What makes the Philippines a unique country with diverse cultural traditions during Holy Week so exciting even on solemn days of the season?
The regional Lenten practices that accentuate the religiousity of the Filipinos.
Here in the Province of Batangas, there are a lot of activities during the holy days.
In Taal, there is the lua, a spoken literary tradition where a damsel dressed in exquisite gown recites atop a makeshift stage a poem to venerate Virgin Mary, Saint Joseph and the sacrifices of Their beloved Son, Jesus Christ to save mankind from damnation.
The lua has been one of the poetic heritages that expresses the piety of the Holy Trinity, especially the Son, religiously done during the break of dawn on Easter Sunday.
It is also recited in Good Friday to show the pious mood and atmosphere of the occasion.
According to Estrella Gualberto Salcedo Inandan, a retired teacher from Rosario, Batangas, the lua is highly appreciated by the residents in Taal as well as local and foreign tourists.
"Mamamangha ka sa pagtula ng mga kabataan dahil memoryado nila ang pahkahaba-habang (You'd be mesmerized by the recitation of the young ladies because they could memorize kilometric) lua," exclaimed Ma'am Nene, Estrella's nickname.
Another popular Holy Week tradition in Batangas is the bati (greeting) where young girls dressed in white march selectively in front of a house to greet a household.
"Dito naman sa amin sa Rosario, naku, ang mga kabataang babae sa bati, sumasayaw sila sa harap ng mga pinili nilang bahay (Here in Rosario, oh, the young girls dance in front of selected houses)," informed Ma'am Nene.
Meanwhile, the common "Pasyon" or chanting of the life of Jesus Christ especially His sacrifices for the redemption of the world is being staged in San Juan and the rest of Batangas towns and cities in Holy Week.
In San Juan, according to Ema Mercado, a native of the town, the melody of the "Pasyon" is diversified.
"Iba ang tono sa amin ng 'Pasyon' kaysa ibang bayan at ibang probinsiya (The tune of the 'Pasyin' in our town is different from other towns and provinces)," Ema described.
Processions of various religious icons and images in Batangas are done provincewide.
There are just some of the holy events Batanguenos prepared and observed to make Lent a season of unity and hope.
If one visits Batangas during Holy Week, there are still many traditions left to be desired.
"Lahat ay nag-aambag ng kanilang makakaya para maipakita ang pagmanahal sa Panginoong Diyos (Everyone contributes in their own capacity for the love and glory of the Lord)," said Ma'am Nene.
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