For a fee, the senakulo players re-enacted the "verdict" part of the Pasyon script right in front of my mother's house in Taytay. We were late in going to Taytay on Good Friday but we still managed to catch one group of senakulo still roaming the streets in search of "fans" like me willing to shell out 100 Php for a glimpse of their performance.
It was hilarious but we did not laugh for these actors sincerely think that they are the chosen ones. The manager of the group wanted to perform inside my mother's yard so as to prevent others (who did not contribute funds) from watching the show. I said it's fine by me (the sponsor) to let other passers-by see the drama.
So Pilate started his monologue. I really was not able to follow what he was saying for there was nothing biblical about it. Pilate even had Claudia draped about him. Then came the pharisee's dialogue. The three pharisee's were really hilarious for they said their parts in unmistakable Taytay accent.
It was hilarious but we did not laugh for these actors sincerely think that they are the chosen ones. The manager of the group wanted to perform inside my mother's yard so as to prevent others (who did not contribute funds) from watching the show. I said it's fine by me (the sponsor) to let other passers-by see the drama.
So Pilate started his monologue. I really was not able to follow what he was saying for there was nothing biblical about it. Pilate even had Claudia draped about him. Then came the pharisee's dialogue. The three pharisee's were really hilarious for they said their parts in unmistakable Taytay accent.
The Romans started beating up the small guy acting as Christ. The guy went down on his knees and asked for water. What the? In the Bible, Christ asked for water when he was at the cross. So there, I was thinking how wrong the script was. At that precise moment one of the pharisees came up to me and said " ma'm tubig po, nahihilo po kasama namin" ( ma'm, water please. our mate feels faint). That brought another bout of grinning and then I asked the maid to go get water.
The cold water drink revived the actor and then they proceeded with the play. Two of my daughters were taking pictures and I just can't help noticing that the senakulo players were actually lining up in the camera's sight.
That night, the annual Amba (dead Christ statue) procession started at 5 pm and finished at 8:30 pm. Gone were the usual two-line procession. There were so many attendees that the street were filled with people. Before the Amba, the processional lines were more in order. I was able to say HI to some old acquaintances who were in the procession.
There was an hour and half delay before the Amba float came into view. Gates were closed. Kids snatched to hustle them inside for the throng that goes with the Amba float was just unbelievable. The smell was wet, humid and nauseating. By-standers were throwing towels at the Amba float while the men manning the float catch the towels, wipe them against the pane of the float, then throws tham back at the crowd: for anting-anting power (amulet).
The Amba, finally passed by. My children have watched the same Amba that my mother and I have watched for so many years. Different sets of generations have devoted themselves to Good Friday procession. They compete to have the honor of pulling the Amba float. There were hudnreds of devotees in white shirt waiting for their turn on the ropes.
What is the essence?
I serve a risen Savior. He's in the world today.
I serve a risen Savior. He's in the world today.
Wow, in our church, we don't have that. I tend to cry whenever I see this! :)
ReplyDeleteHappy Easter to you! :D