Online ‘pabasa’ created by QC youth makes debut in cyberstage

The “pabasa” — a traditional ritual of Holy Week – has been touched by new technology and is now available as “online pabasa” making its debut in cyberstage through YouTube and Facebok during the Holy Week.

In the age of technology where the lives of the young generation seem to be wrapped around their gadgets and the internet, the T-Club of Jordan, an organization in Quezon City, came up with the idea of the online “pabasa” as a way to gather the "techie youngsters" during the Holy Week.

Behind the “techie” idea is Raymard Gutierrez, 28, the youth leader of T-Club, who suggested it to the club because he had missed the ritual while he worked abroad years ago.

It is my way of modernizing the tradition of attending a solemn Lenten activity even when one is far away, Raymard said referring to people on vacation and the overseas Filipino workers.

Raymard, a Catholic, said he had always joined the traditional “pabasa” since he was 11.

He started working on the online pabasa in 2017, starting with a video, and adding graphics, prayer requests and text requests.

This man’s involvement in making the “pabasa” more attractive to the youth started years ago when he worked on putting a modern rhythm to the “pabasa.” In 2015, his group used the tune of John Legend's "All of Me" in their “pabasa.”

"I know some people will ask if the Catholic Church approves of a more modern “pabasa” rhythm. But based on my research, as long as you do not make changes on what's written, it is okay," he explained.

Already, Raymard is planning on another project for Lent next year. This time it will be a videoke version of “pabasa” where the lyrics will be projected on the screen.

I am hoping more people will follow my small footsteps to spread and strengthen our faith. Faith is important to everyone, especially to the young people, he said.

"If you dont have faith in whatever you do, you will never be happy in your life. Without faith, you are nothing. And whatever your religion is, always remember that faith is what drives you in life," he said.

The T-Club, whose members meet monthly on a Tuesday, was formed primarily to promote camaderie. Its regular activities include mass feeding programs, fun walks, Palarong Pinoy, anti-drug campaign, and the annual ‘pabasa’ during the Lent Season.