Lenten season in the Philippines

Today is the first day of the start of the Lenten season in the Philippines. For most of us, this season is all about pabasa, the traditional narration of stories of the bible, as written down by a Filipino in lyrical form. This is also a way to go out with friends and relatives. For some, a long time to rest and share with family living in the provinces.


Pabasa, I don't know if you know, is not at all part of the Catholic cathecism. It is an innovation. It is one of the ways Filipinos indigenized the Western religion. 


Indigenization is one way of coping up with the nuances of a new way of thinking. 

Rooftop of Casa Manila in Intramuros

If you have time, do find time to read the Pabasa. It speaks not just the suffering of Christ, but is an interesting read, because it was an ingenious way of our ancestors to link their suffering with that of Christ.


Liberation theology was just |discovered" or "invented" during the 60's, but if you read our Pabasa, it is actually Liberation Theology as written.


By the way, I was told that there is a church right inside a cave in the Callao complex in Cagayan. Interesting. I might go there with my family.