As the nation pauses for Holy Week, a time for reflection and spiritual contemplation, some Filipino celebrities share their ways of observing this sacred period. Their experiences, ranging from heartfelt family moments to deep-rooted traditions, offer a glimpse into the diverse ways faith is practiced and cherished.
These glimpses into their Holy Week observances showcase the diverse yet deeply personal ways individuals connect with their faith during this significant time of the year. Their stories remind us of the importance of reflection, gratitude and cherished traditions.
For actor Coco Martin, his devotion to the Black Nazarene is a deeply personal journey spanning over a decade. He openly credits the iconic Catholic figure for his success, recalling a time when he earnestly prayed for any job. “Personally kung tinanong mo ako, kung nasaan man ako ngayon, siguro utang na loob ko lahat sa Nazareno (If you ask me where I am now, I would say I owe it all to the Nazarene),” Coco shared last December.
His connection began in 2007 during the filming of Dante Mendoza’s indie film Tirador, a project set against the backdrop of Holy Week and elections in Quiapo, the home of the Black Nazarene. Coco has often spoken about this pivotal time, acknowledging the blessings that followed. “Noong 2007 nu’ng nahawakan ko siya. Sa pelikula namin ni direk Dante na Tirador. Doon nag-start ng lahat ng kung anuman ito (It was in 2007 when I was first touched the image. It was for the film we did under director Dante called Tirador. That was the start of whatever this is),” he recounted.
He vividly remembers praying for a simple opportunity: “Sabi ko dati, nagsisimba kami ng lola ko, sinasabi ko lagi, ‘Mahal na Nazareno, bigyan niyo lang ako ng trabaho. Kahit ano. Kahit hindi ako matulog’ (Before, when I went to hear mass with my grandmother, I always prayed, ‘Beloved Nazarene, please help me find a job, any job, even one where I won’t sleep),” Coco revealed.
Having experienced rejections and short-term contracts before his breakthrough, including stints as a waiter, janitor, dishwasher and even an overseas worker, his prayers held deep sincerity.
Reflecting on the impact of that encounter, Coco shared, “Ngayon 2025 na. Mula noon hindi na ako natulog. Kasi nga sabi ko, grabe ‘yung biyayang pinagkaloob niya sa akin. Sobra sobra (After I touched the Nazarene in 2007, after that, after promising never to sleep if I found work, now it’s 2025. I have not rested since that time. Because, as I have said, He has blessed me so much. So much).”
True to his devotion, Coco was recently spotted at the “pahalik” (kissing of the feet of the Black Nazarene) in Quiapo, joining fellow celebrity devotees like Angeline Quinto and McCoy de Leon, driven by devotion, gratitude and inspiration.
For Kapuso star Alden Richards, Holy Week is a time deeply intertwined with family traditions instilled by his paternal grandmother, Lola Linda. “Kapag Holy Week, hindi kami nagbabakasyon kasi ayaw ni Lola [Linda]. Ayaw niya nang nagpapakasarap kami while si Jesus is on the way to Calvary (During Holy Week, we don’t go on vacation because my grandmother Linda did not allow that. She does not want us to be enjoying ourselves when Jesus is on His way to Calvary),” Alden shared, highlighting the solemnity his family observes.
While his work commitments took him to Canada for a concert tour this year, Alden emphasized that his siblings would continue their family’s Lenten practices at home. He also shared some of their key traditions:
Visita Iglesia: This Roman Catholic Lenten tradition involves visiting seven churches on the evening of Holy Thursday. Alden suggests visiting nearby churches for those unable to join pilgrimages.
Pabasa ng Pasyon: The chanting of the “Pasyong Mahal,” an epic poem narrating the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, is another significant ritual for Alden’s family. He recalls his Lola Linda often reading the Pabasa during Holy Week.
For comedienne Melai Cantiveros, this Holy Week brought a particularly moving experience courtesy of her daughter, Stela. Melai shared a touching anecdote on social media about Stela’s profound realization of Jesus Christ’s sacrifice. After a lengthy prayer, Stela approached her mother in tears, expressing her understanding with the simple yet powerful words: “Sinacrifice niya self niya para mabuhay tayo, dahil sa atin namatay siya. Nag-thank you ako kay Jesus (He sacrificed Himself so we can live, because He died for us. I thanked Jesus).”
Melai, initially puzzled by her daughter’s emotional state after praying, was deeply touched by Stela’s innocent yet profound comprehension of the religious significance. She captioned her post, “‘Yung kala ko ano ang iniyakan niya sa sobrang tagal niya matapos mag-pray, umabot siya nang ganito ka-guilty (I thought she was crying about something else after praying for so long, but she became so guilty).”
While some opt for leisurely getaways during this week, Melai and her family chose to focus on faith and religious observance, highlighting the meaningful impact it had on her young daughter.