Rise and Rejoice

Today, we celebrate the most profound and happiest day of the Holy Week celebration.

Alleluia, Christ is risen!

Happy Easter!

Sea of Faith

Those words came to my mind while watching the Good Friday procession last night.

There were more than 50 "pasos" and - in my estimate - more than 5,000 people who attended the procession in Tabaco. It was so heartwarming to see a sea of people, carrying candles, ushering the Saints around the Centro.

Truly, Holy week in Bicol hits different.

FMM: Words of Tradition

If there's one thing that was on my agenda on this trip to Bicol, it was to go to Malinao and hear the Siete Palabras.

We did this when we where kids. As early as 1pm, we'd go to Sts. Joaquim and Anne Parish, and we'd listen to the  last words and wait for the image of Christ to breathe his last. Yes, the image of Jesus Christ actually "dies" at 3pm. And, back then, it was a novel sight for a kid from Manila to see.

I'm glad to have witnessed this again, albeit the scriptures and sharing went a bit overtime and the culmination happened around 3:30pm rather than 3:00pm.

One of the songs that they sang during the 7 last words is an old church song that's been a favourite of mine since childhood. And on today's Good Friday Magic Madness, it's only apt to play this song:

"Pananagutan" is a church hymn that was written sometime between the 60s and the 70s. It was written by a Jesuit preist named Fr. Eduardo P. Hontiveros, SJ, and has been part of church hymns ever since. 

It's such a classic song that while listening to it this 2026, it still hits the same way as it did when I'd listen to it as a kid in the 80s.

I'm so glad to have heard this, and witness this tradition, after decades.

Let the joy rise

Today is one of the most joyous days for the Catholic world.

Alleluia! He is Risen!

Whenever we hear Easter Sunday mass, you can feel the happiness and excitement of the congregation. From the priest to the servers to the choir to the mass goers, everyone is excited to meet the resurrected Christ. 

Happy Easter, everyone!

Vigil-ance

As much as I'm enjoying the peace and quiet of Holy Week here in MNL, part of me still misses spending Holy Weeks in Tokyo. Particularly, attending the Easter Vigil Mass with Mark at the Franciscan Chapel Center.

From the time we gather at the garden, to the procession going tot he main chapel, to the baptismal rites at the basement - each part of the Mass is wonderfully meaningful and solemn. And when the newly baptized Catholics are paraded around the chapel amidst cheers and applause, it can't help but make me teary-eyed.

Hopefully, we'll be able to experience that again soon.

Can you Handel this?

Happy Resurrection Day!

As the Bible scripture says: "He is Risen. Alleluia!"

And it's that time of the year again. Time to bring our Handel's "Messiah" and celebrate our risen Lord.

A glorious day deserves a glorious hymn.

Refreshing

Back when Mark and I would spend our Easter Vigils in the Franciscan Chapel Center in Roppongi, there were 2 hymns that they'd usually.sing.

First is "Go down, Moses." And this is a song I've written about before.

The second is a hymn entitled "Come to the Water."

This is part of the 5th reading, and they would often sing this song as part of the scripture. 

As we commemorate Black Saturday and hear the vigil mass, it's refreshing to hear this song once again.

Of Biblical Proportions

One of the things that I look forward to during Holy Week are all the religious-themed shows that are airing on Free TV.

As kids, we'd often watch "Jesus of Nazareth" and "Ben Hur", as well as "Jesus Christ Superstar."

Today, I was able to catch the newer version of "Ben Hur." Aside from that, there was a mini-series on-air that which retold Bible stories. 

It was great to relive all the stories again, and this Holy Week is a great time to do it.

Humbling

Today is the official start of the Holy Week. 

Maundy Thursday masses usually include the washing of the feet. This is one of the acts that really highlighted the humility of Jesus Christ, as he washed each of the apostles' feet prior to the last supper.

It's a sacred act that also reminds me of the masses that Mark and I attend at the Franciscan Chapel in Ropponggi. They would also have a washing of the feet where the lay ministers would ask the congregation to step forward to have their feet washed.

