OTWOMD | Bluepanjeet.Net

First of all, I would like to apologize to my fellow bloggers for not being able to blog hop this holy week since I am observing lent (a sinner need tons of sacrifices and that includes blog hopping). Well my Good Friday is actually interesting and thought provoking because I experienced today so many unexpected circumstances. My Balik-bayan aunt from Chicago just came home few weeks ago so we have to accompany her in many of her listed itineraries including pilgrimages that we just had today. Actually I just came home from our 12 hour Lenten Pilgrimage in Kamay Ni Hesus Shrine in Lucban Quezon (15 minutes ride from my hometown Lucena). It was not really planned, we just kinda thought of taking our Aunt Noma for a tour of our province and we thought Kamay Ni Hesus Shrine is the nearest and most feasible place to go this lenten season. So we all woke up at 5 in the morning and took the road an hour after. And since our family is the largest of all families on record, we decided to take the largest Jeepney that our uncle had so that all of us would not anymore convoy our respective vehicles. Para kaming mga excursionistas haha.

I took the photos below using my Nokia N series phone cam (sorry, I haven’t bought my favorite digicam yet). So I apologize for some of the blurred photos since I just have to make use of my available resources to document the trip.

So on the road (I was sitting beside the driver’s seat because I hate the bumpy ride at the passenger part of the Jeepney) we saw these hikers walking the highway leading to the shrine. Upon my interview with one of the hikers that we met along the way, we learned that it was an Alay-Lakad for the Kamay Ni Hesus shrine. This was the reason why thousands of people were walking instead of commuting. This is actually an exercise and a sacrifice. On the way we also saw many penitents carrying their own wooden crosses. I had no chance of documenting it because our Jeep was running so fast.

The “Kamay ni Maria” portion of the “Kamay Ni Hesus Shrine”. Last year it was not yet there, but I was so surprised that this portion of the shrine was finished quickly. Maybe because of the surge of donations that came from various people all over the country.

So many people inside the Shrine, why even a needle could not be found in this mammoth crowd.

As early as 6:30 am there were already throngs of people climbing up and down the 500 steps Grotto.

See this line of people? This extends from the base of the grotto up to the gates of the Shrine. I think the queue was 3 kilometers long. These people lined up for the climb. It will take you at least an hour and a half before you arrive on the Grotto’s steps.

Fr. Joey Faller, Quezon Province’s healing Priest who established this Shrine. He was talking to some parishioners when I unexpectedly bumped into him. I was in High School when I last assisted him at mass as one of the Parish’s altar boys. Good thing I brought my phone because I was contemplating of leaving it behind since I haven’t transferred most of the pictures in my Laptop yet. BTW, Fr. Joey is also the one who started this “Quarezma Sa Quezon” event.

Detail of the 5th Glorious Mystery in the Kamay ni Maria Shrine. Notice that at the base of the Immaculate Conception giant statue, there are thousands of hand-imprinted tiles that adheres to the wall. These are the hands of the People who donated for this particular portion of the Shrine. I heard there are still many parts of the Shrine that are still waiting to be built.

Detail of the 3rd Glorious Mystery at the southern part of the Kamay ni Maria Shrine inside the Kamay Ni Hesus Shrine.

On the speakers, we heard Fr. Joey announcing that a Senakulo (Street Passion Play) will be taking place at the Shrine. The march will start at the Lucban Poblacion (Town Proper which is 5 Kilometers away from the Shrine) and end at the KNH shrine. And because we were with our Aunt who is so into stars and starlets (She’s a TFC fan), she decided that we head for the town proper to witness and see some stars who will participate on the Senakulo. Arriving at the town for breakfast, I saw this Karosa (Lenten Float) that was being prepared by the locals in time for the Good Friday procession to be held later today. During Good Friday Mornings, the country has this familiar scenes because processions are held all over the Philippines, in every town, in every city and every municipality. This year we didn’t join the procession because we were all tired, isa pa baka lumampas na kami sa langit haha.

While waiting for our breakfast to be served in Buddy Pizza (Quezon’s foremost food chain that offers Quezon’s delicacies and menus), we found out that the wash room (CR) was out of order (great!) so I told my cousins that I know a place where we can pee. Mustialos is one of Lucban’s most famous eatery. I used to eat here during my stint as a student Nurse. The food is great and price is student friendly plus ang sarap talaga ng pagkain nila. Maybe next time I will feature foods from Quezon’s finest. This Spanish time catacomb-tunnel-like portion of Mustialos was turned into an annex of the eatery. It’s really nice since you can feel the antiquity of the adobe-laden house while you eat. Mustialos is an old Lucban Ancestral house that was converted into a resto. Ang sarap tumira sa Quezon, everywhere you go there is good food.

After we had our breakfast, we decided to get ahead of the Senakulo march because we can’t seem to see the play. The whole Plaza was cordoned by the police to prevent the thrill seekers and star fanatics from getting near the actors. And because our vehicle was parked at the back of the plaza, we were forced to take the back route. This was the funny part because most of the people all lined-up in front of the Plaza to have a glimpse of the stars, but they never realized that the back part was so deserted by onlookers. Haha we were the only uzizeros there at the back and so I took the liberty of taking some shots. The man who played the role of Jesus was an actor in an ABS-CBN afternoon soap “Princesang Banyera”. According to my baduy sister and cousins, the actor is the “Drug Lord” in the said soap. Sorry, I really don’t know him because I’m not fond of watching soaps, and of course, ABS CBN shows.

