Philippines Undiscovered #Holy Week in the Philippines #Pabasa

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by: Mary Ann Bolanos

This article is written for my relatives and friends all around the globe to remember the
days of childhood spent in the Philippines. 

"Pabasa" or reading of the "Passion of Christ" is a tradition
in the Philippines during Holy Week.

A family sponsors a "pabasa" when Holy Week comes around.

Pabasa po Kami
Courtesy photo by Arnel E. Hutalla

The "Pabasa" is a prayerful song that sings the History of Salvation, a story of how mankind
is saved from the eternal fire of hell by Jesus, the Son of God. 

The song book is written in Filipino in different dialects: Tagalog, Bicol, Pangasinense, Kampangpangan and Visayan.  A famous 20th century English Filipino writer, Esperanza Gonzalez had written an English version, requested by her Fil-Am colleagues so they can pray the book whenever its Holy Week. 

The "Pabasa" usually starts on Holy Monday, because  Holy Wednesday is busy day, people will be helping out at the Parish Church. So Holy Monday is usually the best time and ends on Holy Wednesday at 11:00 a.m..

In the cities however, most families starts on Holy Wednesday and ends at 11:00 a.m. Holy Friday, in time for the Holy Friday's services. 

Neighbors and relatives invited contribute food - for light snack. Teenagers and young professionals usually skip snacks to participate in fasting or abstinence depending on one's health and age. 

Adults and children take turns in reading or singing the "pabasa". As the days get busier, people who take part in the "pabasa" wears their working uniform reading before going to work or after work.

Participating in the "pabasa" in the community is a wonderful experience, as you meet your neighbors and friends as you take turns in doing the readings.



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