Humility is really one of the qualities that Jesus lived by that we should also bring into our daily lives, as much as we can.

After all, a little humility can go a long, long way.

Rejoice!

This will be the 2nd year that we're celebrating Palm Sunday virtually.

The Palm Sunday Mass is one of my favourite masses during the Holy Week. There's such an uplifting feeling each time the congregation lifts up and shakes the palms while the priest walks through the sea of palms, blessing them.

It's such a joyous sight that harks back to the time when Jesus walked through a rejoicing crowd, with Palms in the air. When I read the bible as a kid, I'd play this scene in my head. Then, when films and TV shows came out depicting this scene, it was exactly what I had in my head.

I also miss spending Palm Sunday with Mark in Tokyo, particularly in the Franciscan Chapel. They give away palms there for free, same as they do in HKG. But the Palms there look quite different from the very ornate Palms we have here in the Philippines.

We might be at home again for Palm Sunday this year, but we celebrate and remember with joy the start of the Holy Week.

Love and Compassion

Today is Maundy Thursday, and this very apt and timely image appeared on my google search page:

This rings truer now while in the midst of all this uncertainty. One of the best things you can share is Love. Love for family. Love for friends. Love for strangers. Love for Him.

I'm praying that when this is over, we become - as a people in general - more compassionate and loving people.

Kondo living

One of the joys of staying home during the Holy Week holiday? Going all Marie Kondo and disposing stuff that "don't spark joy."

And here's my pile for today!

Can't wait to do some more tomorrow. This is strangely gratifying.

Feeling up while going down

During last night's Easter Vigil mass in the Franciscan Chapel, there was one song that made such a strong impact on me.

It was a song that I heard for the very first time, and the woman who sang it did such a spectacular job. She wasn't just singing, she was telling a story using her voice. The lyrics alone were powerful, but the way she sang it was equally strong. As I told Mark, "she went all Aretha Franklin on us, and I like it."

The song is "Go down, Moses," and it was such an uplifting song. Mark and I were still singing it on the train ride going home.

Here's an earlier version from Louis Armstrong.



Yes, this is going to be my Holy Week LSS. And it might even go beyond Holy Week.

It's that good.

FMM: I need a Herod

When we were in High School, our Christian Living teacher asked us to watch "Jesus Christ Superstar" as part of a class activity. And, since then, I've enjoyed watching this again and again and again.

The one we watched was the 1973 version, and my favorite part of the film was the song "King Herod." In fact, I wrote about it on my blog three years ago.

What I didn't know is that there was a 2000 film version. I only found out today when I was once again searching for the musical on youtube. And it turns out, the newer version of "King Herod" is as nice. This one has more sass and pizzazz, but the emotion is still the same.



I must find a full version of this 2000s version.

FMM: For the love of Christ

It's Good Friday, and it's business as usual here in Tokyo. Unlike in Manila where all the malls are closed, people here pretty much go around their day like it's any other one.

The only indicator that it's Good Friday is if you go to Church. You'll see that it's quite full, and everyone is intently listening to the scripture, particularly the Passion of Christ.

And this Passion reminds me again of that classic musical "Jesus Christ Superstar," which featured many beautiful songs. Among them is this heartwarming song that was sung by Mary of Magdala:



In yesterday's scripture, it was written that we should love one another. And I think loving one another is one great way of showing our love for Christ.

FMM: Song for Christ

As the Good Friday mass ended, the priest asked the congregation to go home in silence and - in the stillness of our hearts - appreciate the sacrifice that Jesus made for us.



Here's to a meaningful Good Friday to everyone.

A song for Holy Thursday

After dinner, Mark and I decided to watch a Lenten movie in remembrance of Holy Thursday. 

Searching on the internet, there were the usual suspects such as "Ben Hur," "Jesus of Nazareth," "Jesus Christ Superstar," and "The Ten Commandments."

