Filipino Easter

Claudine Roch   10 April 2003

“Visita Ingelsia” is a common practice of most Filipinos during the holy week. Family and friends visit different Churches and together where they recite the stations of the cross.

 Another common practice done mostly in the provinces is the “Pabasa”.  It is the continuous singing of the passion of Christ.

 Mount Banahaw is a popular destination of most devotees.  It is believed that the mountain is a holy mountain guarded by spirits and other supernatural forces.  One may experience difficulty while trekking the mountain or even entering some of its caves depending on one’s intention and purity.

 It is also a common site in some provinces to see people lashing themselves with improvised whips.  Others carry big logs on their backs and some may even carry big crosses and wear crowns of thorns.  There are actual cruxification on Holy Friday in some provinces.