In Paete

April 4th, 2007 | No Comments

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.

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Palina

November 2nd, 2004 | No Comments

Traditional beliefs dictate that if ever one enters a cemetery, upon going out, he should do the palina, a short ritual done by passing over smoke. This is to keep the spirits from following you to the house. These boys are an enterprising lot. For the effort of preparing the pampalina, they are asking for a peso, voluntarily.

Photos taken at Calamba cemetery.

Palina Palina Palina Palina

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