Holy Week offers the perfect opportunity to slow down, unwind, and reflect. You can take part in peaceful retreats, cultural traditions, and prayerful moments. This year, don’t let the week just pass you by. Instead, explore the different activities that can make this time more meaningful.

Bond with your loved ones by attending Palm Sunday Mass together. Palm Sunday kicks off Holy Week, encouraging reflection on Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem through readings and processions—don't forget to raise your palms during the blessing! You can check local parish schedules for both in-person and online Mass options.

Join a pabasa to connect with your community. Chanting the Pasyón—a narrative poem depicting Jesus' life, suffering, and death—is a way to thank God for your blessings. This tradition can go on for several hours. It’s usually held on Maundy Thursday or Good Friday, but it can be observed any day from the first Sunday of Lent to Easter Sunday.

To participate in a pabasa, inquire about the schedule and venue at your local parishes or neighborhood.

Heading home to your province? Watch the drama and devotion of a Senakulo. This religious play depicts key scenes in Jesus’ passion, death, and resurrection. Often staged in town squares or on streets, you can witness it in Bulacan, Pampanga, Bataan, Rizal, Laguna, Bicol, and Leyte. 

When commuting to different provinces for Mahal na Araw, remember to buy tickets early to avoid crowded bus stations, ports, and airports.

Consider doing a Visita Iglesia on Maundy Thursday if you’re staying in the city. Visit seven churches, each representing one of Jesus' seven last words. At each stop, you can pray, reflect on the Stations of the Cross, and offer personal intentions. 

Popular Visita Iglesia destinations in Metro Manila include historical shrines and cathedrals like the Manila Cathedral and San Agustin Church in Intramuros, as well as the National Shrine of Our Mother of Perpetual Help in Baclaran. Make sure to include your local churches in your itinerary, too!

If you’re planning a Holy Week getaway, look beyond the usual spots. Why not immerse yourself in the vibrant spectacle of the Moriones Festival in Marinduque? Watch participants in masks and soldier attire, reenacting the search for Longinus, a Roman Soldier who converted to Christianity. Don't miss the grand procession, pugutan (Longinus’ punishment), and reenactments of Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection.

This festival draws visitors from all over the country for its cultural significance. To travel to Marinduque, take a bus to Dalahican Port in Lucena, Quezon, and catch a ferry or RORO heading to Marinduque. 

Take a day trip to Pampanga and witness the San Pedro Cutud Lenten Rite. This powerful display of faith shows devotees reenacting Jesus’ suffering through various acts of penance like self-flagellation. Some devotees volunteer to be nailed to crosses as a panata, seeking answered prayers or forgiveness. This tradition is also popular in Bulacan, Cebu, and other provinces. 

To reach San Pedro, Cutud, take any bus to San Fernando, Pampanga. From the terminal, ride a tricycle or jeepney to Barangay San Pedro Cutud.

Go on a memorable road trip with your barkada for spiritual reflection, healing, and renewal. Journey together to sacred sites, attend Mass, light candles, and pray for special intentions or thanksgiving. 

Popular Holy Week pilgrimage places include the National Shrine of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage in Antipolo, Rizal; Kamay ni Hesus Shrine in Lucban, Quezon; Minor Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary of Manaoag in Manaoag, Pangasinan; and the Parish and National Shrine of Saint Padre Pio in Sto. Tomas, Batangas. Get to these sites by bus or private vehicle.

Looking for a peaceful and enriching Holy Week experience? Try Lenten retreats. Disconnect from the daily hustle and recenter yourself through prayer and reflection. Deepen your connection with God, seek guidance and inspiration, and find spiritual support through fellowship with other participants.

Sign up for Lenten retreats at Cenacle Asia and the Center for Ignatian Spirituality in Quezon City. If you want to go out of town, register for the activities at Verbum Dei in Tagaytay, Cebu, and Cagayan De Oro.

Experience the heartwarming tradition symbolizing the reunion of the Risen Christ and the Blessed Virgin Mary during the Salubong. Before dawn, two processions begin: one carrying the image of the Risen Christ, and another bearing the veiled Virgin Mary. As they meet, a child dressed as an angel removes Mary's black veil and replaces it with white. These acts represent grief turning to joy and triumph over death.

Singing, prayers, and fireworks follow this uplifting scene, marking the start of the Easter celebration. To join a Salubong, contact your local parish for event schedules.

End your Holy Week with the joyous celebrations of Easter. Join an Easter Vigil on Black Saturday evening, a special service where the priest chants the Easter proclamation and lights the Paschal Candle, symbolizing the light of the Risen Christ. The following day, celebrate Christ’s resurrection through readings, prayers, and songs during Easter Sunday Mass.

Explore meaningful events, live stream Masses, and stay connected with loved ones throughout the week with a strong, reliable postpaid fiber plan or prepaid fiber WiFi. If you’re on the go, opt for a mobile plan or flexible promo to keep you informed and up-to-date on ongoing Holy Week activities no matter where you’re at.