Then, there were some unusual choices such as "The Notebook." (Yes, the Nicholas Sparks weeper.)

We settled for this 1943 classic about St. Bernadette Soubirous, "The Song of Bernadette."

Having seen this for the first time, both Mark and I agreed that was a wonderful film. The writing was beautifully done. The acting was top-notch. (Jennifer Jones won the Oscar for best actress in 1943.) And the film gave us an insight on the life of a Saint that I've always been interested about. Her innocence, her simplicity, and the politics surrounding her visions.

Maybe part of it is because I'm a Lourdesian, and our teachers were always centered on Our Lady of Lourdes and St. Bernadette. Another part of it might be the fact that I've always been interested in St. Bernadette's incorrupt body. (Which I tried to see in Nevers, but the Cathedral was closed the time I went there.)

Seeing this film again awakened that interest once again. I think I'll be watching this film again. And I also think I'll attempt to go to France once more and try to see St. Bernadette in the flesh.

Hangovers and Herod

It's a few days after Easter Sunday and I still have a bit of a hangover from Holy Week. And it turns out that I'm not the only one. The other folks here at the office were all saying that they're not ready to work yet and they hope that the holidays were extended.

But my hangover isn't manifested by being too lazy to work. Heck, I've been churning out project after project.

My hangover led me to youtube where I watch snippets from the film "Jesus Christ Superstar." This is a film based on a musical, and it's a contemporary take on the Passion of Christ. I have 2 favorite songs from this play/movie. The first one is Mary Magdalene's song "I don't know how to love Him." And the second is the clever take on the first meeting of Jesus Christ and King Herod:


(video courtesy of youtube)

This is such a catchy tune.

So catchy, I'm now on Last Song Syndrome mode.

Hallelujah!

Ever since we were kids, Easter has always been celebrated with much aplomb. There's the Easter Mass, the jumping up and down, the Easter brunches, and of course, the Easter Egg hunts. So, it was really a celebration.

But even if you strip it to the barest minimum, (read: no parties or Easter egg hunts,) Easter is definitely worth celebrating. After all, this is the day that Our Lord and savior was resurrected.

And no other hymn captures this thought and lesson like Handel's Hallelujah Chorus.

For the lord God omnipotent reigneth.

The kingdom of this world;
is become
the kingdom of our Lord,
and of His Christ.

And He shall reign forever and ever.

Hallelujah.


(video courtesy of youtube)

With a promise like this, how can one not rejoice?

FMM: Good songs

Today is Good Friday, and it's actually one of my favorite times of the year. The city seems so peaceful, and everything feels as if the world is paused for a moment. No malls, no restaurants, no worldly distractions. There should be more days like this.

I went to Our Lady of Perpetual Help for the commemoration of Good Friday, and it was such a solemn mass. Well, except during the sermon when there was so much clapping as prodded by the Officiating Priest. (Who, by the way, I fondly call "Father Clapper" because he asks us to clap for everything.)

Whenever I hear mass, I miss the "old songs" that are sun in the church. When I say "old songs," I mean the church songs that they used to sing when I was in Elementary and High School. A few weeks ago, they sang "Pananagutan" at EDSA Shrine, and that was such a thrill since it's been ages since they last sang that song in Church.

Today, another old song was sung by the choir. It's a song entitled "Hesus na aking kapatid." Ever since elementary school, I've enjoyed listening to this song. Mainly because it has a beautiful message, and that is "Jesus is in all of us." In the lyrics, it states that Jesus can be seen in a farmer, in a person with tattered clothes, or those with muddy garments, and more importantly, in people who are humble in their service to the Lord. As the verse goes: "Ikaw Poon makikilala, sa taong mapagkumbaba."

(this very nice video courtesy of youtube. Credits go to the owners.)

Maybe there should be a revival of songs like these in masses. I mean, if there's Friday Magic Madness on radio where they play the best of the 80s, maybe they can do the same for masses. Sunday Magic Masses, perhaps?