ANGELES CITY -- City Tourism Officer Richard Daenos of the Angeles City Tourism Office (ACTO) said Saturday that the City Government is all set for observance of the Lenten Season.
Daenos said that one of ACTO’s main thrusts is to actively support activities being held in the city for the promotion of Angeles’ history, tradition, arts and culture.
Slated to be staged is "Ang Paglilitis ni Mang Serapio" by John Jurado, "Panata and Panalangin" and "Siete Palabras," a reenactment of the passion and death of Christ.
On April to 14 to 16, Kapampangans will be treated to a spiritual journey through culture and the arts with "Panata at Panalangin" (vows and prayers) at the Marquee Park, 5:30 pm. The event is presented by the Sinukwan Kapampangan Training Center for the Arts through the direction of Peter de Vera.
"Panata" is described as a distinct and vivid expression of the Kapampangan devotion to Christ. Several exhibit pieces made of flagellation tools will be in place as “stations”, which symbolize a prayer for several challenges that our society faces today. An interactive presentation and “Magdarame” (flagellation) dance performance is also set to captivate audiences. Admission is free.
The city is also set to stage the graphic re-enactment of the passion, crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ this Lenten week. Now on its fourth year, “Siete Palabras” which means “seven last words”, returns with its two-day presentation format, starting with the portrayal of the “Last Supper” on April 17, Maundy Thursday at the Arevalo Basketball Court in Barangay Lourdes Northwest, to be followed by the traditional passion and crucifixion re-enactment on Good Friday from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. The event is highlighted by the nailing of three penitents.
The presentation will feature Kapampangan local artists from On Stage School for the Arts under the direction of Jayson Pabalan.
Finally, on April 14 to 18 at the Center for Children and Youth Wholistic Development (CYWD) Mini Black Box Theater in Barangay Malabanias, a Lenten presentation called "Ang Paglilitis kay Mang Serapio" (The Trial of Serapio), which will feature a beggar (Serapio) who was accused and punished for a considered "serious" crime, which forces him to reveal his ultimate secret of survival.
The play, written in the 1960's, is a masterpiece of Professor Paul Dumol, a playright and Don Carlos Palanca Awardee. It will be presented by the Teatro Angeleño by the direction of John Jurado.
Proceeds of the show will benefit the children and youth living in the streets of Angeles City and beyond through the facilitation and cooperation of the Center for Children and Youth Wholistic Development, Inc.-End Child Hunger Philippines projects.
Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan expressed appreciation of the efforts of the event proponents, and believes that such events would help in the promotion of the city’s vast traditional and historical wealth.
“We admire the efforts of the organizers of the events, and we extend our gratitude to them in coming up with these meaningful activities which manifest our reverence for the Lenten Season,” the mayor said.
Pamintuan is known as an ardent supporter of various causes to help revive arts and culture in the city.