iSurprise Holy Week Celebration

A different city

It may be difficult to imagine, but the streets of Makati are deserted during the Holy Week. Filipino’s take their faith seriously and starting from Palm Sunday local businesses shut their doors and roads are closed. Normal life comes to complete standstill as the locals begin a week of prayers, processions and celebrations to prepare for the grand finale at Easter Sunday. Everywhere, in churches, chapels, houses, barangay halls and even in offices people gather to pray, sing and celebrate.

“Poblacion is one of the old Manila Districts where thousands of people come together to narrate the “Pabasa” the story of the Passion of Jesus Christ” says the 80-year-old Emmy Tagunicar, who was the celebratory patron for the 2004 Holy Week.

Faith, family, and community

This is the time of the year when Makati locals living abroad come home to celebrate with their families and communities. A unique tradition in the middle of Metro Manila that is passed on from one generation to another.