‘Senakulo,’ staycations, bike rides: How these celebs spend Holy Week
For many celebrities, the Holy Week offers a brief but much-needed break away from the lights and cameras—a time to step back and tune out all the noise and distractions in showbiz.
Some go on vacations, others maintain long-held practices and traditions. And then there are those who opt to just stay at home, hoping to make the most of the rare few days of quiet in the city.
But however they choose to spend Holy Week, these performers make sure that they don’t lose sight of the occasion’s true essence—a chance to reflect, seek guidance, and honor the sacrifices made by Jesus Christ for mankind.
In this forum, Lifestyle asked cast members of the upcoming comedy movie, “Samahan ng mga Makasalanan”—which hits cinemas on Black Saturday—about Holy Week traditions they grew up with and currently observe, and what these personally mean to them.
Joel Torre, actor
When I was young, my family and I would do the Stations of the Cross in Bacolod (his hometown). And it was like 17 kilometers, if I recall correctly.
Sometimes, I go on vacations. But these days, I mostly stay at home. Ang sarap-sarap mag-Holy Week sa Manila kasi walang katao-tao! It’s like you have the city to yourself.
But yes, I try to be alone, if possible, and have some me-time with the Lord. The occasion compels us to reflect, look inward, and think about the things in our lives that we want to set straight. It’s a time for us to think about all the meaningful things He has given us.
Sanya Lopez, actor
The Holy Week tradition I was most fond of growing up was the Senakulo.
Back when I wasn’t busy yet (with showbiz), I would either watch the Senakulo or be part of it. There was even a time when I played the Virgin Mary. Halos malibot namin noon ang buong San Pablo, Laguna (where she used to live).
That was such a great, memorable, and holy experience for me.
Yian Gabriel Pecjo, theater actor
As an artist whose roots are in theater, the one tradition I’m most familiar with are the plays and the Senakulo. As a child, I was also fond of watching the mandarame (penitents or flagellants in Kapampangan).
Now that I’m an adult, I still try my best to watch local plays as a practice. I believe it’s important for people to watch and participate in these types of productions, so we can deepen our knowledge and appreciation for cultures in our respective regions and religions.
David Shouder, host-actor
Sometimes, I go out of town with friends. But these past Holy Weeks, I chose to just spend time at home with my Mom. This occasion is important … for us to remember the Lord’s love and grace for us all.
Jade Tecson, teen actor
Holy Week traditions are very important to me, especially to my mom. And while we don’t get to observe all of them, we make it a point to at least visit churches, pray and give thanks to the Lord for the life He has given us.
Betong Sumaya, actor-comedian
I usually just go on staycation with the entire family in a hotel, because we’re usually complete during this time. We pray together and cook meals without pork or beef.
This is an important occasion for us to reflect and focus our attention on God, and to thank Him for all the love and blessings He has given us. It’s also a chance for us to reflect on things that need sorting out, may they be personal or family related.
Chariz Solomon, actor-comedian
Our Holy Week ganap is just staying at home and enjoying God’s gift of time with my family.
Jun Sabayton, director-comedian
Holy Week will not be complete without going on a “bisikleta Iglesia” (Visita Iglesia by bicycle), with or without companions. For me, this is an opportunity for reflection and to give thanks to our Lord Almighty.
And as an artist who makes a living as a media practitioner, it has become a tradition of mine every year, every Holy Friday, to shoot photos and videos of Holy Week traditions—acts of devotion, Senakulo, trips to Banahaw, and the self-flagellating penitents of Bangkulasi, Navotas. And with this, I fervently pray for the forgiveness of my sins.
