Denise VillamarStill planning where to go and what to do this Lenten Season? Read along, you guys.
It’s the time of the year again where the majority of the Filipinos and other religious groups observe the Lenten Season. During this time, they area various activities, traditions, and ritual practices each province do, from lively to somber.
In this article, Yuneoh have listed some festivities happening nationwide and top destinations you should visit this Lenten Season.
Festivities this Lenten Season
Philippines boasts a rich and colorful tradition which made even foreign tourists fall in love with our country – and one of the reasons is primarily the one-of-a-kind festivals, or fiestas.
This practice goes way back the Spanish era where Fiestas became vital instruments in spreading Christianity throughout the country. It can be either to honor the local Roman Catholic patron saint, to commemorate local history and culture, to promote the community’s products, or to celebrate a bountiful harvest.
Various activities and list of programs are held during the Holy Week. The celebration often starts with Holy Masses, processions, parades, bazzaars, sports competition, theatrical play and reenactments, religious or cultural rituals. There are also trade fairs, exhibits, concerts, and beauty pageants.
We’ve listed here our top 3 festivals famous Lenten Season festivities
Moriones Festival
This festival is the top of mind festival here in the country. Why? This annual week-long festivities features the Moriones who are clad in a Roman soldiers garments, and masks patterned after the 16th and 17th century. These soldiers march around town as a reenactment of the search for Longinus. The entire towns of Boac, Mogpog and Gasan are virtually converted into huge stages as the story of Longinus unfolds.
Moriones stars on Holy Monday and culminates on Easter Sunday
Holy Week in Paete, Laguna
During the Lenten Season, the creativity of the Paete locals are highlighted through their impressive craftsmanship on wood carvings of life size scupltures. This is usually a five-day event that begins on Palm Sunday re-enacting Christ’s triumphant entry to Jerusalem. It runs until Good Friday when the faithful queue to kiss the exposed hands and feet of the Holy Sepulchre statue. The highlight of the event is the display of Paete’s images of Christ’s Passion and Ministry.
There’s even a belief by devotees that they have experienced heaviness while carrying the image, the individual has gravely sinned or the opposite if the feeling is light. Another belief says that taking hold of the flowers that adorn carriage will bring about cures and miracles to the individual possessing it.
Crucifixion in Pampanga
In the town of San Pedro Cutud in Pampanga, the locals reenact the crucifixion of Jesus Chris. The flagellants also walk the streets barefooted while beating their backs with wooden sticks until they bleed.
Must-Visit Destinations this Lenten Season
Although this season requires Catholics to repent, observe silence, and go fasting, some Filipinos spend the rest of the holiday with their friends and family.
It’s either they go for a road trip to North and South, book for a hotel and enjoy a staycation, or just bask in the sun in famous beaches here in the Philippines.
And so you don’t miss out on where to bring your family this Lenten Season, we have listed some must-visit destinations this holy week.
Iloilo
Explore some hidden gems in the City of Love, and have the best holiday with the fam!
With the warm smiles and soft spoken characteristics of the locals, oh-so-good La Paz Batchoy, old-age beauty, and rich culture of Ilonggos, what’s not to love in Iloilo?
First off, try Church hopping and immerse in Iloilo’s grandiose churches like the Miag-ao Church located in the municipality of Miag-ao. Its well-preserve and architectural wonder wows many local and international tourists. It is one of the four baroque churches in the Philippines inscribed in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
This century old church propelled them to be the finest example of Fortress Baroque Church by the UNESCO Convention. You should also visit Sto. Niño de Arevalo Parish in Plaza Villa, the Molo Church dubbed as the only Gothic Church outside Manila, and finally the Guimbal Church, the goldenrod church.
Aside from churches, they offer unique experiences to tourists through their dining delights. One of the most find eats here is their signature dish – La Paz Batchoy. Good thing is that it is served throughout all over Iloilo. And in case you haven’t tasted it yet. this hearty noodle soup is made with round noodles. It is combined with pork organs (liver, spleen, kidneys and heart), chicken stock, beef loin, shrimp stock, and garnished with chicharon (pork cracklings).
You can even hop on a 20 to 30 minute boat ride going to Cabugao Gamay which attract multiple tourists. This is because of its’ picturesque place which features a white sandbar and an interesting rock formation as well.
Kamay ni Jesus
If you and the family want a more serene and religious place in time for Lenten, might as well visit Kamay in Hesus in Lucban, Quezon.
This place is a famous pilgrimage site especially this holy week. Filipinos flock to this place as they wanted to attend the healing mass conducted in its chapel.
In February 2002, The Kamay ni Hesus Shrine and Healing Center was constructed with the help of the locals and other Filipino Donors from various communities in the United States. In a an article written by Out Of Town blog, it is said that Father Joey Faller even shared the money he inherited from the family heirloom to financially sustain the construction of the Healing Center.
For first time visitors, one of the thing visitors do is climbe the 305 steps grotto to reach 50-foot statue of the Ascending Christ.
The 5 hectare sacred ground also house the Luklukan ni Maria, Noah’s Ark, Resurrected Christ, Gallery of Saints, Garden of Eden, The Angels Hill, The Marian Park and the religious Murals.
