SUBSCRIBEIn Paete
The pagsusuob of the image of the Santo Intierro here in Paete was just held earlier this morning and really, it was something that you cannot just forget. The pagsusuob is a ritual that is one of a kind probably in the Philippines (and possibly the world?) wherein the iconic image of the dead Christ is ritually bathed (more like daubed with cotton) in a mixture of lambanog (a local spirit that has high alcohol content akin to vodka) and agua de cologna (an aromatic or perfumed liquid). Then a makeshift tent is placed over it comprised of wooden frames and blankets. The image is then smoked for almost 5 hours.
What is interesting with this ritual is that it just says that the tribal practices of the Igorots where they embalm and smoke the dead is not unique but is being practiced in other parts of the Philippines.
Come 1430H and I will go back to the house of the recamadero to document the end of of the ritual wherein the makeshift tent is taken down, the image rubbed with balsamo, another kind of aromatic oil before it is dressed.
