Philippine Culture and Tradition: Semana Santa, The Holy Week of Lent

While many are excited planning for their Summer get-away with family and friends, most of us are also preparing spiritually.

The Holy Week in the Philippines is observed to commemorate and honor the Paschal Mystery - The Passion, Death, Resurrection and Ascension to Heaven of our Lord Jesus Christ to redeem mankind. Here are some of the traditional practices during Lent by many Filipinos:

The crucifixion is still being
practiced by some devotees during
the Lenten Season as penitence.

1. Palm Sunday - The whole family go to mass for the blessing of the Palaspas, the palm leaves. People buy decorated palm leaves and have it blessed by the officiating priest after the mass then take it home to be displayed on the altar or hung above doorways, usually the front door until the next Palm Sunday. Old beliefs say it could ward off bad spirits but now, it's actually being done out of tradition and also as reminder of Jesus' entry to Jerusalem.

2. Holy Monday, Holy Tuesday and Holy Wednesday - Also by tradition, some families host the Pabasa or Pasyon, a non-stop 3-day vigil of singing and chanting of the Passion, Death and Resurrection of Christ. There is a certain melody used in the chanting that veteran Pasyon singers are sometimes invited in shifting schedules complete with guitarists and other musicians. Be that as it may, some opted to change the melody to attract the participation of the youth. Spiritual Retreats are also organized by different parishes, starting Holy Monday to Holy Wednesday.

3. Holy Thursday - The start of the Paschal Triduum, a 3-day period of recalling the passion, death, burial and resurrection of Christ. The usual practice during Holy Thursday is the Bisita Iglesia, where the faithful visits at least 7different churches to pray the Station of the Cross. Holy Thursday is also the last day to celebrate the Holy mass until Easter Sunday comes. The washing of the feet of the apostles during the Last Supper is reenacted during the Holy Thursday mass with the officiating priest washing the feet of the lay ministers. This symbolizes Jesus' humility and love for mankind. The veiling of the sacred images and statues in purple cloth also happens after the last mass celebrated on Holy Thursday. This signifies that Christ's divinity has not yet been revealed during His passion and death. Some devotees also cover the sacred images in their homes in purple or black cloth. The veiling also symbolizes the grieving for the death of the Lord Jesus Christ. The unveiling of the sacred images usually occur before the first mass on Easter Sunday.

4. Biernes Santo (Good Fiday) -  This is the day when you will see many street processions all over the country, reenacting the Way of the Cross or the Senakulo, which is actually a stage play. During the procession, many devotees, women included, who self-flagellate, carry heavy wooden cross and have themselves nailed on the cross as self-sacrifice for penance. This is repeated every Lent as a panata (pledge). Good Friday is believed to be the day that the Lord died on the cross at the holy hour of 3 o'clock in the afternoon, therefore the Sietes de Palabras, The Seven Last Words are also incorporated in the Senakulo.

In the evening, there are funeral processions all over the country of the image of the 'Dead Christ,' the  Prusisyon ng Sto. Entierro. The lying image of Jesus is placed in a glass on a lighted carriage decorated with flowers, followed by the images of the crying ladies,  Mater de Dolorosa, Mary Magdalene, Mary of Cleophas, Mary of James, Salome, and also John the Evangelist. The women during the procession wear veils and sometimes get emotional and cry too.

5. Sabado de Gloria (Black Saturday) - This is a day of mourning to symbolize that the 'Christ is Dead.' People refrain from  merriment and making any noise. TV and radio stations usually do not broadcast live from Good Friday to this day, many establishments even malls, cease their operation also to pay respects. Some parishes reenacts Hudas Eskariote's betrayal of Jesus and hanging of self.