The actor was internalizing his part because the play was already starting. The two men playing Hestas and Dimas were also actors daw (encircled). Di ko talaga sila kilala eh pasensya na. The only stars I know is Malen and Ambo Labtim haha

A shot of Jesus’ feet and the obvious styrofoam cross. If all our crosses would be made of Styrofoam, siguro wala ng magrereklamo… at wala na ring pupunta sa langit…

When we were about to leave and get pass ahead of the march, my sister pointed to us Dick Israel (you know the kontrabida guy on most of FPJ’s film and the father of Ely in “Maging sino ka man book one” ( di daw nanonood ng soap haha). He was about to throw himself at the center stage before this shot was taken. Tatawagin ko sana “HEY DICK!” kaya lang baka mawala concentration haha.

We arrived at the 3rd station of the Senakulo near Szchicko’s Restaurant. The Place was filled with extras and talents rehearsing their parts and waiting for the Senakulo march to arrive. While waiting for the march, we heard this voice (a very deep and beautiful voice actually) rehearsing his part for the Senakulo. I thought it was one of the DJs fooling around but surprisingly it was someone else. Maya ko sasabihin kung sino. Meanwhile, a peanut vendor parked near our vehicle so we gobbled P50 worth of boiled peanuts to loosen our waiting time. After the peanuts had been eaten, we polluted Lucban’s fresh air with our rectal gases haha. This pedicab full of peanuts is a common sight in the streets of Quezon.

Throngs of people lined on the streets in front of Szchiko’s Restaurant minutes before the march came.

People coming from the second station in front of SLSU (Southern Luzon State University). This police was cordoning the people to keep them away from the left side of the road because that is where the actors would pass. I was never cordoned. For the whole Senakulo, no police or security escort prohibited me from coming too close with the actors maybe because they thought I was part of the press corp or something. Actually it was a blessing in disguise since I always bump with actors during the whole event with no resistance coming from the security. It was like I was given a free pass I tell you.

My sister asked me to take shots of the stars participating in the street drama so i obliged. Takot ko na lang. So when I was on the left side of the street along with my cousin (actually we were the only ones allowed on that side), I took a picture of this actor. I didn’t recognize who he was because I was wearing my shades and his face is beyond recognition yet he smiled for me in this shot. Trivia: Inside that wheel cart (Kariton) is Christopher De Leon who later revealed himself during the Drama. Man I can imagine how hot inside that Cart.

And because I never recognized the actor and my cousin just told me that he was a famous movie and TV star, I came after him and took a second shot. It was actor Nonie Buencamino who plays a lot of father roles in teledramas and soaps. Man, I really need to watch Pinoy TV and movies more often so that I can recognize them.

I took this shot because it was interesting. At first I thought that Lola (Grandma) was just an ordinary onlooker but it so happens that she was the mother of a certain celebrity.

The UP Kalilayan band, serving as the band for the background music of the play. They are really good. BTW, UP Kalilayan is a recognized cultural organization in the University of the Philippines since 1975 whose members are UP alumna and students from Quezon and aurora Provinces.

The Crying Ladies or who I all called the “Shebang Girls”. They led the march with their very ghastly “Pasyon” songs. It was really creepy since their songs resembled a mixture of crying and singing.

He is not a member of the “Shebang Girls” but his voice is. This guy sings like a woman and he is really good. He is a tenor but his voice range is that of a Soprano, belting every note he sang. According to the passerby, they are also members of UP Kalilayan.

Aha, at last I had a face shot. Mr. Dick Israel marching and playing as one of the heads of the centurions.

Again, these actors playing Hestas and Dimas were said to be teen stars but I really don’t know them. The men playing the Centurions’ roles were all wannabe and not-yet-famous teen actors who got the part for exposure purposes (as was told by my source).

Surprised when the people in front of me buzzed that this guy is Baron Geisler playing Judas, I took this shot for the sake of fairness and equality haha. See the cigarette (encircled) in his hand? he was puffing it since the start of the march and occasionally turns to his cell phone for messages and calls. Hehe bagay nga na hudas papel nya LOL

The famous Higantes (giants) of Lucban Quezon. I have no Idea why a Senakulo needs giants since there is no Goliath in the Gospel.

Mr. Rez Cortez manning the traffic. Actually I didn’t also recognize him in this shot . I was originally focusing my cam on the security because they have batons (pamalo). Nagulat na lang ako na si Rez Cortez pala yun when I bumped into him later today.

I was trying to make my way towards the center stage but Mr. Rez Cortez mistook me as one of the organizers/staff-security of the play. He told me if I can make the people line-up on the side street. Natawa ako, pero sabi ko “Picture Muna”. That’s why I got this shot. Then I left him talking kasi madami pa ako kukunan. haha suplado! Joke lang.

