LAGUNA — Catholic devotees from Paete in Laguna and nearby provinces gathered in the town for a three-day traditional commemoration of Holy Week this year.

Faithfuls kicked-off the traditional activity in a symbolic "Unang Salubong" meeting and procession of the images of the "The Sorrowful Mother" and Jesus of Nazareth.

Known as the “Town of the Moving Saints,” Paete is known for its Lenten procession of carved wooden saints which depict Jesus Christ's suffering on his way to the Cross.


Catholic devotees gather for the procession of saints at Saint James the Apostle Parish Church in Paete, Laguna on Holy Wednesday, April 16, 2025. Maria Tan, ABS-CBN News

For some of the major players in this year’s penitence activities, such as Mario Parungao, 47, who has been playing the role of a centurion for 30 years, this devotion has become a lifelong commitment.

"Panata ko na ito taon-taon hanggang sa ako'y nabubuhay. Maganda sa pakiramdam, nakakawala ng pagod at masaya ako na nairaos ko ngayong taon ang panata ko," he said.

(This is my devotion and I'll do it every year that I am alive. It feels good, it washes away my tiredness and I am happy to be able to paticipate again this year.)

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SENAKULO 2025

Residents dressed as Roman centurions and with intricately carved wooden masks walk around the streets of Paete, Laguna, as part of the town’s traditional ‘Senakulo’ on Maundy Thursday, April 17, 2025. Maria Tan, ABS-CBN News

On Holy Thursday, locals dressed as Roman centurions, wearing carved wooden masks, paraded through the town for their traditional 'Senakulo.

This Lenten play dramatizes the life, passion, and death of Jesus Christ. Participants from all generations take part in this street theater performance.

For Jessie Dimaginian, 32, who portrayed the Virgin Mary in this year's Senakulo, the devotion takes time to prepare, as it is something they gather for every year.

"Siya yung naging daan para magkatawang tao si Hesus para mapagbayadan niya ang kasalanan natin. Napakahalaga rin ng papel na ginampanan ni Vrigin Mary kasi kung hindi dahil sa kanya hindi makakakarating sa atin si Hesukristo na nagligtas sa ating mga kasalanan," said Dimaginian.

(She was the way for Jesus to be born and to pay for our sins. The Virgin Mary has such an important role. Without her, Jesus Christ would not have arrived to save us)

She also shared her experience in preparing for her role.

"Mahalaga ito dahil dito natin napapatunayan yung panata natin na hindi man ako ganoon karelihiyosang tao pero nandito ako para ipahiwatig na naniniwala ako na may Kristo at Diyos na lumigtas sa ating mga kasalanan. Naipapakita at napaparamdam ko sa aking sarili na naniniwala ako kay Kristo."

(It is important to complete the devotion — even though I am not a very religious person, I am here to profess my faith that Christ and God are real and that we are saved from our sins. I show and make myself feel that I believe)

She even became emotional as she narrated her experience:

"Sa kabuuan ng Senakulo, ang pinakapaborito kong eksena yung pagkababa na ni Kristo sa Krus at ipinakita na Niya na naganap na at naligtas na ang mga tao sa kasalanan. Dahil sa Kanya, napagbayaran natin ang ating mga kasalanan."

(My favorite scene in the Senakulo is when Jesus is taken down from the cross and he has shown that it has been done and that people have been saved from sin. Through Him, we have paid for our sins)  

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CLEANSING RITUAL

Penitents wash their wounds after participating in self-flagellation, or 'penitensya,' at Twin Falls in Kalayaan, Laguna, on Good Friday, April 18, 2025. The cleansing ritual, performed in natural spring waters, is believed to aid in healing their wounds and symbolizes spiritual renewal. Maria Tan, ABS-CBN News

Meanwhile, on Good Friday, the cleansing ritual, done in natural spring waters, is believed to help heal their wounds and symbolizes spiritual renewal. This activity also reflects how devotees seek penance for their sins during the Holy Week.

For JB Lorenzo, 38, a member of the LGBT community joins the tradition for his devotion, which he offers to his family.

"May mga against dahil member ako ng LGBT community. Hindi naman ito ang dahilan para tigilan ko ang devotion," he said.

(There are some who are against me joining because I am an LGBT person. But that is no reason for me to stop my devotion)

"Ginagawa ko ito para sa pamilya ko, mga mahal ko sa buhay at sa mga magulang ko. Worth it naman. Nafufulfill yung panata."

(I do this for my family, my loved ones, and my parents. It's worth it, to fulfill my devotion)

He also insisted on the need to continue the tradition despite criticisms over his decisions.

"Tradisyon sa amin ang mga ginagawang ito. Sa family namin, kung sino yung pinakahuling lalaki sa pamilya siya na ang susunod para magtuloy-tuloy ang tradisyon, devotion at panata ng pamilya."

(This is a tradition for us. In our family, the youngest son carries the tradition and devotion for the family)