Chapter X: Pammati As the Lenten season approaches, the air in the household is filled with a sense of solemnity and reverence. Isko busies himself at the house altar, carefully arranging candles and flowers. The altar, a centerpiece of the house, radiates history and artistry. Its bronze and silver pieces glimmer faintly under the morning light, while antique ivory statues, encased in glass and wood, exude a timeless beauty. Among them is a small yet striking replica of the Sto. Cristo Milagroso de Sinait, its serene expression inspiring awe and faith."Napakaganda ng altar natin," Isko murmurs, adjusting a candle."Parang isang parte ng kasaysayan." Every Sunday, the trio heads to the cathedral for Mass. While Christine and Benigno participate in the service, Isko lends a hand with the preparations for the Retablo, assisting the sacristans in setting up for the season's liturgical celebrations. At home one afternoon, Isko holds an old photograph in his hands, its edges worn but its images clear. The photo features the grand santos of Vigan's Semana Santa procession, their intricate details captured beautifully. Christine notices him and approaches with curiosity."Ano 'yang hawak mo, Isko?" Isko smiles and shows her the photo."Ito po ang mga lumang santo na ginagamit sa Semana Santa dito sa Vigan. Napakaganda po nila." Christine takes a closer look, her intrigue growing."Semana Santa? Paano ba ginaganap dito 'yan?" Isko's face lights up as he begins to explain."Ang Semana Santa sa Vigan po ang isa sa pinaka-grandeng prusisyon sa buong rehiyon. Ang mga santo, karamihan po ay mula pa noong panahon ng Kastila. Nakasakay sila sa karosas na puno ng bulaklak at ilaw.""Talaga?" Christine leans in, her interest piqued."Opo," Isko replies, flipping to another photo."May mga tradisyon din po tulad ng Tinnoktok, isang egg game, at iba pang aktibidad na talagang nagbibigay buhay sa selebrasyon." He continues to enumerate the various events of the season:A Tsangge (Market): Stalls stretch from National Bookstore to Plaza Encarnacion, offering everything from religious items to festive delicacies. Estacion Heneral: A reenactment of the Stations of the Cross throughout the city. Maudi nga Panangrabii: The solemn commemoration of Maundy Thursday. Panangidulin ti Sacramento: The adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. Shete Palabras and Agep: The Seven Last Words reflection, followed by the traditional kissing of the cross. Libut ni Santo Sepulcro: The procession of the Santo Entierro, marking Christ's burial. Layap (Virgilia ti Panagungar): A vigil for the Resurrection. Domingo Sabet: The Easter Sunday procession, also known as the Salubong, where the images of the Risen Christ and the Virgin Mary meet. Christine listens intently, her excitement evident."Napakarami palang nagaganap dito. Parang napaka-detalye ng lahat.""Opo," Isko says."Lahat po dito, mula sa mga tao hanggang sa mga santo, nagiging bahagi ng kwento ng Semana Santa." Just as Isko finishes, Benigno arrives from work, overhearing the tail end of the conversation."Ano 'yan, tungkol sa Semana Santa?" Christine turns to him, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm."Oo, ang daming kwento ni Isko tungkol dito. Napaka-interesante!" Benigno smiles, setting his bag down and joining them."Tama 'yan. Isa ang Semana Santa sa mga dahilan kung bakit espesyal ang Vigan. Magandang maranasan ito." The three sit together, their conversation weaving through faith, tradition, and community. The stories spark a newfound anticipation in Christine and Benigno, and for Isko, it's a chance to share a part of his heritage with his newfound family. Domingo Ramos (Palm Sunday) arrives, marking the beginning of the Semana Santa in Vigan. The trio heads to the cathedral early, finding themselves among a crowd waving intricately woven palm leaves. The morning sun casts a golden hue on the cathedral facade, adding to the festive yet solemn atmosphere. As the priest emerges from the cathedral, the congregation erupts in a wave of palms, their collective motion like a sea of faith. Isko, Christine, and Benigno wave their palms with reverence, joining in the chorus of "Hosanna!" echoing through the plaza. Once the blessings are complete, the priest returns inside, and shortly after, a carroza bearing the image of La Pacencia is brought into the cathedral, its presence solemn and dignified. After the Mass, the trio walks over to the Plaza Burgos Foodcourt for a bowl of steaming Miki, their laughter and chatter a brief respite from the day's reverence. By afternoon, they prepare for the Estacion Heneral. Curious, Christine and Benigno ask Isko about the whereabouts of the carrozas with saints."Nasaan na 'yung mga santo?" Christine asks, her brow furrowed in curiosity."Nasa loob po sila ng katedral," Isko answers with a knowing smile. With a mix of disbelief and intrigue, the couple steps inside the cathedral, only to be awestruck. Massive carrozas, each carrying elaborate saints adorned with flowers and lights, line the vast space."Ang laki ng mga ito, pero kasya silang lahat dito?" Benigno remarks, his voice echoing in the cathedral."Opo," Isko nods."Isa po 'yan sa mga ipinagmamalaki ng Vigan. Maluwag ang espasyo ng katedral para sa mga santo." As they exit, the trio takes part in the Estacion Heneral (General Stations of the Cross), walking through Vigan's historic streets, their faith deepening with every step. Maundy Thursday arrives, and they attend the Maudi nga Panangrabii Mass, their hearts heavy yet hopeful as the sacred rites unfold. The solemnity intensifies on Good Friday, beginning with the Shete Palabras at 10:30 AM. The priest's reflection on the Seven Last Words sends chills through Christine and Benigno, the weight of Christ's sacrifice sinking deep into their hearts. At 3:00 PM, they participate in the Agep, a tradition where the faithful venerate the cross with quiet devotion. Afterward, they take a short break for snacks before returning to witness the Libut ni Santo Sepulcro. As the procession begins, Christine observes the solemnity in awe."Para talagang libing ni Kristo," she whispers to Benigno."Ramdam na ramdam mo ang bigat at lungkot." Their path leads them near Simbaan a Bassit, where Christine feels something soft fall on her. She looks up, only to see a cascade of petals from the rooftops, gently showering the Santo Sepulcro and Mater Dolorosa."Petals?" Benigno asks, looking puzzled. Isko smiles knowingly."Tradisyon po ito dito. Ang mga tao sa bubong ng bahay nila nagtatapon ng petals para sa santo." On Holy Saturday, the trio gathers to witness the Layap, a spectacular display where a flame descends from the Vigan Belfry to the church facade, symbolizing Christ's light breaking through darkness. As the flame illuminates impressive nave of the cathedral, the crowd marvels in reverent silence. Before dawn on Easter Sunday, they attend the Domingo Sabet, witnessing the Salubong as the Risen Christ meets the Virgin Mary. The joyous hymns and the unmasking of the angel bring tears of joy to their eyes. After the celebration, they once again indulge in their favorite Miki at Plaza Burgos, their spirits light and hearts full as they reflect on the journey of the Holy Week.
