estacion publico

Black Saturday in Calbayog is characterized by three activities: the "estacion publico", the Easter Vigil and the "sugat". For the past so many years I was tasked to lead the prayer for the first station of the cross which begins at around 4:00 am. I once joked to to the late Mana Iday (who gave me the assignment) that she must be mad at me, considering that the activity was so early. Anyway, how do I manage to wake up that early? Well, much thanks to my mother. That activity must be something 'coz people manage to be up so early (yup, without the church bells tolling) and come to the cathedral in droves and go around the city praying on the 14stations of the cross.

And it's always the same experience, the faithful walk around the city, kneel on the streets, pray and commemorate the suffering of Christ. A few years back, as the procession approached the Rosales bridge a young man was heard shouting, "mga sira ulo kayo!" or something to that effect, referring to the faithful, it turned out the young man was high on drugs.

On a personal note, at the end of the day it takes more than just the simple recollection of the suffering of Christ or getting physical (like getting tired from walking) during Holy Week that makes us good Christians. Oops, I'll put it there.

Let me now share some pictures which I got from Joel Manadong:

The first station in front of the Bishop's House.

The 9th station at the corner of Orquin and Cajurao streets in Brgy. Balud.

The 10th station at Jasminez Bridge.

The 11th station at rotonda in Brgy. Obrero.

The 12th station in Brgy. Obrero

"Waray Sapin sa ti-il" or so said the instruction for the estacion publico. And a good number of Calbayognon were pleased to follow.

The 13th station in front of La Milagrosa Academy.

The Santo Intiero