Pabasa remains a Holy Week tradition for Filipino Catholics

The tradition of pabasa, a Catholic devotion popular during Holy Week, remains alive in many parts of the country.

In Mariz Umali’s report in “24 Oras” on Holy Monday, Catholics in Dagupan City, Pangasinan already began the tradition at the St. John The Evangelist Cathedral.

Pabasa showcases the love, sacrifice, and the story of Jesus from his death until his resurrection through chanting or singing.

"Mahalaga ito para sa amin, yearly ito na ginagawa namin," said devotee Macky Llamas.

(This is important for us and we do it yearly.)

Meanwhile, devotees visit a giant cross in Ilocos Norte which they believe could heal them if they offer prayers and candles.

The Mount Carmel Church in Lipa, Batangas, on the other hand, is also preparing for the influx of Catholic faithful who will visit during the Holy Week.

A play adaptation of "Passion of Christ" is also being rehearsed in Calabanga, Camarines Sur. The cast is composed of almost 200 actors depicting the important parts of Jesus' life.

Devotees also visit the life size image of Amang Hinulid or the Santo Sepulcro. The image is believed to have originated from Spain  in the 19th Century. — Vince Angelo Ferreras/BAP, GMA Integrated News