mga mananampalataya. Sa mga susunod na pahayag ay tutulungan namin kayong magbalik tanaw sa likod Semana Santa. Ano nga ba ang kahulugan ng pagdaraos ng Semana Santa? Ang Semana Santa ay ang huling linggo bago ang Pasko ng Pagkabuhay ni Hesus (Easter). Ito ang panahon kung saan ang mga Kristyano sa buong mundo ay ginugunita ang pagpapakasakit at pagkamatay ni Hesus sa krus. Ang kilala sa atin bilang Semana Santa ay kilala sa panahon ni Hesus at sa kanyang mga alagad bilang ‘Passover’, ang pagdiriwang kung saan iniligtas ng Panginoon ang mga Israelita mula sa Ehipto. Ngunit ngayon ang linggo ng ‘passover' ay ginugunita na kasabay ng Semana Santa mula sa Linggo ng Palaspas hanggang sa Linggo ng Pagkabuhay kung kailan muling nabuha
by: Rochelle Acse A week-long vacation offers us the fun time to travel and get away with everything. While, many others prefer to stay at home and avoid the long heavy traffic while bearing the summer’s extreme heat. You, catching up some sleep and energy, you might just want to add watching movies in between to include some entertainment on your staycation. Get a grip of your T.V. remote control, as we present The Times’ List of films that might take your staycation in a relaxing yet meaningful level. 1. Heaven is for Real \ The story is based on a best-selling 2010 book of the same title, and was written out of the real life experience of the author and main character, Todd Burpo, a pastor who had his four-year old son survived a very critical illness. Upon his son’s recovery, the child begins insist that he has been to heaven. Heaven is not a physical place as what most think it is, but a personal state of heart, mind, and awareness. 2.
by: Rachelyn Pabines Faith is one of the significant values of Filipino culture, it is more than a belief or a values that Filipino people gives importance with because faith is ‘believing to the unseen things that is beyond human minds can reach or understand’. For faith is the assurance of things that we hoped to happen, it is our confidence and trust that we have put to God. What if you lose faith in the midst of storms of life, or your faith to God is not as strong as before? Here are five things you need to remember that will help you boost, strengthen, and replenish your faith: 1. Prayer Prayer is one of the basic needs of our faith. It is a connection between man and God; it is a way of our communication to start a converse with Him. It is the most powerful weapon against difficulties and trials or every time we encounter unexpected things or situation in our lives yet we often set aside our time to seek God in our Prayer.
Life Beyond Earth The idea that there are other inhabited worlds in the universe besides our own is an old one, with the current age of the universe and its vast number of stars, if the Earth was typical, extraterrestrial life should be common. And by that, should we really prepare ourselves for their return? A recent post from a Facebook page gained attention, the post is about the coming of aliens on February 28, 2018. According to the post, you have to be outside of your house at exactly 12 midnight for it will be a swift abduction. The post got a lot of reactions from the netizens. Some people said thet they would love to be abducted by extraterrestrial creatures for they never felt at home on this planet, but there are some who disregard. Every time we gazed at the vast constellations, we have wondered whether if there’s a life up there, and as we developed science, we began theorizing that the stars also held creatures. Looking for beacons from intelligent
While the average 8 year old boy spend their days playing and learning in primary school, Seth Yee builds spaceship and programs. At age 4, Seth was found to have an IQ of 134. People with an IQ of 135 usually are Neurosurgeons, research scientists, and university professors. Daphlyn Gao, Seth's mother, shared how Seth was unique from the kids his age. "When we bring him out where there are kiddy rides, he would be looking at the mechanisms of the rides to see how it actually worksworks and why it moves" she said. Because he was an advance learner, Seth struggled with his age group which led to his huge meltdown at school. The feedback from his previous school said Seth understood everything they could teach him. From there, his father tried homeschooling for a while. Seth's father was a software engineer. While homeschooling Seth his father always browsed the internet for things to teach him. Later he tried introduced his work to his son. Seth was
Pacquiao calls for patriotism among youth by: Mary Mica Derutas (Photo Courtesy: Interaksyon.com) Boxing icon Sen. Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao said that he was thinking of filing a bill at the senate that seeks the inclusion of a subject on patriotism in Philippine education, for patriotism have lost its meaning among Filipinos. "Kasi wala na e. Karamihan sa atin, Pilipino magtraydor sa kanyang kapwa at magtraydor sa kanyang bansa. So we should teach that patriotism na mayroon tayong loyalty sa ating bansa." Pacquiao said After the Commission on Appointments promoted Sen. Manny Pacquiao from lieutenant Colonel to Colonel as a reservist of the Philippine Army, Wednesday, March 7, 2018. Pacquiao talked about what he would do for the country. "Lahat basta proud ako na kakantahin palagi ang bayang magiliw... Ang mamatay nang dahil sa'yo." He said that he usually gets emotional whenever he hears the line in the Philippine national anth
By: Rachelyn Pabines Women are sharing their ‘#SideProfileSelfie’ picture in the social media, it is a campaign that went viral on Twitter to break the big nose taboos and to encourage everyone to embrace their unique noses and shatter beauty standards. The new campaign ‘Side Profile Selfie’ movement started after a freelance journalist and author Radhika Sanghani posted a side profile picture of herself on her twitter account showing off her big nose. She posted it on Tuesday, February 20, 8:20am. On her post, she was encouraging people to love their noses no matter what the sizes of it, breaking the perception of beauty. She started her new campaign after she posted on her twitter saying “ Breaking the big nose taboo with my new campaign on the # sideprofileselfie !! Let’s stop hating our noses for not being tiny, little snubs and learn to love them by sharing a # sideprofileselfie ” Her # SideProfileSelfie movement challe