I HAVE always longed for unique stories, treasured histories, hidden gems, and heart-wrenching broken romances, aside from the advocacies I am passionate about, which I can readily scrawl to entertain both myself and my readers and perhaps add nuance and texture. Each writer has this thirst to craft stories that either resonate with their readers or do not. It is up to the storyteller’s inspiration.
Over the past couple of weeks, I have visualized experiencing a Semana Santa “town feel”—one that involves witnessing deep-rooted Boholano customs and traditions, apart from soaking in the rejuvenating and healing breeze of the seawater. What would you know? It is happening courtesy of my aunt, Ate Mila Calope Galvan, and hubby, Uncle Steve Galvan. What a gift! For about five days next week, I will immerse myself in the church rituals of Baclayon whose history is as rich as the town’s glistening blue seas, its evangelization arising from another time and era, and whose magnificent coral-stone church, the Church of Immaculate Conception, completed in 1727, continues to stand tall, proud, majestic, and defiant of the odds, while consistently beckoning onlookers from the sea.
Interestingly, the Poblacion attracts townsfolk, city residents, and the curious from neighboring municipalities of all shapes, sizes, genders, and socioeconomic status on account of their famous barbecue stalls. I have seen how people congregate at the cookouts each time I was there! It’s thriving and profitable for the town’s economic enterprise.
Baclayon is only six kilometers away from Tagbilaran, the capital city. It’s a short drive. I remember visiting Manoy Gorio and Manay Amad Calope during my college years, appearing unannounced at their doorstep at the back of the Baclayon church, surprising them—until they were no longer surprised, haha! When I learned how to drive, I drove frequently, tagging my friends along. Well, that’s me. Without an adventure, I get bored effortlessly.
So, what’s in store for the Holy Week?
April 11 – Viernes de Dolores; April 12 – Sábado sa Dili pa ang Semana Santa; April 13 – Domingo sa Lukay; April 14 – Lunes Santo; April 15 – Martes Santo; April 16 – Miércoles Santo; April 17 – Jueves Santo; April 18 – Viernes Santo; April 19 – Sabado de Gloria; and April 20 – Domingo sa Pagkabanhaw. Each day is filled with activities for the townspeople, visitors, and tourists alike.
On April 16, the Procesión sa Pasos will start at 6:00 p.m. with an impressive thirty-five caros participating, including Sr. Jesus de Paciencia, care of the heirs of Julio Aya-ay and Felomina Plaza, the ancestors of Ate Mila and Nong Dodo Calope. Nong Dodo, Romy Aya-ay Balangkig, the incumbent vice mayor, and members of the Aya-ay clan will be present to pull the caro. The Procesión de Santo Entierro will take place on April 18 at 5:30 p.m., while the Procesión de Soledad will occur around 10:00 p.m. Meanwhile, on April 20, at 12:01 a.m., the Procesión de Sr. Jesus Resucitado and Procesión de Nuestra Señora de Alegria Ug Mga Kauban will simultaneously proceed, followed by the Sugat/Hugos.
For those interested, I recommend visiting the parish office to get a copy of the information they have printed and provided to the residents. That way, you won’t miss the daily activities.
Tête-à-tête with Msgr. Vicente Nunag
Msgr. Boy Nunag who served as parish priest and school director of Baclayon from 2008-2011, together with his coadjutor Msgr. Felipe Digal, nostalgically shared how he enjoyed his time in Baclayon, calling it “one of my best assignments because parishioners were actively involved in parish activities.”
Highlights of Msgr. Nunag’s accomplishments include constructing the stone fence of the church’s façade and the façade of the school to create a distinct period look—the stones were contributed by all chapels in the parish, organizing a heritage group—considering Baclayon church’s place in history, a local heritage unit would be fitting, repairing the old pipe organ—another relic, with the help of the Zóbel de Ayalas, and thereafter holding pipe organ concerts attended by international organists—that must have been fun, huh, retrieval of cemetery administration, fiscal management of the parish’s and school’s financial resources leading to increased enrolment, building comfort room facilities at the back of the church to address the needs of tourists while ensuring the toilets were well-maintained, clean, and strictly monitored, among others. “From fourteen saints during the Semana Santa procession, they were able to expand to twenty-one,” he added.
All these religious activities that comprise Baclayon’s Holy Week observance plus the personal account of Msgr. Nunag serves to reinforce my excitement to pause from my daily grind and relish the quiet, tranquil, and rustic feel of this historic town.
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The writer hosts Woman Talk with Belinda Sales every Saturday, 10 a.m. at 91.1 Balita FM Tagbilaran City. Email at belindabelsales@gmail.com. X @ShilohRuthie./PN
