ANGELES CITY -- The City Government here through the Angeles City Tourism Office (ACTO) has lined-up activities in observation of the Lenten season done in partnership with socio-civic, performing arts and the religious sector.
Kicking off this year’s Lenten observance is Sinukwan Kapampangan’s “Panata at Panalangin: A Spiritual Journey through Culture and the Arts” which features a mixed-media art exhibit and dance performances depicting the religious practices of the Kapampangan region.
On its fourth year, the presentation will be staged on March 30 to April 4 at MarQuee Park under the artistic direction of Peter de Vera.
A holy week recollection with a theme “Thinking of the Poor, Feeling for the Poor and Caring for the Poor” will be spearheaded by the Holy Rosary Parish Church (HRPC) on March 30 to April 1.
The recollection-cum-sharing will feature key speakers including Fr. Rocky Evangelista of Tuloy Foundation, Peter de Vera of Bale-Balayan Museum for the Poor, and veteran journalist Kara David with her advocacy ”Project Malasakit”.
On April 1, the HRPC will do “Dalan ning Krus” (Stations of the Cross) at 4:00 p.m. The same day in the afternoon, Barangay Tabun’s annual community-wide fellowship through “Apunan ning Pamisanmetung” will take place at 7:00 pm. This event is a symbolic get together headed by the barangay's local officials, which aims to unite Tabun’s community and the people who come from different religious sects and backgrounds.
The Mass of the Lord’s Supper and the Bisita Iglesia: Veneration of the Blessed Sacrament are set to happen on April 2 at the Holy Rosary Parish Church.
Jesus’ sacrifices and martyrdom will again be remembered as Lourdes Northwest Barangay Council and Jason Pabalan’s Uyat Artista stage a two-part theatrical re-enactment of the Last Supper and the Crucifixion of Christ with “Siete Palabras” (The Seven Last Words) on April 2 and 3.
Angeleños are set to pay homage to the Holy Cross where Jesus was crucified through the solemn Veneration of the Cross and the Good Friday Procession on April 3 at the Holy Rosary Parish Church.
Culminating the city’s weeklong Lenten observance is HRPC’s Easter Vigil, Easter Procession and the traditional “Salubong” which celebrates the celebration of Christ’s resurrection and His symbolic reunion with the Blessed Virgin Mary.
The pre-dawn procession is slated to happen on April 4 from 8:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan stressed the need to keep these religious observances amidst the city’s growth and modernization.
"This is yet another opportunity for our citizens to preserve and promote our intangible heritage and that is by safeguarding our traditions and religious practices," said Pamintuan.
"Let us reflect and keep the real essence of this season deep in our hearts," the mayor added.