Good Friday is a day my family spends in my Mom’s hometown, Binangonan, Rizal. While it’s a growing city, I still love its narrow streets filled with tricycles. Everyone knows everyone and giving it a “small town” sort of vibe.
This is my godson Chino. He still lives in Binangonan with my cousins (one who is his mom) and my tita.
Every year, we grab tons of baked goods at the local bakery. We typically give these away to people in the Good Friday procession but of course I snag my favorite – The Kababayan Mamon. Php 2 each!
Because my Family is synonymous with Food Trip, we’re eating. ALL THE TIME.
Here’s some Bagoong my Tita makes. It’s fresh and the best bagoong in the world.
Every year the town has a procession of Saints in a story that depicts the events leading up to Jesus’ death.
My family gives out water and refreshments to the people in the procession.
This is David, manning the water cooler.
This is my brother Marvin and his girlfriend Jill preparing the cups.
Hot nights, cold drinks, thirsty processioners. (is that even a word?)
The best part of this procession is the “giwang-giwang” which, in english, describes the glass case being carried haphazardly zigzagging from side to side. Basically, it’s hundreds of the town’s men that carry a life-size Jesus through the streets of Binangonan as their Panata. A hundred men trying to carry a glass box? It’s the definition of chaos and truly amazing to behold. There have been years where some of the nagbubuhat perish in this faith-motivated tradition.
The “nagbubuhat” are usually all wearing white. Here they are, waiting for the craziness to begin.
There’s the Giwang-Giwang!
It’s not an easy tradition. The boys are exhausted. However, when there’s a camera around, they light up. This is my favorite photo from the night. I just wish it weren’t so blurry.
We give out water and bread every year to the people in the process and especially to the guys carrying Jesus. This year, we decided to change it up and distribute towels.
the towels are a hit!
As the years pass, fewer men join this tradition. Maybe because the younger generation doesn’t feel the same passion. I hope I’m wrong and the giwang-giwang lasts for years and years to come.
After all that activity, we settle down and EAT! (of course)
Our lovely meal that caps off our annual Good Friday Binangonan Tradition.
Hope everyone had a blessed Holy Week! 🙂
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