MANILA -- Near the buzz and rush around the famed Quiapo Church quietly stands a house that is trying to keep Holy Week traditions alive. 

The 111-year-old Bahay Nakpil-Bautista, once a shelter for Katipuneros, has been hosting “pabasa ng pasyon” and exhibits of Mater Dolorosa (Sorrowful Mother) images since 2023. 

“Pabasa” is the chanting of the passion of Jesus Christ while Mater Dolorosa is a title of the Virgin Mary, which refers to her suffering throughout the life of her Son.

This year, the historic house once again opened its doors for the Holy Week traditions with an event called “Narito ang Inyong Ina: Pabasa at Panata.” 

The house, which used to be the residence of ranking Katipunan member Julio Nakpil and his wife Gregoria “Oryang” de Jesus, the Lakambini of the Katipunan, displayed 41 images of the Sorrowful Mother. 

The images, a mix of sculptures and paintings, came from all over the country and were presented under the supervision of Engr. Jero Galle-Pascual.

While the exhibit was held to celebrate and honor Mary, it also aims to commemorate the upcoming 150th birth anniversary of de Jesus, who was born on May 9, 1875. 

Below are some of the photos from the exhibit at Bahay Nakpil-Bautista.