MANILA - Filipino Catholics continued to flock to the Antipolo Cathedral on Good Friday, braving the heat and rains, to pray at the Stations of the Cross.

For Sebastian Tasi and his wife, it was important that their 12-year-old daughter be the one to lead them in prayer.

“Para tumatak doon sa bata yung kahalagahan ng ating Panginoon, tinuturo ko sa kanya. Para may disiplina, respeto sa kanyang pag-iisip,” said Tasi.

Meanwhile, Jennifer Aton and her family joined millions of other devotees during the Alay Lakad to the Antipolo Cathedral on Maundy Thursday. They stayed until morning to have a breakfast picnic outside the church.

According to Aton, this has been their tradition ever since she could remember.

“Lagi naman ‘to ginagawa, mag-boyfriend pa lang yung magulang namin hanggang sa magka-apo na sila. Ano na po ako, 23 (years old) so baby pa lang ako ginagawa na namin (yung Alay Lakad),” she shared.

Aton said she prays for good health for her family so they can continue with their tradition for more years to come.

“Ang hiling ko lang ay magkaroon ng mas mahabang buhay yung mga taong lagi kong kasama, sila mama, sila papa, mga pinsan ko,” she added.

Meanwhile, the 25-strong Ileto clan also traveled to Antipolo all the way from Batangas as part of their Visita Iglesia.

16-year-old Althea Ileto said participating in such holy week traditions not only strengthens her faith but it also serves as an opportunity to reconnect with her family members.

“Ito lang yung time of the year na nakakapag-bond kami kasi busy yung lahat,” she said.