TIM eMagazine Vol . 3 Issue 1
S ome one million visitors , local and foreign tourists alike , traveled to the Walled City of Intramuros for the observance of the Holy Week .
The Department of Tourism ( DOT ) and its attached agency , the Intramuros Administration ( IA ), welcomed the visitors with a series of events to promote the Walled City as a holistic faith destination in Metro Manila .
" For a pre-dominantly Catholic country like the
Philippines , the Holy Week or Lenten season is a perfect time to reflect , repent , and travel . We congratulate the Intramuros Administration and our Faith Tourism sector for the successful reopening of the Walled City for the Lenten season ," said Tourism Secretary Wanda Tulfo-Teo .
For the first time since World War II , Intramuros has opened its churches and chapels to the faithful pilgrims , aiming to restore the vibrant religious culture prevalent before the war .
The Intramuros Administration headed by Atty . Guiller Asido hosted the Visita Iglesia , a pious Roman Catholic Lenten tradition involving visitation to seven churches . The Manila Cathedral , San Agustin Church , San Ignacio Church site , Guadalupe Shrine in Fort Santiago , Knights of Columbus Fr . Willman Chapel , Lyceum of the Philippines University Chapel , and Mapua University Chapel are all found within the Walled City .
The installation of Via Crucis stations , or a series of images depicting Jesus Christ on the day of his crucifixion and accompanying prayers , along General Luna Street of the Walled City followed the Vatican II sanctioned New Way of the Cross .
A modern interpretation of the Senakulo or the dramatic presentation depicting the Passion of Jesus Christ : his trial , suffering and death entitled " Martir sa Golgota ", by the Tanghalang Sta . Ana theater ensemble directed by renowned Lou Veloso , was staged in front of the Palacio del Gobernador .
Meanwhile , the DOT also supported the 2018 Lenten Festival of Cainta , Rizal , whose highlights were the traditional Lenten Grand Parade , Senakulo ( Passion Play ), Penetencia ( Sacrifice ), and Ang Pagpapako ( The Crucifixion of Jesus ).
At least 17 performing groups reenacted a particular scene of the Senakulo in front of the Cainta Plaza during the Lenten Grand Parade .
Among the groups that performed were the Samahang Nazareno Inc ., Samahang Hebreo , Samahang Pasang Krus , Samahang Walang Sindak , Cainta Nazareno , Kabataang ng Kalbaryo Inc ., Samahang Pieta , Krus Sa Nayon , Samahang Junior Nazareth , Samahang Penitencia , and Romans Club .
Teo said the DOT is pushing for more faith-based tourism activities for the Catholic faithfuls catering to both the local and foreign tourists .
Some 17 performing groups reenacted a particular scene of the Senakulo in front of the Cainta Plaza in Rizal during the Lenten Grand Parade .
51