Limlingan: Lenten Observation

April 19, 2011.
IT IS Holy Tuesday today and millions of Catholics in the Philippines are observing the passion, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. However, the Catholic Church has some “reminders” for its devotees.
I cannot recall how many years have passed since the Church hierarchy has ordered the shortening of the days of the Pabasa. The traditional reading (singing) of the passion of Christ used to be done in makeshift “kubuls” for five days, commencing on Holy Monday and ending on Good Friday. It was ordered to be shortened, as few are actually listening or feeling the essence of the story of Christ’s suffering.

During my younger years, I together with my friends, used to visit far-flung barangays to go to Pabasa sites and hear the singing. Often, we were offered “sopas” or “sotanghon” and bread during visits. It was observed too that near Pabasas are a number of makeshift stores selling various snacks. They likewise serve beer and other alcohol to Pabasa visitors. In a little while, brawls result, due to drunken men who are supposed to silently observe Lent while sober.
Pabasas or “puni” are often “pabonggahan”. Some kubuls are as large as regular residences. Some have high-tech sound systems. Some even serve ice cream to visitors aside from the traditional native soups. The real meaning and purpose of the Pabasa is, however, defeated as crowds treat it more as a pasyalan rather than a religious activity.
There are areas where Pabasas with loudspeakers can be found in sitios, as if there is a competition as to which among them is louder.
During the Holy Week, often during Holy Thursdays and Good Fridays, there are these “salibatbats”, the cross-carriers, the flagellants and those who depict Christ and are actually crucified on the cross. The Church discourages these practices, as we need not inflict pain and suffering for the atonement of our sins or to thank the Divine for a realized wish or petition.
I agree with the Church, as some people introduce pain to their bodies just for the heck of it or just for show. We are, in fact, duty-bound to take care of our physical bodies, as these are the temple of our souls, speaking of our religious faith. It’s better to do good other than to shed blood or suffer pain, whatever our intentions might be.
On depicting the crucifixion that our Redeemer had suffered, we, too, need not imitate the way He died. What the Divine is enjoining us is to imitate the goodness He has shown to the world and not His sufferings and death. If we want to feel sorry for our sins, we can be repentant without resorting to different “bloody” ways to mend our faults.
In the province, Lenten traditions have become crowd drawers. Various activities help boost local tourism, thus, helping boost the local economy. Sad to note, what is supposed to be a religious observance of the season has become too commercialized with, of course, the enterprising Kapampangans involved.
While we do not want them to be prevented from plying their trade, our attendance to our spiritual needs is concocted with economic activities at the wrong place and time.
The Cutud Lenten rites as always would be packed, and among the crowd are foreigners satisfying their curiosity on the actual crucifixion of penitents on the cross. I see them more in amusement rather than in reflection and depiction on what happened to Christ when he met His death. The crucifixion reenactments have become more of an entertainment rather than an opportunity to ponder on what Christ had done to redeem us from our sins.
The Lenten season is a season of spirituality. It is the time of the year wherein we should reflect on what we had done with ourselves as well as to our brothers. It is the time of spiritual peace, of solitude and reflection. It is the time of recollection of our sinful ways, being sorry for them and asking for forgiveness. While we savor our rich Kapampangan traditions, we should likewise enrich our religion, our faith, our spiritual life.
After spending time with our busy lives, this is the most opportune time to meditate and think of our faults and shortcomings to God and to others. May we have a meaningful Lenten Week.

Source: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/pampanga/opinion/2011/04/18/limlingan-lenten-observation-151108

Although the Philippines is not known for being the wine capital of Asia, Clark Pampanga is the most frequently visited destination for wine lovers in Cebu, Angeles City and Manila to shop for some good vintage wine. The famous wine shop outside Manila called Clark Wine Center is the largest wine shop in Philippines which offers over 2000 selections of fine vintage wine from all wine regions, vintages spanning over 50 years covering all price ranges.

This wine shop in Clark is highly recommended as one of the best places to buy wine in Pampanga. Clark Freeport is just outside Manila near Subic and Angeles City Philippines is Clark Wine Center. Visitors buy wine in Manila and Pampanga should not miss stopping at this wine shop for a few bottles of fine vintage wines to bring home.

Established in 2002, YATS WINE CELLARS is a wholly-owned business unit of Hong Kong-based Yats International which owns and operates resort, wine shops, wine bars and fine-dining restaurant properties in Clark Freeport in The Philippines. YATS WINE CELLARS caters to a clientele of discerning wine lovers from all over the world. Besides a good selection of wine for everyday enjoyment, YATS offers a unique selection of aged vintage wines made available to wine enthusiasts at remarkably affordable prices. Vintages span over a century and the selection of old- and new-world wines covers all major wine regions.

http://www.ClarkWineCenter.com

Getting to this wine shop in Pampanga Angeles City Clark Freeport Zone Philippines from Manila
Getting to the Clark Wine Center wine shop from Manila is quite simple: after entering Clark Freeport from Dau and Angeles City, proceed straight along the main highway M A Roxas. Clark Wine Center is the stand-along white building on the right, at the corner A Bonifacio Ave. From the Clark International Airport DMIA, ask the taxi to drive towards the entrance of Clark going to Angeles City. From Mimosa, just proceed towards the exit of Clark and this wine shop is on the opposite side of the main road M A Roxas.

Clark Wine Center
Bldg 6460 Clark Observatory Building
Manuel A. Roxas Highway corner A Bonifacio Ave,
Angeles Clark Freeport Zone, Pampanga 2023
0922-870-5173 0917-826-8790 (ask for Ana Fe)

Wine@Yats-International.com

YATS Wine Cellars
Manila Sales Office
3003C East Tower, Phil Stock Exchange Center,
Exchange Rd Ortigas Metro Manila, Philippines 1605
(632) 637-5019 0917-520-4393 ask for Rea or Chay

Best place to buy wine in Clark Pampanga outside Manila near Subic and Angeles City Philippines is Clark Wine Center.
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While in Clark, it might be a good idea to enjoy an evening of wine-and-dine in the fine dining Yats Restaurant and Wine Bar that features an award winning 2700-line wine list. It is located in Mimosa Leisure Estate of Clark Freeport Zone. For more information, visit http://www.YatsRestaurant.com

YATS Leisure Philippines is a developer and operator of clubs, resorts and high-class restaurants and wine shops in Clark Angeles Philippines http://www.YatsLeisure.com

Looking for famous tourists spots, places to visit and see, relax and unwind in Clark, Pampanga, Philippines? You may want to check out these sites also:

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http://www.HotelClarkPhilippines.com

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