Devotees, tourists witness Angeles’‘Siete Palabras’
ANGELES CITY- Despite the weather uncertainty, a huge number of devotees from all walks of life trooped to Lourdes Northwest to witness the creative street dramatization that depicts God’s eternal love and sacrifice for all humanity dubbed “Siete Palabras”.
Translated as the “Seven Last Words” of Jesus Christ, the two-day act was performed by Angeles Citybased theater group, Uyat Artista (UA), in partnership with the Angeles City local government and the Lourdes Northwest Barangay Council on March 29 and 30.
The two-day street dramatization was held in two parts: LNW’s Arevalo basketball court housed the staging of the Last Supper which was presented in the evening of Holy Thursday. On the other hand, the Crucifixion of Christ continued in the afternoon of Good Friday at the LNW makeshift Golgotha.
Tourism Officer John Montances recorded more than 20,000 attendees in the much anticipated Siete Palabras 2018.
But more than its tourism value, Montances furthered that “the dramatic play, under the creative direction of UA’s Jason Pabalan, aims to remind everyone of the sacrifices that Christ has done for all humanity.”
“The play is a form of devotion especially to the actors and people behind the event who wholeheartedly put their time and effort to deliver this dramatization to the devotees,” Montances added.
For his part, Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan reminded the people that the Holy Week is a time for reflection.
“Angelenos are known for their deep devotion to Catholic faith and this grows stronger and more profound when we reminisce and look deeper on the sacrifices and death of our Lord Jesus Christ,” Pamintuan said.
“This event is our way of showing our faith and our devotion. We have been blessed thousand fold and we are giving it and sharing it with our own little sacrifices, and I think that is the essence of this Holy Week, to serve and give back,” the mayor added.
Meanwhile, the Tourist Police Unit, Angeles City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office, Angeles City Traffic Development Office, Ospital ning Angeles, City Engineer Office and service Army were actively present during the events of the Holy Week ensuring the safety of the devotees and tourists.
Assisting the city government in maintaining peace and order are non-government organizations such as Tropang Crime Watch, Cobra, Kabalikat, Prompt, and the React who provided additional security aid and ambulances for emergency purposes.
— AC-CIO