The Times

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 actu...

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 sh...

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...