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Everybody was in a good mood and it was fun
taking pictures. Alas it was already well past midnight, I was lacking sleep
and different photo assignments were waiting for me the next days. So after
half an hour of shooting the people passing by I decided to continue my trip
back home. Maybe next year I will join them... ;-)
Walking to Antipolo Church as a form of penitence.
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While driving back home on Holy Thursday from Morong to Manila I encountered a huge crowd of young people walking towards the church of Antipolo. I don't know how many
people converged to Antipolo but I estimate it was in the hundred of thousands. Probably more than half a million. Some of those teenagers walked
for several hours as far as Manila or Angono. I don't know when this tradition started. If one of my blog visitors
can explain this happening he/she is welcome to post it in my comments.
Pabasa
"Pabasa ng Pasyon" (chant reading of the Passion of Christ) is a practice done in communities, churches and chapels.
Traditionally, Holy Monday marks the start of the marathon reading of the "Pasyon".
The Pasyon book contains verses that narrate the story of the life, passion, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The text itself is composed of stanzas consisting of five lines each.
The text of the Pasyon first appeared in 1704 and was written by Filipino priest Gaspar Aquino de Belen of Rosario, Batangas. De Belen’s book was called "Ang Mahal Na Passion Ni JesuCristong Panginoon Natin Na Tola."
This tradition is very popular among the poor as they relate their present hardships with that of the sufferings and inequalities endured by Christ during his time.
The reading of the Pasyon can be done in the form of a song or chant depending on the renditions done in different provinces or regions. Originally, it is done a cappella-style but some devotees use guitars or a rondalla as accompaniment.
(source: Pabasa: Remembering Christ's death and resurrection by Maria Aleta Nieva)
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Pabasa in Tondo.
Palm Sunday in Sta. Isabel, Malolos.
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In Sta. Isabel, Malolos, the priest blesses the palms in a nearby chapel. With the procession to the church is carried the Humenta or the image of the Christ on a donkey surrounded by four angels.
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Little balconies/castles (castillos) are put on the way to the church. From there, young girls shower palaspas bearers with petals and sing sogs of praise. As the priest approach, the children sing Hosana Filio David (Hosanna to the Son of David).
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