6. Pasko ng Pagkabuhay (Easter Sunday) - This is a joyous celebration for the 'Risen Christ,' marked by the Salubong, the meeting of the Mother and Child after His Resurrection, usually held at 12 midnight or early dawn. The life size images of the veiled Blessed Virgin Mary and the Resurrected Christ will be in procession with separate routes, the women following the image of the Mother while the men, the Christ. They will meet in a designated area where a stage had been constructed signifying the Galilea. The procession will be accompanied by singing and children wearing angel costumes. Upon meeting, the Virgin Mary's purple veil will be removed by an 'angel' singing Regina Caeli, Queen of Heaven. This signifies the end of grieving because the Savior has risen. The unveiled Blessed Mother is also now transformed to the
Nuestra Senora de Alegria or the Our Lady of Joy. There would be ringing of bells and fireworks. The parishioners would then proceed to the Church for the Easter mass. Parishioners sometimes prepare the Agape feast, breakfast for everyone who attended the Salubong. Other activities are also lined up during the day including the Easter Egg Hunting for children.

"I am the resurrection. 

Whoever believes in me though he die, shall live. 

Whoever lives and believes in me will never die. 

Do you believe this?" Jesus Christ in John 11: 25-26

Happy Easter!

Fearless Forecast: American Idol Season 11 Winner ... Jessica Sanchez!

Filipinos are great talents, you bet! In fact, they're considered as one of the best in the world, specially the singers and musicians! Let me just name a few whose talents are recognized and respected in the international music mainstream, whether full-blooded, half, 1/4, 1/8, 1/16... as long as possessing even a drop of the potent Filipino blood circulating in their genes and larynges! We proudly have the caliber of Lea Salonga (Miss Saigon), Apl.d.ap (Black Eyed Peas), Bruno Mars, Enrique Iglesias, Arnel Pineda (Journey), Charice Pempengco and many others.

Even popular TV Host Ellen Degeneres, acknowledged this fact in one of her tweets!

If you're not convinced, here's yet another proof... Filipino singers in many occasions and seasons, have managed to make it as finalists in the most popular and highly exalted singing contest in the world... The American Idol! Alright... it's an American TV Show, I know, but there have always been eligible and remarkably talented Filipino singers able to make the cut out of thousands of other talented hopefuls! Not only that, they're also the toughest ones to beat in the most prestigious singing competition ever produced in the 21st Century!

Here are the list of Filipino singers who made it to American Idol Finals out of the multitude of aspirants who auditioned for a spot!

1. Jasmine Trias (American Idol Season 3 in 2004)

Jasmin Trias, originally from Tanza, Cavite Philippines, was one of the first two contenders of Filipino descent who advanced in the nerve-wracking-literally-cut-throat singing competition consisting of exceptionally talented contenders. She was 17 when she made it to the final 3! Her popularity in the Philippines soared during the airing of the American Idol Season 3 and was well supported by votes from the country. Jasmine Trias visited the Philippines after she won as 2nd Runner Up in The American Idol Season 3 to perform in a series of concerts. She also guested on popular TV shows, made some TV commercials and Billboard Ads.

2. Camile Velasco (American Idol Season 3 in 2004)

Camile Velasco was born in Makati City, Philippines and together with her family later on migrated to Hawaii.  She held on to her spot in the American Idol Season 3 up to the the Final 9. She  visited the Philippines to perform in concerts and also to appear in various popular TV shows.

3. Ramiele Malubay (American Idol Season 7 in 2008)

Another Filipina who made it in the Finals of American Idol Season 7 in 2008. Ramiele Malubay was 20 years old when she auditioned for a spot but looked so much younger than her age due to her petite physique. Born in Saudi Arabia, Ramiele stayed for a little while in the Philippines when the Gulf War broke out before finally migrating to the United States with her family. Prior to auditioning for the American Idol, she performed in various Filipino-American functions around Florida and even guested as opening performer for popular Filipino artists' acts during American Tours. She finished in the ninth place of American Idol Season 7.




4. Thia Megia (American Idol Season 10 in 2011)

The American Idol Season 10 in 2011 underwent exciting changes. There were 2 new judges namely Jennifer Lopez and Steve Tyler,  online voting was opened and most importantly, 15 year-olds could audition! Thus, 15 year-old, Thia Megia was in! Her parents are originally from Angeles, Pampanga, Philippines who changed name from Mejia to Megia when they emigrated to the United States. Thia Megia finished 11th place during this season. She visited the Philippines with the rest of the top 11 finalists during the 2011 American Idol LIVE! Tour.


