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from Efrenmark

I can relate to this story where kalesa, karumata, galusa, and kariton roamed the unpaved roads and streets. Where lampara fueled by inexpensive coconut oil and/or crude oil, is the only source of light. Lent is being strictly observed by mostly old and Spanish decent folks. Cantores sang their verses in Latin that only a few could understand. The year is 1965, where vendors coming from neighboring town travels from Calasiao, Mangaldan, San Jacinto to Manaoag just to sell their best putos, kundandit, bibingka and tupig where meat is not expected for the entire week. Manaoag is very strict when in comes to religious mandate, where the whole town cease whatever they're doing at the sound of the Church's bell and Municipal Hall's sirene at 6:00 P.M. for oracion. Manong Vic, all that we can do now is to reminisce the past and hoping that the tradition still exist.
Comment from efrenmark39 - 03/04/07 9:11 AM

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Such was the scenario even here in Asingan. I never had the chance to visit Manaoag during the Holiest of the Holidays but I am sure, being the province's mecca of Religious ( if not spiritual ) fervor, I am sure this church on a hill must be teeming with worshippers.

But it seems I missed much of  the point regarding  all these exercises. When I was a child, I relate Semana Santa to games and refreshments. When I was older ( but still unmarried ) I loved  "Standing on the Corner, Watching all the girls go By.." Because of this hobby, I was finally hooked into matrimony. Then I had the family to look after, and Holy Week became just another paid Holiday..

Now it seems to be back to square one, the beginning of the circle which started when I became conscious of the Religious  rites which we inherited from the Spaniards.

Every Sunday, I still attend church, going through the same rituals. Sometimes I ask myself "what is the point of all these?"

Maybe I should go back to the basics..What is the heart of Religion or Faith or whatever you call it?

Ifyou peel all the superficial layers and go right into the core, what would I find there?

For me, it is LOVE because that is what it is all about. LOVE the 2-edged sword which would sustain us all the way in our own search for whatever we are trying to look for out in the world.

People will live because of LOVE, people become happy because of LOVE and when we come to the end, I am sure we will be our happiest because LOVE and our departed loved ones will be meeting us as we cross the bar...

---victorio costes