Pinoy Catholics welcome Easter Sunday with 'Salubong'

Many Filipino Catholics woke up early before dawn on Easter Sunday to witness the traditional "Salubong" or the reenactment of the first meeting of the risen Christ and the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Bro. Jethro Jansen Natividad, a Filipino missionary of the Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers in New York, said the Salubong "takes place at dawn on Easter Sunday, where Mary’s sorrow is dramatically lifted through the removal of her veil."

"Men and women walk separately during the parade, and an angel figure descends, while singing the Regina Caeli. The ritual demonstrates how happiness replaces sadness and grief. This isn't a mere symbol but one way for devotees to actively participate in Christ's resurrection," Natividad said.

"Each church has its own way of practicing the Salubong. And even if there are superstitions, like the dropping of the veil, its primary message is grace and happiness over the resurrection," he added.

Metro Manila

At the Nuestra Señora del Perpetuo Socorro Shrine on Calamba Street, Sampaloc, Manila, a child dressed as an angel was seen removing the veil from the image of the Blessed Virgin Mary early Sunday.

The same scene also transpired at Our Lady of Lourdes Mission Station on Blumentritt Road in Sampaloc, Manila. It was the first time the mission station held the Salubong under the auspices of Rev. Fr. Mac Millet, Mission Station priest.

Fireworks light up the sky over Our Lady of Lourdes Mission Station in Sampaloc, Manila right after the Salubong on Easter Sunday, April 5, 2026. DANNY PATA

At the Immaculate Conception Cathedral of Cubao (Cubao Cathedral) in Quezon City, young sacristans led the procession of the image of the Christ, which was carried by male devotees, according to Super Radyo dzBB reporter Rod Vega.

WATCH: Magsisimula na ang tradisyunal na "salubong" sa Cubao Cathedral sa Quezon City. | via @Rodveg72 pic.twitter.com/I2e5ERFTMT

— DZBB Super Radyo (@dzbb) April 4, 2026

WATCH: Tradisyunal na "salubong" sa Cubao Cathedral sa Quezon City. | via @Rodveg72 pic.twitter.com/b9TQPiMh6t

— DZBB Super Radyo (@dzbb) April 4, 2026

Provinces

At Kamay Ni Hesus Grotto in Lucban, Quezon, the Salubong was held past 12 a.m. Sunday.

Healing priest Fr. Joey Faller led the Easter vigil Mass which preceded the Salubong.

Devotees then brought the life-sized images of Jesus Christ and the Blessed Virgin Mary near each other, after which fireworks were lit to celebrate the occasion.

The image of the Blessed Virgin Mary is brought near to that of the Risen Christ at Kamay ni Hesus Grotto in Lucban, Quezon on Easter Sunday, April 5, 2026. Photo courtesy: Kamay ni Hesus Grotto

Meanwhile, in Cagayan de Oro City, many devotees attended the Mass officiated by Archbishop Jose Cabantan at the open grounds of St. Augustine Metropolitan Cathedral, according to GMA Regional TV One Mindanao.

The "Sugat sa Pagkabanhaw" or "Salubong" was held after the Mass.

SUGAT SA PAGKABANHAW

Ilang Kagay-anon ang nakiisa sa “Sugat sa Pagkabanhaw” o “Salubong” ngayong araw, April 5, kung saan isinagawa ang banal na misa sa open ground ng St. Augustine Metropolitan Cathedral sa Cagayan de Oro, na pinangunahan ni Archbishop Jose Cabantan. | via GMA… pic.twitter.com/BcEwQVoNPR

— GMA News (@gmanews) April 4, 2026

In Davao City, devotees flocked to the San Pedro Cathedral to witness the Salubong, according to Jandi Esteban of GMA Regional TV One Mindanao.

Many of the devotees believe there is reason to hope as long as one has faith.

Dumagsa ang mga debotong Dabawenyo sa San Pedro Cathedral sa Davao City ngayong April 5, 2026, para sa “Salubong” sa Linggo ng Pagkabuhay.

Naniniwala ang ilan na hindi nawawala ang pag-asa basta’t may pananampalataya. | via Jandi Esteban/GMA Regional TV One Mindanao pic.twitter.com/CN7ZPPo4Dp

— GMA News (@gmanews) April 5, 2026

—with a report from Peewee Bacuno/KG, GMA News