Christopher De Leon who just recently emerged from the bamboo cart and playing as the biblical Lazarus. I was able to pass the cordon with no restrictions at all from the securities but the “shebang girls” in front of me were blocking my way so I can’t just push myself in front them lest i will create a commotion. This is the reason why the following shots are blurred. I have to zoom the cam 90% just so his face would be recognizable in the picture.

Finally, the “shebang crying ladies” marched away in front of me that’s why I was able to come close to Christopher De Leon. I was looking all over for his wife Sandy Andolong who is also a part of the play but she and the rest of the actresses were never around on the streets. Maybe for security and convenient reasons. Watching him act up close was really an awesome experience. Ang galing umarte ng taong ito. Kaya pala he is called the King of Philippine Drama because of his acting prowess. Sa lahat ng artistang nakita ko ngayon, dito ako na starstruck because its not easy to lie down inside a cart for hours, being dragged on the streets and wearing those patterns of bandages all over his body. The temperature today was 30 degrees Celsius so you can imagine how hot it was inside his costume. Napaka humble na tao, walang kiyeme. Talagang sacrifice yung ginawa nya kanina.

At last! The angle I was looking for after so many attempts. Christopher De Leon with Nonie Buencamino in one of the scenes of the play. Notice the microphone strapped on the neck of Boyet De Leon? They used the lapel microphones so that they can act and make gestures freely. Nahiya pa ako kunan yan kasi ang gagara ng camera ng mga katabi ko. Haytek!

This guy who acted as Jesus is said to play the role of a drug lord in Prinsesang Banyera in ABS CBN pero I really don’t know him. No, Jesus is not being interviewed, it’s just that he has no lapel Mic of his own. Maybe Director Mario J. De Los Reyes decided not to give him one since he could be mistaken as Madonna or Britney Spears LOL.

I also saw the well renowned showbiz manager Douglas Quijano monitoring the progress of the play. After we saw this station, I did not anymore went with my aunts, uncle, cousins and sister to the next station inside the Shrine since i was really tired of taking pictures and video of the play. Sayang, marami pa daw artista sa loob ng shrine na gumanap. May mga artista pang gumanap na demonyo pa daw at lumilipad sa ibabaw ng krus. But what the heck, I am not that interested anyway (tingnan nyo wala ako kuha kasama ng mga artista samantalang sandamukal ang tumatabi sa kanila para magpa-kodak). If not only for my sister’s request of taking some shots of the stars, I wouldn’t throw myself in the crowd. Remember, I hate crowded places because I’m claustrophobic. Di ako makahinga. Isa pa, mahiyain talaga ako. Pero I have to make extra sacrifices today even risking my own comfort zones and phobia.

Waiting for my cousins to arrive in the parking area, this old man and his blind grand son approached me and asked for some alms. Without any hesitation I gave the rest of my money to Lolo (Grandpa) since pauwi na rin naman kami. Hindi rin naman ako mahilig bumili sa daan ng kung ano ano. Pero yung isang nanay na lumapit sa akin at humihingi ng pamasahe papuntang Cotabato, di ko binigyan. Wala na kasi akong ena. Mas magara pa nga ang damit nya dun sa tindera ng Kandila. Sabi ko naibigay ko na kay Lolo yung pera ko and I added na magtrabaho sya para may pamasahe kasi ang lakas lakas pa nya. Di naman mukhang pulubi at mukhang rumaraket lang. Buti di ako kinulam o binarang haha.

Back to Lucban poblacion to buy Longanisa (local sausage) and pancit Lucban, we passed by another finished and flower-laden Karosa. All of the floats were already lined up on the streets. Sayang di ako nakasama sa prusisyon. Sobra talaga ako napagod.

Before heading for home, I took my uncle and aunt together with my cousins to a place in Lucban where the siopao is so darn delicious and especially made. kahit Chowking at Dimsum taob sa sarap nito. And they don’t even have Box cartons and cat meat inside haha. Sa sampung piso mo may siopao ka na, asado man o bola-bola. I think I ate six of those large elongated ones haha. Ang sarap talaga. Then we remembered that we just ate meat eh Biyernes santo nga pala LOL. So much for the sacrifices.

Today’s itinerary was not planned but I really had fun, great time and laughing trip with my relatives. Even this Senakulo, we didn’t even know that there would be so many movie stars in Lucban Quezon today. What we know is that last night Piolo Pascual was shooting in Lucban. Di kami pumunta kasi di naman talaga kami fan ni piolita. Pero today sa dami ng artista, di ako na-starstruck except for Christopher De Leon with his awesome performance and humility. As we headed for home, this thought lingered on my mind. Christopher De Leon who is a very famous and multi-awarded actor is capable of being humble despite his fame and achievments, how much more ako na wala naman sinabi, di kilala at nakaka dengoy lang sa mga security guards? Kaya ko din kaya magpaka-kumbaba sa aking araw araw na pakikisalamuha sa tao at pakikibaka sa agos ng buhay?

Something to ponder on mga kapatid as we continue to celebrate the fullness of the message of the Passion, Death and Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ this Lenten season of 2008.

Dearest Lord, please keep on taking me out of the dark, a poor sinner…