The High Blood article written by Danilo G. Mendiola (“‘Pabasa’: Lenten ritual and family tradition,” Opinion, 2/26/15) is a fascinating narrative.
The pabasa is customary during the Lenten season in the towns of Laguna. In the town of Sta. Cruz, the pabasa starts on Ash Wednesday at the Aglipayan (Iglesia Filipina Independiente) Cathedral, from 7 a.m. up to 4 p.m., to venerate the Black Nazarene. The icon is taken afterwards to another location for pabasa within the town.
On the succeeding days, the pabasa is held in different places in the town.
On the evening of Good Friday, after the religious procession, the icon of the Black Nazarene is brought to a Pamatmat family residence, and the pabasa is continued up to daybreak of Holy Saturday.
The devotees who attend the pabasa are served food during the event.
A list of those who have aligned for the pabasa is always posted on the door of the
Aglipayan church of Sta. Cruz.
—FERNANDO T. TOBIAS,
Barangay Sto. Angel Sur,
Sta. Cruz, Laguna