CSF Promotes and Preserves Fernandino Culture Through MALELDO

The Philippines, being the only Catholic nation in Asia, yearly commemorates the Passion and Death of Jesus Christ with much artistry and dignity. Different provinces follow and promote different customs according to their own beliefs and traditions. Pampanga, known for its ingenious cultural traditions has its own way of celebrating the Lenten season and Holy Week. The chanting of the story of Christ's passion and death called "Pasyon," the solemn meditation of the Stations of the Cross, and the penitents locally known as "magdarame," who carry wooden crosses and inflict wounds on their backs before whipping themselves with wooden bamboo sticks are just few of the well-preserved rituals of the Kapampangans in celebrating Holy Week. These beliefs are traditionally followed by the common people to ask for forgiveness and as a signs of repentance. On Good Friday, "Biernes Santo" in Kapampangan, San Pedro Cutud in the City of San Fernando plays host to thousands of foreign and local tourists and dignitaries who witness the distinctive celebration of the Holy Week of this humble barrio. Dubbed as "Maleldo," the commemoration includes the account-by-account re-enactment of the Way of the Cross or "Via Crusis" and the sorrowful crucifixion of Christ. The Crucifixion rites is also being re-enacted in two adjacent barangays, Sta. Lucia and San Juan but without the staging of the Way of the Cross. The City Government of San Fernando headed by Mayor Oscar S. Rodriguez, in its effort to promote and preserve its unique cultural traditions as part of its eight point agenda, has ardently made preparations for the celebration. The City Government proudly promotes the Fernandinos' artistic quality is showcased in this solemn manifestation of faith. Ricardo Navarro, one of San Fernando's local writers, wrote the Kapampangan piece used for the staging of the "Via Crusis." First performed 52 years ago by local volunteer artists, it became a notable event for the barrio. It was in 1962 when Artemio Añoza of Apalit, Pampanga volunteered to be nailed on a wooden cross to gain divine approval for his dream to become a good religious leader and full-fledged faith healer. This supreme act of volunteerism paved the way for the crucifixion to take place every year with many penitents joining it as their "panata" or vow of sacrifice. In 1965, the event caught national interest with its performance in Betis, Guagua, Pampanga. Subsequently, it became an international tourist attraction. For additional information about the event, tour packages and other tourist assistance related matters you can contact the City Tourism Division at (045) 961.5684 or (045) 961.6640 local 211 and look for Michelle Uy or Ian Mejia or email at citytourism@cityofsanfernando.gov.ph.

MALELDO: A spiritual journey and a rich cultural heritage in San Fernando, Pampanga

Traveling north of capital Manila, one would find the City of San Fernando. Immediately after entering the San Fernando exit, one would see the giant shopping malls, multi-national companies lined up at the Olongapo-Gapan road. During summer, one would notice family cars or vans at gas stations lining up for petrol or checking on tire pressure, preparing for their road trip to the beaches or tourist destinations. But on Holy Week, particularly Good Friday, thousands flock to Barangay San Pedro Cutud, a village in the City of San Fernando, Pampanga, and approximately 70 kms. north of Manila. More than two decades after the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo, one would hardly believe that San Pedro Cutud was once buried in lahar, except when one sees the sandy ground that serves as a remainder of that devastation. San Pedro Cutud is known worldwide during Holy Week, because it is transformed into a "Calvary." This simple village becomes host to thousands of people from all walks of life, who would the witness of the annual Lenten rites which include the street play "Via Crucis" and the nailing of the penitents to the cross. The City Government of San Fernando, Pampanga headed by Mayor Oscar S. Rodriguez through the City Tourism Division in cooperation with the 4Four3M's Travel and Tour and Hotel Victoria de San Fernando, King's Royal Hotel and Leisure Park and Miyabe Court prepared different tour packages for interested local and foreign tourists who are interested to stay and experience Holy Week in the City. The tour packages include hotel accommodations, meals, transportation. Through this, you will experience a guided tour to seven (7) historic churches in the province as part of the "Visita Iglesia," dining in select Kapampangan restaurants, witnessing the re-enactment of Christ's passion and death through the "Via Crucis" and the crucifixion of local devotees. This is truly a distinct San Fernando Holy Week Experience.

CITY GOVERNMENT OF SAN FERNANDO PROMOTES AND PRESERVES FERNANDINO CULTURE THROUGH "MALELDO"

April 6, 2007 marks a significant custom uniquely held in Barangays San Pedro Cutud, Sta. Lucia and San Juan, small and quiet barrios in the City of San Fernando, Pampanga. On this same day, the whole Catholic Church commemorates the Death of Jesus Christ with the celebration of Good Friday. Different traditions are observed all over the country throughout the Lenten Season, but Fernandinos have a distinctive way of reliving this manifestation of faith with its observance of the annual Lenten rites which includes the account-by-account reenactment of the Way of the Cross and Christ's sorrowful crucifixion.

Barangay Sta. Lucia is holding its Lenten presentation "Lasa ning Ginu" commencing at 9 o'clock in the morning at Purok 10 in their barangay. Barangay San Pedro Cutud's annual "Via Crucis" or Way of the Cross will start at 11 o'clock in the morning at the barangay's welcome arch. "Senakulo 2007" is Barangay San Juan's version of the street drama that begins at 9 o'clock in the morning near the San Juan South Elementary School. The three dramas end with the re-enactment of Christ's crucifixion in their own respective "Calvary." For this year there will be a total of about 19 penitents who will be nailed on the cross in the three barangays.

The City Government of San Fernando headed by Mayor Oscar S. Rodriguez, in its effort to promote and preserve its exceptional cultural traditions as part of its eight point agenda, has zealously made preparations for the celebration. Local and national media representatives were invited for a press conference as a preparation for the annual coverage of the truly distinct Fernandino tradition. Mayor Rodriguez, Mr. Ruben Enaje (Cristo), San Pedro Cutud Brgy. Capt. Zoilo Castro, Mr. Allan Navarro, and members of the city government's different committees were among those present for the press conference to answer questions from the members of the press.

On the morning of April 5, 2007, the City Mayor will personally lead the city officials and members of the working committee for the event in inspecting the crucifixion site as part of the final preparations for Good Friday.

The City Government vigorously gives its support to the villagers of the three barangays in terms of improving cleanliness in the barrio and physical arrangements. The city government likewise, readied medical assistance with standby doctors, nurses and ambulances for any medical emergencies that may occur. The City Health Office (CHO) autoclaved all the nails to be used and administered anti tetanus vaccine to all the "Cristos" to ensure their protection from possible infection. The CHO furthermore advised all tourists to bring bottled water, fans and caps/hats to shelter themselves from too much heat and to prevent exhaustion and heat stroke. To ensure the safety of everyone who will attend this event, canine units will be utilized and 383 PNP and traffic personnel will be deployed for the event.