April 26, 2011
The ‘senakulo’ in Angeles City (audio slideshow)

Photography, audio recording and text by JO A. SANTOS
Bulatlat.com

ANGELES CITY, Pampanga — In Barangay Lourdes, large crowds gathered to watch the Senakulo, the reenactment of the Passion of Jesus Christ, performed annually during the religious holiday of Good Friday.

The tireless chanting of the Pasyon filled the air, as the procession of Roman soldiers, Jesus and his disciples and other Biblical figures culminated under the mid-day sun. Up and down the streets, devotees could be seen carrying crosses or engaging in self-flagellation to emulate the suffering of Christ.

Here, sights and sounds of religious traditions mingled with present-day reality, where the extremes have become ordinary and layers of truths are revealed.