5. Jessica Sanchez (American Idol Season 11 in 2012)

'Lo and behold the raw talent and beauty of 16-year old Jessica Sanchez! Her Filipina mother hailed from Bataan Province, Philippines.

Jessica exudes a confidence and finesse far beyond her age when delivering her music but covers her face and giggles like a teen-age girl that she really is when adulated with praises, particularly great comments from the judges. Americans may find it endearing and charming but Pinoys immediately recognize it as a  typical Filipino trait... humbleness.

Jessica Sanchez' voice range is wide yet very distinct and has the needed "signature," a unique voice quality that all successful singers have. It is like a "sound imprint" that listeners could identify positively as Jessica Sanchez' and no other. It is like when they know it's an original Michael Jackson song playing on the radio. Jessica's voice could reach and sustain a low, whole bodied vibrato, could control a thin falsetto to velvety smoothness, make a head tone seem natural, or could belch a high yet raspy note and nail it all! Her tone quality, tone color and timbre are flawless! It's all about rare and raw talent coupled with style and control! She is gifted and her God given talent was honed to perfection!




Her fashion sense like her voice range, is as vast and diverse... she may well be a rock star, a pop icon or a diva... she definitely has the swag!

The talent, beauty, style and demeanor of Jessica Sanchez embody the American Idol's "total package!" It is very likely that she would be the first contender of Filipino descent to bag the much coveted American Idol title. Outpouring of support from kababayans (Fellow Filipinos) in the U.S. would surely surge because she is after all, a Pinoy Pride.

The online voting which was opened last Season 10, in addition to the text (sms) and toll-free voting would be  very favorable to the 16-year old Jessica... you want to know why? Simply because the Philippines is included in the Top 20 Internet Users and the Top 10 Facebook Users in the World! Not to mention, the undisputed Text Messaging Capital of the World! Surely, Kababayans from within the Continental U.S., Hawaii, Alaska, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands where voting is allowed, have the same inclination to Social Media and other forms of communication, best of all voting via Facebook is FREE! Isn't that amazing?

Fearless Forecast: 

Jessica Sanchez 

The American Idol Season 11 Ultimate Big Winner!

Indaaaay...yiiii...aaay ♪♫  will always love you... ♪♫ wooohooohooo!  ♪♫♪♫♪♫

(That's me singing above not Jessica ... keep voting! 
Her Whitney Houston's "I Will Always Love You" rendition is below. Click and be amazed!)

Hello Summer 2012! Create Happy Memories of Good Times Once Again!

Summertime! It's one of my more favored season and we only have two, rainy and sunshiny! Here are a few reasons why:

1. My favorite fruits are in season during Summer! They're delicious, abundant and cheap... and some are even free from my parents' trees!

Mangga (Mangoes) - This fruit comes in different varieties and could be eaten ripe (yellow)  or unripe (green). My dad's mango trees are Manggang Kalabaw (Carabao Manggo). It's called such because it's big and round like our national animal's belly. The Department of Agriculture also named this mango variety as the Manila Super Mango. Succulent, juicy and fleshy when ripe, the Philippine Carabao Mango is boasted as the sweetest of its kind in the world! The green or unripe Philippine Carabao Mango especially the manibalang (almost ripe but not quite) is also popular because of its sourness that blends in with its sweetness but I prefer the hilaw at berde (unripe and green) because it is malutong (crunchy) and really sour. Perfect when dipped in the ginuisang alamang (sweet and spicy sauteed shrimp paste)!   

Kaimito (Star Apple) - It's called a Star Apple because it becomes shiny as it ripens and glistens from afar. The round, green and purple fruits look like glittering Christmas balls hanging abundantly on its tree. When you cut it open crosswise from the calyx you will see a star like pattern! The flesh of the ripe Kaimito is milky white, juicy and sweet! Most importantly, it's also free from my mom's backyard!

