‘Santacruzan’ symbolizes Catholic devotion to the Virgin Mary

(First of two parts)

By Honor Blanco Cabie

HAD it not been for the three-year hiatus caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, many Catholic towns in this predominantly Christian country of 114 million would be participating in what is called ‘Santacruzan’ on Wednesday.

This is the climax of the month-long festival called Flores de Mayo, with some religion observers describing it as sort of religio-historical beauty pageant.

It marks the discovery of the Holy Cross which, as believed, was made by Queen Helena and her son Constantine who became the first Christian Roman Emperor.

From Ilocos Norte down to Pangasinan, Metro Manila and Minglanilla in Cebu, including some towns in the Bicol Peninsula, Marian devotees pay tribute to the Virgin Mary, who, believers think, gives rain when farmers ask for it.

In Camalig, Albay, Aline Masip said the Santacruzan was held from May 12 to 20, with festival queens in a religious procession on the last day.

An old hand in Bayambang, Pangasinan, Pacifico Duque, 76, told the Manila Standard the Flores de Mayo celebration represents the farmers’ unwavering gratitude.

The procession makes flowers bloom and grow new crops for food as barangays in the agricultural town of Bayambang participate in processions with residents praying for rain.

Bayambang, a town for fermented fish (buro) delicacy, is considered the “cornbelt of Pangasinan” and the “onion capital of Pangasinan, the largest province in the Ilocos Region.” . In Paoay, Ilocos Norte, the Catholic faithful had their Santacruzan on May 28, according to Dr. Wilma Natividad of the Mother Butler Guild, Catholic Women’s League and the Mother of Perpetual Help.

Makati has to offer,” she said.

Binay said the HOHO bus tour in Makati, which operates Wednesday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., has eight stops - Glorietta 2, Washington SyCip Park, RCBC Plaza, Circuit Makati, Century City, Museo ng Makati, Rockwell Center, and Ayala Triangle.

To book tours, tourists only need to download the HOHO mobile application and sign up.

Binay said DOT has set the cost of a one-day pass at P990, providing travelers with unlimited access to HOHO bus stops throughout the day. She also said residents and City Hall employees with Makatizen Cards may avail themselves of a 40 percent discount when they take the HOHO buses.