The Best Places in the Philippines to Visit This Holy Week

Holy Week is one of the most important religious events in the Philippines. It’s a time of remembrance of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It starts on Palm Sunday until Black Saturday, the week preceding Easter Sunday. In 2023, Holy Week is celebrated on April 2 until April 8.

During this week, almost 85 million Filipinos (roughly 79% of the total population) take time off their busy schedules to do their religious obligations. Since the Philippines is a largely Christian country, there are also mandated days off work. In addition to these customs, many people use these work holidays to travel and see more of the country. It’s also an excellent opportunity to experience the age-old customs and traditions exclusive to Holy Week in the Philippines.

We’ve listed the best places in the Philippines to visit this Holy Week to help you prepare and plan:

San Fernando, Pampanga for Crucifixion

One of the most awaited spectacles during Holy Week is the penitence by the Magdarame in San Pedro Cutud in San Fernando City, Pampanga. The Magdarame are devout men who reenact the passion of Jesus Christ. They whip their bare backs while walking through the streets until they reach their version of Calvary, where the act ends with the crucifixion of the Magdarame. Their heads are wrapped in black cloth and crowned with vines, like the Crown of Thorns placed on Jesus’ head.

While the bloody practice may not be for everyone, and those outside the faith may find it bizarre, the Magdarame’s imitation of the hardships of Jesus is actually a form of penance for their sins. Those living in Camella in Pampanga get front-row seats to this very unique tradition. Since Crucifixion has become such a popular event, a house and lot in Pampanga ensures that you won’t have to struggle or spend too much time securing a spot with the best vantage point.

Tanay, Rizal for Salubong

‘Salubong’ directly translates to meeting or welcoming. In Tanay, Rizal, Salubong is a ritual that starts early Easter morning to welcome the images of the Risen Christ and the mourning Virgin Mary. It starts with a somber procession and ends with the meeting of the images or statues in front of a church or a closed arena. During this meeting, a child dressed as an angel and suspended in the air lifts the black veil from the Virgin’s head to signal the end of her mourning. There are several Salubong practices throughout the country, but the one staged by the Parish of San Ildefonso de Toledo in Tanay, Rizal is one of the grandest. They involve the entire community, making a house and lot near Tanay an ideal home for the devout. Another event highlight is the children’s choir singing angelic hymns, making the entire experience even more meaningful.

Visita Iglesia destinations

Visita Iglesia is the practice of visiting seven churches to pray and commemorate the death of Jesus through the Ways of the Cross. It’s believed that the tradition was started by the Roman Empire, encouraging the devout to visit the seven basilicas throughout the empire to pray during Holy Week. Visita Iglesia in the Philippines started when the Spanish colonized the country and introduced the Catholic faith.

Today, Visita Iglesia is the perfect chance to see historic churches and landmarks spread around the country. Here are some of the must-visit churches:

Ilocos Norte’s San Agustin Church

The San Agustin Church, also known as the Paoay Church, is one of the Philippines’ oldest surviving churches. It’s a National Cultural Treasure as well as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It features a gothic oriental design and towering buttresses, a relic of its time. It’s also surrounded by a scenic landscape, which makes the church even more impressive.

The historic structure is 21 minutes from Camella Laoag. A house and lot in Laoag would provide you with an idyllic environment where you can enjoy historic sites daily.

Taal’s Minor Basilica of St. Martin of Tours

The name can be misleading since Minor Basilica St. Martin of Tours is the largest cathedral not just in the Philippines, but in Asia. The massive baroque-style church sits atop a hill overlooking the majestic Balaybay Bay. It’s one of the most popular churches to visit during Holy Week because of these views, so you’ll do well to get settled in a home in Taal. Camella Taal is a sought-after neighborhood that gives you unparalleled access to sites like the Basilica, Taal Lake, Taal Volcano, and Tagaytay. There are plenty of attractions you can within the church’s vicinity.

Cebu’s San Guillermo de Aquitania Parish Church

The humble parish church in the South of Cebu is anything but. San Guillermo de Aquitania Parish Church was built in the early 1800s and furnished with Rococo and Baroque designs. It also boasts impressive ceiling and tiling patterns which culminate in an elaborate altar with carved religious statues. The church is also notable for serving as the shelter for locals when they were under attack by Moros.

The church is located in an area with loads of natural attractions, too, a leisurely drive from Camella Cebu. While you’re there, you can visit nearby beaches and springs.

Cagayan de Oro’s St. Augustine Metropolitan Cathedral

Withstanding numerous earthquakes and retaining its original architecture, St. Augustine Metropolitan Cathedral is a sight to behold. It even survived a World War that ravaged Cagayan de Oro. Its imposing facade has stood tall throughout Cagayan de Oro’s history and foundation. It’s one of the rare Neo-Gothic structures that are well-preserved to this day. If you’re in the city in search of a house and lot in CDO with impeccable architecture, then Camella in CDO is your best bet. It provides you with just the right European flair, paired with Filipino sensibilities, much like the cathedral.

Camella is your best start-off point

Whichever region or city you decide to visit this Holy Week, make Camella your springboard for these trips. Camella properties are intentionally located so that you have access to these amazing sites. Whether it’s Holy Week or otherwise, a house and lot in Camella ensures that you’re within reach of attractions and historic destinations.