The Samahan ng Mahal na Pasyon ng Panginoong Hesukristo (SMPPH) formally kicked off its annual “Pabasa ng Bayan” in Malibay, Pasay, ushering in the Lenten season with prayer, music, and heritage.

The event was held at Malibay Plaza on the first Sunday of Lent. The gathering drew generations of devotees determined to uphold one of the most enduring Filipino Catholic traditions — the chanting of the Pasyon, a centuries-old narrative of the life, passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Under the spiritual guidance of San Juan Nepomuceno Parish, the Pabasa ng Bayan unfolded as a communal marathon of faith. From morning until dusk, participants took turns chanting verses in the distinctive melodic style passed down through families for decades.

Elderly devotees sat beside young readers, some clutching worn copies of the text, others guided by memory — proof that the tradition continues to live in both print and heart.

For many, the Pabasa is not simply a recitation but a deeply personal “panata,” or vow — a spiritual offering made in gratitude or supplication.

This year’s kickoff carried added significance with the exhibition of 28 sacred images that form part of Malibay’s renowned Holy Week procession.

Displayed around the plaza, the collection offered devotees a rare opportunity to closely appreciate the artistry and history behind the images before they are carried through the streets on Good Friday.

The exhibit reflected a tapestry of Malibay’s past and present:

Antique Treasures — Centuries-old wooden santos, their weathered features preserved by local families across generations.

Vintage Icons — Mid-20th century masterpieces that have since become pillars of the parish’s identity.

New Commissions — Recently crafted images symbolizing the community’s renewed commitment to strengthening and expanding its religious heritage.

Side by side, the images told a silent yet powerful story of continuity — of faith that adapts but never fades.

Preserving the Malibay legacy

For SMPPH members, the Pabasa ng Bayan is more than an annual religious gathering; it is a cultural anchor for Malibay. It binds families, neighbors, and generations in a shared narrative of sacrifice and redemption.

“This tradition is one of the veins of Malibay,” an organizer shared. “Seeing the antique images alongside the new ones reminds us that while times change, our story of redemption remains the same.”