A sacred pause: How celebs embrace the stillness of Holy Week
Holy Week is that rare time of the year when the world seems to hit the pause button. The streets are quieter, the group chats take a break from the usual buzz, and everyone’s either out of town or in deep reflection mode—or sometimes a mix of both.
But beyond the welcome break from the daily grind, Holy Week means something different for everyone. For some of our favorite stars in local showbiz, it’s a time to slow down, reconnect with faith, and find peace amid the noise. Whether it’s bonding with family, singing Jesuit songs, or simply basking in silence, there’s something about this season that grounds us.
So, we asked a few familiar faces: “Holy Week for you is a time for what?” Here’s what they had to say:
Arman Ferrer
“For me, it’s a time for reflection. Of course, it’s about remembering God’s sacrifice, but on a personal level, it’s also my chance to be quiet. Walang masyadong work, so it’s the perfect time to reflect on where you are now and how you can help others—as a Christian, and just as a person.
Cliché as it may sound, we always go back to love and faith. I’m a Jesuit artist, so I sing a lot of Jesuit songs. It’s really about being a Christian and promoting God’s love in your own personal way.
“I always spend Holy Week with my grandparents in Pampanga, which is actually one of the roots of Catholicism in the country. Since I was a kid, we’ve done fasting and abstinence there. But more than the tradition, it’s the silence that makes it meaningful. When we’re quiet, we can actually hear ourselves—where we are now and what we want for the future. And Holy Week gives us that rare opportunity to be still.”
Ana Feleo
“For me, it’s really a time to find peace and quiet—to ground myself. The older you get, the more chaotic life becomes, and it’s so easy to get swept away by it all that you forget what’s truly important.
“During Holy Week, I usually go off somewhere quiet and unpopulated, sometimes alone, just to recharge. I go to Mass and take time to reflect.
“I’m getting a lot of invitations to join them for the holiday, but I’m staying home this time. Before the rush, I’ll be spending time at our farm, White Dacha, but when people start arriving, I’ll head back to Manila for some quiet again.”
Iza Calzado
“This year, I’m spending Holy Week in another country. Sometimes, we forget the essence of Holy Week. My husband (Ben Wintle), for example, grew up with a Catholic mother but isn’t very familiar with the traditions. He hasn’t done Visita Iglesia yet, but he does go to church to hear Mass with me. I don’t know if we’ll be able to do that this time, but we always make sure to show respect.
“More than anything, it’s a time to reflect—as a family. That’s why I love that this trip includes my two brothers, daughter Deia, and Ben, and even my PA of 15 years. It’s special because we get to create memories together.
“I think it’s also a celebration of God’s grace and mercy over the years. Growing up, we’d complain about doing nothing but watch ‘The Ten Commandments’ on TV. But now, I really appreciate the stillness that Holy Week offers. In such a hyperproductive world—especially with everything being digital—it’s rare to find quiet moments.
Holy Week should be all about silence and reflection.”
Tirso Cruz III
“Holy Week is a time for reflection. Sure, every day should be dedicated to the Lord, but this week is extra special because it marks the time He gave up His life for us.
“Our whole family will be going to Japan, but even while we’re there, we’ll make sure to carve out time to reflect on everything the Lord has done for mankind.”
Boots Anson-Rodrigo
“For me, it’s a time to reflect on how gracious the Lord has been. Sometimes, we take that for granted. He died for all of us. And if the Mass He instituted after His death didn’t exist, we wouldn’t have that deep connection with Him. So we meditate, we do Visita Iglesia, and we also go on recollections. It’s a deeply spiritual time for our family.”
Charo Santos-Concio
“Holy Week is a time for reflection—because everything in this world is temporary. We shouldn’t be inspired by just the external, because what really matters is what’s within. I think all of us are hoping for a better world, and that’s only possible if we lead with love and kindness.”
Whether it’s about stillness, family, or faith, Holy Week remains a sacred pause, a gentle reminder to slow down and look inward. And in these quiet moments, maybe—just maybe—we remember who we are, and who we’re becoming.
