Penitencya is part of the holy week and cultural tradition. Every year here in Arayat, during the last day of the "puni" (pabasa) Arayateños gather and have the longest salibatbat (Mandarame). One of my dreams is to feature these guys on my blog and this year I grabbed the opportunity to do it. So last Holy Wednesday (April 2, 2011) I joined my tito's together with their friends (Total= 31) in San Nicolas where they started. I was able to witness how they prepared for this long and painful sacrifice.
1.) Of course do not forget the guidance of our Lord.
2.) Men who will not carry cross will start to make their back numb to lessen the pain and to make the blood flow easily.
3.) When ready, it's time to get it wounded.
4.) Now they are ready to start. From San Nicolas- Mesulo- Cacutud- Plazang Luma- Riverside- Paralaya- Poblacion and lastly Looban.
They'll stop on every puni (pabasa) they passed and pray. Then they will continue walking until they reach the last pabasa.
Many chose to do this, others decided to stay in their homes and pray together with their family and some spent their holy weeks out of towns or out of the country. Some questioned others' decisions. There are some religious groups who are against this "Penitencya". According to many, the best thing that we need to do during holy week is to stay home and pray hard and not to enjoy the beaches and the sceneries of different places. Well, for me one of the greatest things we have is the freedom of choice. Somehow, I too agree with those who say not to go somewhere else aside from our home. I believe there's nothing else I can do with that than to respect others' decision so I, too will be respected.
