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For some people, they consider holy week as a time for leisure and vacation. We often forgot the true meaning and value on why we are commemorating holy week.

During this so called “modern times ” the things we used to the back then have changed, although some of the traditions are still kept and followed, we could all notice the difference. During my younger years, you can hardly watch any tv shows on TV except for Biblical movies like “the bible”, Seven last words, Beatitudes, Genesis.

Even radio programs have been shut down, especially on Good Friday itself. Elders are always reminding us kids not to play and be loud. But during these days it is no longer observed as there are now the presence of cables, DVD’s, internet, ipod and other multimedia gadgets that can no longer restrain you from doing nothing during the holy week.

Here are the activities that are usually done on Holy week:

• Pabasa (reading)- is a holy week practice that starts on holy Monday, it is where Jesus’ life, passion, death and resurrection are being told in  a chanting and poetic way, this has been still religiously followed by the elders and in some parts of the provinces. Nowadays, younger generation takes their part by using melodies of pop songs and even does it in a rap manner.
• Visita Iglesia(Church visit) and Station of the Cross- It involves visiting several Churches at which the faithful would pray the Stations of the Cross.
• Senakulo (Passion Play)- a dramatic presentation of the passions of Christ, although this one can now be hardly seen now.

• Salubong (meeting)- large statues of Jesus and Mary are brought in procession together to meet, imagining the first reunion of Jesus and his mother Mary after Jesus’ Resurrection. This usually takes place at an early dawn and an Easter mass is celebrated after.

Whatever we do during the holy week, the important thing is to take and devote even a little time to God and reflect on God’s sacrifices that he has done for us.