If you want to plan an overnight stay in Kamay ni Hesus, they have twenty one (21) air conditioned rooms available for the pilgrims and retreatants to choose. Each are equipped with baths and toilets. For more information, you may e-mail them at noahark_knh@yahoo.com or call (+63 42) 540 – 2206 local: 103.
Rates:
- Overnight Room Accommodation with Complimentary Breakfast for only Php 700.00 per person/day
- Whole Day Recollection with two (2) snacks & Lunch for only Php 400.00 per person/day.
- Overnight Retreat inclusive of two (2) meals & two (2) snacks for only Php 1,200.00 per person.
Tagaytay
Want to experience a blissful escapade this upcoming holiday? Then spend the whole day exploring some of the best eats and attraction here in Tagaytay.
Tagaytay turns out to be a favorite spot for tourists with its nice weather and because it is just three hours away in Manila. Here are the places and activities to do if you happen to visit this on holy week.
Bulalo Hopping
You can never find another best tasting bulalo than in Tagaytay. Add the amazing Taal Volcano in the view, you can never ask for more. Some of the best bulalo places to visit are the ones in Leslie Restaurant, Balinsasayaw, Moderno Restaurant, and Mahogany Market Eateries which features several stalls that serves one of the best tasting Bulalo in Tagaytay.
If you want to experience the three-way Bulalo, then head over at Pamana Restaurant which serves the following: Sizzling Bulalo Steak Php 390, Bulalong Sisig Php 400, and Bulalong Corned Beef Php 360. Aside from its heirloom dishes, diners can get to enjoy the avant-garde interior of the restaurant.
SkyRanch
The 5-hectare leisure park in Tagaytay is always full-house every weekend and holidays. This is because of its various rides, and plenty of dining places around the area.
First of all, it is home to the Sky Eye. It is one of the biggest Ferris Wheels in the Philippines, and is the main attraction of Sky Ranch. It is equipped with 32 air-conditioned gondolas that give an epic view of Tagaytay City and its landmarks Taal lake and volcano.
For adrenaline seekers, you can ride the 300-meter zip line, ride the Vikings which swings 90 degree back and forth or feel the rush in their Log Coaster ride.
Other attractions include the Drop Tower, Lobster Pot, High Striker, Bubble-O-Fun, Riding Loob, Sky Cruiser, Mini Viking, Express Train, Wonder Flight, and Flying Bus to name some.
Visit Puzzle Mansion
Immerse in art and wonder around the biggest collection of Jigsaw Puzzle in Puzzle Mansion. Various jigsaw puzzles are displayed on the walls, and 4D types with are intricately made which will wow you each time you roam around the place.
Entrance Fee: P100
Operation hours: 7am-7pm (Mondays to Fridays), 7am-8pm (Saturdays and Sundays)
- Picnic Grove
If you are being practical and wanted to eat outdoors with the fam instead of booking for a restaurant, then worry no more because Picnic Grove is there to save the day.
The Picnic Grove is perfect space for families and couples to come for a picnic and enjoy more family-friendly activities. Such activities to enjoy include horseback riding, ziplining, flying a kite, and more. From the top of the sprawling grassy hill, there are plenty of cottages you can choose. The view from above will never disappoint. You will surely have a great time with the whole family when you chose to dine here this Lenten Season.
Intramuros
No need to visit faraway places and reflect this Lenten Season. Visitors will be transported in a different world when they step foot inside the cobbled street of Intramuros.
Visiting this place will definitely not break the bank, but instead, will be worth the time and experience.
If you choose to tag along with some friends, head over first at the Bambike Eco Tour, and rent some bamboo bike when you tour around Intramuros. It is located at the Plaza San Luis Complex.
Have a taste of history when you drop by Fort Santiago. Once you get inside, you’ll easily recognized a footsteps which represents Rizal’s way to his execution. Inside, there’s the museum called Dambana ni Rizal that houses the national heroes memorabilias, artifacts, and photos of Rizal. There are even real-life sizes of Rizal inside the place which depicts his last days before his execution.
Of course, your tour would not be complete if you haven’t visited the Baluarte de San Diego, which is a circular fort by Jesuit priest Antonio Sedeño but was destroyed during the Battle of Manila in 1945. There is also a garden and yard below with a manicured lawn, perfect for picture-taking.
Finally, cap off your visit at the San Agustin Church and Convent, dubbed as the oldest stone church in the country and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Inside are old liturgical books, and religious images made of ivory and wood, and intricate artworks on the ceilings.
Siargao
After the successful movie hit, Siargao, people flocked to the place and have some RnR. Leisure and first-time travelers get to experience beauty of the province.
In case you haven’t visited the place yet, Siargao is a tear-drop shaped island. It boasts islands with towering coconut trees, and tourists spots that deserves some place on your Instagram.
It is also known to be the Surfing Capital in the Philippines. So if you want to experience some bliss and adrenalish rush, then you know where to go.
Here are the list of places to visit when in Siargao:
- Sugba Lagoon
- Hop Guyam, Naked, and Daku Islands
- Kawhagan Island
- Sohoton Caves Boat Trip
It is a fact that Siargao stand out amongsts other places in the Philippines. The reason behind this is because it is less crowded, and has the abundance of the marine life. Also, they can make awesome waves for surfers’ satisfaction.
So what are you waiting for? Tag your buddies along with you and experience a getaway like no other this Lenten Season.
