Things to do during Holy Week in Manila

While many people take advantage of the Holy Week break to take a trip out of town, staying in Manila is not a bad idea. Without the usual office crowd, Manila is amazingly quiet. The silence is surprisingly relaxing, and you can't help but settle into a state of reflection. Despite most commercial areas being closed to the public, there's still plenty to do in the city. Here are ten activities for Holy Week in metro Manila: 1. Walkway at Bonifacio High Street - This is an interactive exhibit that guides visitors through the Stations of the Cross. One good thing about the Walkway is that the exhibit speaks for itself. Every station has an explanation that comes with an act for the visitors to do. There are no tour guides to dictate the pace of the exhibit, so visitors may think about and do the recommended actions for however long they wish.

2. Movies - Cinemas may be closed, but Holy Week offers a rare occasion for the family to be together. There are several fitting films to watch for the season, beginning with the classic The Ten Commandments to The Passion to the animated Prince of Egypt. 3. Alay Lakad - Every year, devotees make a pilgrimage to Our Lady of Antipolo. Thousands of people walk from various places to the shrine, many of them barefoot. Antipolo is home to the brown image of the Blessed Virgin, or the Nuestra Señora de la Paz y Buenviaje. It is believed that a special prayer will be answered if one completes the pilgrimage. 4. Visita Iglesia - Laguna is a popular destination for this tradition. The churches around the lake towns display their best antique santos during Holy Week, and the local delicacies are a delicious incentive for the trip. For those staying in Manila, however, there are many churches to visit, including the historical San Agustin Church in Intramuros. For those unable to leave the house, there's the online Visita Iglesia, which the Church reminds us should not be a substitute for the real thing. 5. Mass of the Lord's Supper - Held on Maundy Thursday, this begins the Easter Triduum. The Last Supper is recalled, and in some churches, twelve men are chosen to represent the apostles, and to participate in the washing of the feet. This represents the service and charity of Christ, who came "not to be served, but to serve." The supply of anointing oil to be used in ceremonies during the year is also consecrated on Maundy Thursday. 6. Siete Palabras - The Seven Last Words will be held by the Dominican Province of the Philippines at twelve noon on Good Friday at the Santo Domingo Church in Quezon City. Themed “Ang Pasyong Mahal sa Buhay ni Juan," the Siete Palabras will air GMA-7. Dominican preachers Fr. Rolando de la Rosa, Fr. Enrico Gonzales, Fr. Tamerlane Lana, Fr. Filemon de la Cruz, Fr. Allan Lopez, Fr. Roman Santos, and Fr.Nilo Lardizabal will deliver the reflections on the Seven Last Words. 7. Cenakulo - The theatrical dramatization of Christ's passion, where a procession of flagellants head toward the chapel. Most parishes have their own cenakulo, and in some places like Barangay San Pedro Cutud in Pampanga, you can witness the real life crucifixion of some penitents. 8. Earth Day - This year, Earth Day falls on Good Friday. While the usual Earth Day celebrations will not take place on Earth Day itself, you can always celebrate on your own. Hold your own Earth Hour and turn off all your lights, or head to Manila Bay and watch the sunset. The breathtaking beauty can be an experience that is just as spiritual as any Holy Week activity. 9. Sabado de Gloria - The Easter vigil mass is a beautiful celebration. Held almost entirely by candlelight, many churches incorporate a dramatization within the mass. In the Sabado de Gloria is the blessing of fire and water and the renewal of baptismal vows. 10. Salubong - A festive Easter dramatization filled with flowers and colors, the pre-dawn ritual reenacts the Risen Christ's meeting with his mother. Children have special participation in the Salubong, where they play the roles of angels and get to "fly" when they are lowered to lift the mourning veil of Mary. One of the best places to watch this presentation is at the Angono church. Wherever you go, expect the church bells to be rung, and a procession to enter the church. The males follow the image of Jesus Christ, while females follow the image of Mary. Mass is then said inside the church. - YA, GMA News