Holy Week marks the beginning of summer

I’m pretty sure everyone had a good holy week break. A much awaited respite from work and a time to remember the life of Christ. Holy week also marks the beginning of summer in the Philippines.

The combination of relaxing while reflecting on our faith brings so much balance to our lives that if put into practice, it does our body, mind and spirit good.

Roman Catholics and Protestants have various ways of observing this Christian tradition. The different practices and beliefs that are part and parcel of this holy week crusade allow people to reinforce their faith in God and faith in themselves.

Semana Santa, Mahal Na Araw or Holy Week is the most solemn religious activity in our country. And as we observe this week (which is a part of Lenten Season or Kuwaresma), our culture and heritage is presented to our families and foreign visitors alike.

As in the past, we saw how many people flocked to their provinces and to the different islands in the archipelago. Last week, the work of the Department of Transportation and Communication (or DOTC) was put to a test. Did they succeed? Did you experience too much traffic on the roads and highways? How was your airline? Did you have ticketing or airline policy problems (delayed flights, baggage discrepancies, etc.)? Did you feel safe travelling or visiting the local places? It was also quite reassuring to see the President himself check all major ports and hubs for travellers. I’m sure after inspecting all these areas he has a good idea of what needs to be improved for the future of this country.

The role of the Department of Interior and Local Government (or the DILG) is also vital in order to make sure that tourists are safe and sound. With a huge crowd around, public order and safety should be the top priority. And lastly, did the Department of Tourism (or DOT) make any difference in the local tourist destinations this time around? Were they able to get the cooperation of the local government units? Hopefully, logistics for tourists were properly put in place like Tourist Information Centers, local souvenir shops, safe dining facilities, clean restrooms in destinations, better waiting areas, etc. The Department of Tourism should take the lead in guiding the LGUs in achieving their mission as stated: … shall be the primary government agency charged with the responsibility to encourage, promote, and develop tourism as a major socio-economic activity to generate foreign currency and employment and to spread the benefits of tourism to both the private and public sector. Well, I hope they did better so that they can strengthen the idea that, “It’s more fun in the Philippines” to travel, to eat, to shop and to experience new adventures.

Anyway going back to our spiritual rituals, as I said, everyone in the country witnessed Holy Week! From Palm Sunday (palaspas), Holy Wednesday (processions with classically designed carozzas), Maundy Thursday (Visita Iglesia), Good Friday (self-flagellations in Pampanga; Moriones in Quezon, Marinduque, Oriental Mindoro, etc.), Black Saturday, Easter Sunday (salubong) and the pabasas and colorful re-enactments of the life (sufferings, torture and death) of Christ in between.

The holy rituals practiced like abstinence from eating meat and drinking alcohol; not watching ungodly television or movies; shopping; playing, swimming, having too much fun; not taking a bath on Good Friday are part of our spiritual atonement and cleansing. Superstitious? I’ll leave that to you to decide on. Religious matters are strictly personal and can lead to serious discussions and debates with possible violent reactions. Nevertheless, whether you stay home or go out of town during this Lenten season, at the end of the day it is the personal and spiritual quest that is important for each one of us.

Today we celebrate Easter. Christ has risen in our hearts and minds! After a week of contemplation and returning back to the fold, we were able to recharge threefold: physically, mentally and spiritually. In other words, after much atonement and introspection we have to be worthy of redemption.

Hosanna! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!

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Two weeks ago one of our Philippine Star columnist and a good family friend, Dr. Tranquilino Elicano Jr., entered the gates of heaven.

Dr. Elicano was one of the country’s leading cancer specialists. He was a writer in the Philippine Star, a very close friend of Tita Betty Go-Belmonte and my father Max Soliven. I was also close to his family especially because his only son TR was our student at OB Montessori Center. After TR graduated from high school, we would still meet in different occasions. When my father-in-law was in the middle of his bout of cancer, we sought advice from Dr. Elicano. When my sister was in the middle of her own crisis with cancer, it was Dr. Elicano who gave us hope and direction. When members of our family including my father’s mother and sister had cancer, the first doctor we called was Dr. Elicano. When friends were worried about being diagnosed with cancer, we would right away lead them to Dr. Elicano’s clinic at E. Rodriguez, Quezon City.

During his wake his wife decided to open the doors to the hundreds of patients Dr. Elicano had, rich or poor. His happy and congenial persona made patients feel safe. His practical advises made his clients live with cancer not in fear but with hope.

In his Facebook page, he answered questions about cancer and gave good advice. In his regular newspaper column, What’s Up Doc? he gave realistic, straightforward and useful advise on cancer as well as pertinent information on it. What was more special about this man was his big heart and compassion. He was very loving, caring and friendly to everyone. He was approachable. He was such a gentle man with a gentle heart and a soft smile.

We will surely miss you “Jun” as he is fondly called and as you enter the Kingdom of God, please continue to heal us through your spirit. I hope that God gives us another doctor who is just as kind, and as warm and as generous as you have been to your patients, friends and family. Rest in peace now, Doc!