ANGELES CITY -- A sundry of solemn activities and events are set to happen in this highly-urbanized city for the observance of the Lenten Season.
“This is the best time for us to reflect and remember the sacrifices that Christ has done for us. Out of town vacations are great but let us also take time to solemnly observe Lent as a manifestation of our faith,” said Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan.
Kicking off this year’s observance is Holy Rosary Parish Church’s (HRPC) living Stations of the Cross which is set to take place at the Plaza Angel, 6:30 p.m.
On Palm Sunday, April 9, HRPC will stage the re-enactment of the triumphant entry of Jesus Christ to Jerusalem, 4 a.m. at the Apung Mamacalulu Shrine.
The sixth installment of Sinukwan Kapampangan’s “Panata at Panalangin: A Spiritual Journey through Culture and Arts” is set to happen on April 10 and 15, 6 p.m. at the MarQuee Mall Park.
The Lenten presentation, which features the religious practices of the Kapampangans through a mixed-media art and dance performance, will be directed by Angeleño artisan Peter de Vera.
Also on the April 10 to 15, a dramatic take on “Kalbaryo ng Bayan” will be showcased by Teatro Angeleño at Estacion de Angeles People’s Park, 4 p.m.
On April 11, HRPC will hold a “Cumpisalan ning Balen” from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. to be followed by a regular mass at 5:30 p.m., and a recollection at 6:30 p.m.
Sinukwan Kapampangan is also set to restage “Ing Ritwal Ning Banal a Panata” on April 11, 7 p.m. at the Plaza Angel, Sto. Rosario Heritage District, which highlights the traditional rituals and practices of Pampanga folks during lent.
HRPC’s “Ing Dalan Ning Cruz” (Pipaglimbunan) will be held on April 12 (Holy Wednesday) at 4 a.m. regular mass and recollection will follow.
Also on April 12, Mike Pangilinan will be facilitating a lecture on “Pamandarame” happening 9 a.m. at the Angeles City Library and Information Center.
On the same day, Barangay Tabun will be having its annual community-wide gathering and fellowship through “Apunan ning Pamisanmetung” at 6 p.m.
On Maundy Thursday, HRPC will hold the Mass of the Lord’s Supper at 5:30 p.m. which will coincide with the city’s most anticipated “Siete Palabras” or Christ’s “Seven Last Words” in Lourdes Northwest (LNW) with the Re-enactment of the Last Supper, 6 p.m. at Arevalo Basketball Court.
On Good Friday, April 14, the dramatic continuation of Siete Palabras with the Re-enactment of the Crucifixion and Death of Christ, will be staged 12 noon at the LNW Golgotha.
“Siete Palabras” will feature the creative direction of Jason Pabalan with characters from Uyat Artista and residents of LNW.
Also happening on Good Friday is HRPC’s Veneration of the Cross at 3 p.m. which will be followed by the traditional Good Friday procession. The Veneration of Apu, on the other hand, will take place at 10:00 pm.
The HRPC Easter Vigil will take place at 8 p.m., to be followed by the “Salubong” at the Nepo Grounds at 10 p.m.
On April 16, Easter Sunday, regular Sunday Mass is scheduled by the HRPC, except for the 5 a.m. Mass.
Capping this year’s Lenten observance is Arti Sta. Rita’s Lenten zarzuela entitled “Tulauk” to be directed by Kapampangan artist Andy Alviz, on April 16, 6 p.m. at the Nepo Park.
“These events will help each and every Angeleños, tourists and pilgrims alike, to reflect and pray not only for themselves, but also for the betterment of their fellow and of the country,” Pamintuan said.
On the other hand, acting Mayor Bryan Matthew Nepomuceno issued Executive Order 12, suspending work in all offices of the City Government on April 12, Holy Wednesday, in anticipation of massive vehicular and pedestrian traffic in major road networks in and around the city due to the influx of tourists to visit and witness the city's Holy Week activities.
However, personnel involved in traffic enforcement and management, health and emergency services, and disaster relief and operations are required to report to their respective government offices.
Suspension of work in private companies and offices shall be at the discretion of their respective employers.
For more information about Siete Palabras, Tulauk, and Panata at Panalangin, contact the Angeles City Tourism Office (Acto) at 0977-377-1585 or visit Acto’s Facebook page at fb.com/Angeles City Tourism Office. (AC-CIO with reports from Mary Joy Banal and Jerryfe Maika Guiao)