Makati City Mayor Abigail Binay is inviting individuals and families to “staycation” in Metro Manila, to come and experience the city’s unique Lenten traditions that started on Holy Monday.
“Despite its cosmopolitan image, Makati has retained religious traditions that form an indelible part of its history. We welcome visitors to come join us in various activities scheduled this Holy Week,” said Binay.
A total of 48 “Kalbaryos” (Calvary points) have been put up around the city, mostly in Poblacion during the period. These are temporary chapels erected around the streets where the faithful may chant the traditional “Pasiong Mahal,” popularly known as “Pabasa,” that reflect on tableaus of Jesus’ passion and death.
On Holy Monday, a Senakulo Hesus Nazareno was held at Plaza Cristo Rey at 7 p.m., while a procession of the Black Nazarene will be held at 7 p.m. on Holy Tuesday.
At 9 a.m. on Holy Wednesday, there will be a Celebration of Anointing of the Sick and the Elderly and on Good Friday, the Procession of the Lord’s Burial will start at 6 p.m., while the traditional re-enactment of the “Salubong” on Saturday Midnight will happen along Poblacion Plaza.
The Holy Week celebration will close with an Easter Parade at the same Plaza on Sunday, 3 p.m.
During the entire week, both St. Peter and St. Paul Parish Church will hold masses at 6 a.m., 7 a.m., and 6:30 p.m., except for Holy Thursday; the Lord’s Supper Mass at 5 p.m. on Good Friday; and the Easter Vigil Mass at 8 p.m. on Black Saturday.
St. Peter and Paul Parish Church was completed in 1620, the 398-year old church is Makati’s oldest church and mother parish. It was built by the Jesuits in Baroque style using adobe stones, various Philippine hardwood, and sea shells. It is home to the images of Virgen dela Rosa and Sto. Niño de Pasion, both unique to the locality.
Meanwhile, Museo ng Makati also opens its doors from March 23 to 27 for the exhibit entitled “Primera Salida: New Infusions for Old Traditions” where Makati Lenten Practices are being showcased for free public viewing.
Earlier, the Museum and Cultural Affairs Office presented a mini-concert at Saints Peter and Paul Parish Church entitled “Paniniwala: A Concert of Songs of Faith” led by the Philippine Opera Company Artists.
On Palm Sunday, the Procession and Blessing of Palms or “Palaspas” commemorating the Lord’s entrance to Jerusalem was held at St. Peter and St. Paul Parish Church.
Beginning March 24 until April 1, JP Rizal Street will be placed under a two-way traffic scheme to give way to Kalbaryos or Kubols on inner roads and for scheduled daily processions.
Public vehicles are suggested to take the following routes:
Makati Avenue – Turn right to E. Zobel, left to Valdez, then right to Makati Avenue.
Mandaluyong – Turn left to E. Zobel, right to Mabini, right to P. Gomez, right to Zamora, right to Burgos.
Guadalupe – Turn left to E. Zobel, right to Mabini, left to JP Rizal. PUJ’s to Guadalupe Turn right to E. Zobel, left to Valdez, left to Makati Ave. or P. Burgos, then right to JP Rizal.
Motorists are advised to strictly follow the rerouting scheme.