Makati features 'kubols' for Holy Week

MANILA, Philippines - Catholics are expected again to flock to Makati City on Holy Wednesday as the city again features tableaus with antique life-size figures depicting the Passion of Christ.

Around 20 tableaus (kubol) located mainly in Barangay Poblacion, are decorated with religious themes and serve as venues for the traditional “Pabasa” or reading of the Passion of Christ.

A procession of crucifixes and images of the Mater Dolorosa and the Black Nazarene tonight signals the start of the “Pabasa” at each kubol.

Makati Mayor Jejomar Erwin Binay is inviting residents, visitors, and all the faithful to join the said procession and other activities of the city lined up for the Holy Week.

“We are inviting everyone to join us in the observance of the season of penance of Christians with an artistic and solemn presentation of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ,” Binay said.

The procession will start at Saints Peter and Paul Church at D.M. Rivera St. going to P. Burgos, Kalayaan Avenue, Don Pedro, General Luna, Pagulayan, D.M. Rivera, Mabini, Don Pedro, Gabaldon, J.D. Villena, J.P. Rizal Avenue, Bonifacio, E. Zobel, Mabini, J.P. Rizal Avenue, Pertierra, Ma. Aurora, M.L. Quezon, Osmeña, F. Zobel, Buencamino, E. Zobel, Quintos, Santiago, Singian, Makati Avenue, P. Burgos, and back to Saints Peter and Paul Church.

In observance of the Holy Week, the city government of Makati has also opened to two-way traffic the stretch of J.P. Rizal Street from March 23 to March 31, 2013.

Makati Department of Public Safety (DPS) Director Hermenegildo San Miguel said the two-way traffic scheme will be implemented to give way to the installation of “kubols” or “kalbaryos” in the inner streets of Barangay Poblacion and its scheduled processions.

The creation of kubols is part of the religious traditions practiced in the “old heritage section” of Makati during Holy Week.

Motorists are advised to strictly follow the rerouting scheme. Public Safety or MAPSA traffic enforcers will be deployed at affected streets to guide the motorists.