Posts Tagged ‘things to do in the Philippines’

 

 

Planning a trip? Those who love to travel know the essence of all travel is about you and your enjoyment. Travelers know that the destination is a major part in planning a trip, experiencing and delving deeper into unfamiliar places, people and culture is paramount.

Expand your horizons and set your sight to the Philippines, an off the beaten path travel site! An undiscovered paradise made of thousands of islands and white sand beaches all around! A tiny dot in the map of the world, and yet a haven for travelers, backpackers, retirees and even passersby.

It offers awesome tourist attractions, magnificent beaches, hot spring resorts, colorful festivals, hundreds of scenic spots and world-class hotels and facilities. Not to mention the tropical climate, the affordable prices as well as the friendly and hospitable, English-speaking people! You will be glad you came, and we’re sure, you WILL come back for more FUN in the Philippines!

 

SABAT SANTACRUZAN FESTIVAL

 

Photo from:   arcastro57.multiply.com

 

There is no Santacruzan like the Sabat Santacruzan of Pampanga—a religious procession based on an age-old tradition woven around the finding of the True Cross. But this Kapampangan version has a unique, surprising twist, integrating theatrical features, poetical jousts and moro-moro elements for an even more entertaining drama on the streets.

 

Photo from:  hau.edu.ph

 

The original Santacruzan re-enacts the return journey of St. Helena, mother of Constantine the Great from Jerusalem back to Rome, after discovering the cross on which Christ was crucified in 326 AD. She had stumbled upon three crosses at the crucifixion site, and the real cross was determined by having sick person lie on the crosses; he was instantly cured upon lying on the Santa Cruz (Holy Cross).

 

Photo from:  brighthubeducation.com

 

Celebrated every 3rd of May with a long procession featuring various incarnations of Elenas, biblical royalties and characters representing Virgin Mary, the festival was introduced by Spain and there was no stopping its widespread popularity ever since.

 

Photo from:  https://www.flickr.com/photos/robpinzon/8779514483

 

Photo from:  http://picssr.com/tags/gueco/interesting/page4

 

Photo from:  https://robinspinzon.com/tag/angeles-city/

 

Photo from:  https://hiveminer.com/Tags/pampanga%2Csabatstacruzan

 

Photo from:  https://dmkael.wordpress.com/2015/05/25/event-sabat-santacruzan-2015/

 

Photo from:  https://dmkael.wordpress.com/2014/06/03/event-sabat-santacruzan-2014/

 

 

All photos below from:  arcastro57.multiply.com

 

 

The Kapampangan version is different in that the procession is halted several times by costumed actors who challenge the Reina Elena in a poetic joust and engage her troop in a swordfight derived from yesteryear’s moro-moros, hence the name “Sabat Santacruzan” (Halt the Santacruzan).

 

 

 

 

Source: viewsfromthepampang.blogspot.com

 

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

Pampanga – Culinary Center of the Philippines

Interesting Tourist Spots and Events in Pampanga

Colorful Festivals in Pampanga

Fun Things To Do in Pampanga

Pampanga Photo Gallery

Pampanga Video Collection