The Holy Week, which commemorates Christ's passion, death, and resurrection, has already kicked off with Palm Sunday, an event that re-enacts Jesus’ triumphant entry to Jerusalem. The next few days will lead to remembering His ultimate sacrifice on Good Friday. They will reach its climax on Easter Sunday, celebrating the fulfillment of Christ’s mission of stamping God’s victory over death.

While full of symbolism and meaning, leading people to reflect, the next few days will also allow them to relax and recharge as the holy week break is that one long holiday in the year that stretches to a good number of days—at the height of summer! Among those in the anticipatory mode for the respite, this time brings are ladies who have been working and fighting hard in their gladiator ring— the pageant stage.

Thrown into the biggest fights of their lives since they first made an appearance in a press conference more than a month ago at Newport World Resorts’ Hilton Manila Hotel, the candidates of this year’s Miss Universe Philippines competition have had a busy schedule that had them juggling among training, fittings, glamming up and making public appearances.  The demands to become the country’s premiere beauty queen are so tremendous and pressure-laden, prompting some aspirants to drop out of the contest.

No wonder those who have remained in contention are really looking forward to this week, when they will regain some strength that will hopefully last them until the pageant’s May 22 coronation night.

So, what are some of these ladies planning to do during the holy week?

VICTORIA VINCENT, MUPH Bacoor 

I’m flying back to spend the week at my house in Melbourne. My mom will also be meeting me there, so I’m looking forward to resettling, reflecting, recharging, and spending quality time with her.

Aside from needing to go back to my house to attend to my responsibilities there, we’re coming up to a very intense part of the MUPh journey and I want to be sure I’m prepared mentally, emotionally and physically.

I remember when I was still in Architecture school and so focused on perfecting all of my projects, to the point I wouldn’t sleep or eat much, my kuya told me “V, sometimes the most productive thing you can do is rest”, and that’s something that I’ve carried with me since then and will be applying over Holy Week.

My parents are my best friends and will always be the people I turn to when I need to return to the core of who I am. Unfortunately, dad has a business to run in NZ so he won’t be able to join mom and I, but I’m looking forward to reconnecting with mom (rather than just via FaceTime) and I’m sure she will bring plenty of hugs from dad with her.

Lastly, given the significance of Holy Week for those of us who follow Christ, I think it’s important to take these few days to reflect on the sacrifices made for us and acknowledge everything we are grateful for.

CHELSEA MANALO, MUPH Bulacan

I always look forward to the Holy Week because I can rest, recover sleeping hours, and spend more time with my family.

I came from a family and a country where most are Catholics. Here is a Holy Week tradition I have always succeeded in witnessing. This is the traditional procession in some places in Bulacan of the life-size images of the saints who made a significant contribution to the life of Jesus Christ; this is very important and a solemn part to witness. I also plan to visit the beach in the north and spend time with my parents. It's been a while since I have been to the beach, and I think this is also a perfect time to enjoy our favorite activities. I don't want to be too hard on myself, so while I still enjoy myself, I'll continue to prepare myself mentally, emotionally, and spiritually; as the days get closer, I want to be at my best until the last night of the coronation.

DIA MATE, MUPH Cavite

I will be spending Holy Week here in Manila. I plan to have a productive week. Not only will I be able to rest and recover with family, but I will also use time wisely on other priorities. I will be training to get myself physically and mentally ready for Miss Universe Philippines and working on making more music to satisfy my creative soul.

ALEXANDRA MAE ROSALES, MUPH, Laguna

I've chosen to meditate and spend time at home with my family. Balancing my business, teaching, and Miss Universe Philippines activities has kept me incredibly busy, leaving little time for my loved ones. That's why I'm dedicating my Holy Week break to recharge with them, as they are my source of strength.

EUNICE DEZA, MUPH San Pablo, Laguna

I’ll be spending Holy Week with my family in my beloved City. I intend to do our yearly devotion. As Roman Catholics, we have religious activities during Holy Week to repent and reflect. Our family usually participates in the stations of the cross, attends mass, and participates in processions.

Then, I’ll attend our gatherings with my relatives in a private resort for the weekend. And I remember when I was a child, what I loved about a holy week was Easter Sunday, as we attend mass and witness a child that will be raised that represents the rebirth of Jesus.