BEING largely a Roman Catholic nation, the Philippines and its people observe almost every religious festival there is. Aside from the Christmas season, one of the most important religious events of the year is the Semana Santa, or the Holy Week.

Although many Filipinos still adhere to their traditions and faith, there is no denying that the observance of Holy Week here in the United States differs from what we are used to back home. Yes, Catholic Churches offer Masses and other related activities, but unlike in the Philippines where most businesses and establishments are usually closed as early as Maundy Thursday and especially on Good Friday, Holy Week in the US is maybe not as significant as compared to their Thanksgiving celebration.

From the palaspas, pabasa and Bisita Iglesia

A lot of activities are done during the week, starting with a Mass on Palm Sunday. Catholics bring "palaspas" or palm fronds to Church, to be blessed by the priest. After Mass, many Filipinos bring home the palaspas and place these above their front doors or window. These are believed to ward off evil spirits and protect the family and home.

The beginning of the pabasa (reading) of the Pasyon starts on Holy Monday. The pabasa is a marathon chanting of the story of the life, passion and death of Jesus, which continues uninterrupted day and night, for as long as two straight days.

The reenactment of the Washing of the Feet of the Apostles is usually included in the last Mass before Easter Sunday, and is followed by the procession of the Blessed Sacrament before it is taken to the Altar of Repose.

Another popular tradition which is done on Holy Thursday is the Bisita Iglesia, (church visit) which involves visiting a church or several churches at which the faithful would pray the Stations of the Cross. Back in the Philippines, it is fairly easy to visit a number of churches because of their proximity and accessibility to each other. But here in the US, depending probably on which state and city you are in, Catholic Churches are spread out that it is sometimes difficult to visit more than three or four.

"We usually try to visit at least four," says my mom, who has spent most Holy Weeks in the US for the past 10 years. "It’s difficult, not only because of the distance, but also because they don’t declare Thursday, or even Good Friday a non-working holiday," she said and added, "Almost all people still have to go to work." But this year is different—she intends to visit at least seven, as she is back home spending her vacation with my brothers.