Pakwan (Water Melon) - A cold slice of this sweet and juicy fruit will surely quench the searing Summer thirst! The fruit looks beautiful to me, the native variety is big (could weigh from 15-20 kilos!), round and  has a very dark green rind. The color of its flesh is bloody red and it tastes super sweet! The numerous small seeds of the fruit however are quite annoying. Good thing we now have the seedless variety. The Pakwan's texture is pleasing but hard to describe. It's soft but a little crunchy and coarse as you bite it, then the sweet juice burst in the mouth as you chew its flesh!

2. Summer time means cold dessert treats!

Halo-halo (caramelized fruits & beans in shaved iced with milk topped with choices of  caramel custard, purple yam or ice cream) -  Heavenly delicious and it's uniquely Filipino! You will see it being sold during summer not only in popular restaurants but in almost every street corner! The root word Halo means to mix or stir. Thus, it comes with many ingredients that you all mix together by stirring... the more ingredients, the merrier! Usual mixes are caramelized saba banana, camote (sweet potato), langka (jack fruit), macapuno (coconut palm variety), sago (tapioca pearls), gulaman (jello), kaong (sugar palm), nata de coco (jellied coconut water), pinipig (pounded young rice crispies), garbanzos beans, black beans & kidney beans. All the ingredients are put in a tall glass or bowl before adding some sugar and ice shavings, then pour a generous amount of evaporated milk and top it with choices or combination of  caramel custard, purple yam or ice cream then the final touch, garnish it with some of the ingredients like the nata de coco, macapuno and sago to make it more colorful then sprinkle it with pinipig! That's it! You may now halo-halo (Mix! Mix!).

Fruit shakes - Since, tropical fruits abound during summer, one can delight in indulging in fruit shakes! Green and ripe mangoes, buko (coconut), guyabano, pakwan (watermelon), melon, avocado ... name it, you can shake it! By the way, some weeks back the Guyabano fruit became a hot topic on social networking sites regarding its supposed curative properties to treat the Big C more effectively than chemotherapy! Whether medically proven or not, the guyabano is a good source of Vitamin C, Vitamin B1 and Vitamin B2 and best of all it tastes really good!

Mais Con Hielo and Saba Con Hielo (Sweet Corn or Saba Banana with milk in shaved ice) - Simple dessert yet truly refreshing! The Saba banana is first cooked in brown sugar and water. Then let it cool in a bowl before you top it with ice shavings and pour in the evaporated milk. Voila! For Mais Con Hielo, I use Jolly Whole Kernel Corn in can because it's easier to prepare and it's cheaper than the leading brand but the quality is as good.  Fresh sweet corn is also cheap during summer, so it's a good alternative but the process is of course longer because it must first be boiled and flaked then simmer in brown sugar, before you can serve with crushed ice and milk. So, just use the canned corn and enjoy!




3. Time to hit the beach and sport the nicest gears! It's always fun to shop for new accessories and swim wear during Summer but I suggest you do it in January when the prices are still low.You however risk not buying the latest fashion designs which will be out early March, but it's not at all that important because it's really how you carry yourself. If you don't have plans yet where to spend your summer vacation, check out the nicest summer destinations in the Philippines HERE. 




4. Summer is the perfect time for family bonding and reuniting with friends! The month of March marks  the end of the school year. The long school break therefore allows the kids to join the Summer fun! The observance of the Lenten Season on the other hand, allows the adults to have a long break too because Maundy Thursday, April 5, 2012 to Easter Sunday, April 8, 2012 are official non-working holidays that will extend until Monday, April 9, 2012 for the observance of the Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor). That's a total of 5-day long vacation!

Summer 2012 like all past seasons, would surely be a blast but I'll make sure to allot some time also for prayer and penance for the observance of the Holy Week.

 Summer... never fails.
It always creates happy memories of good times!