Palm Sunday

Yesterday was Palm Sunday. Masses are heard at different churches in San Antonio and other areas in the Philippines. As usual, hundreds of people packed the churches, with palm fronds on their hands. During this occasion, the mass usually starts with the blessing of the palm branches and part of the Passion of the Christ is read.

As far as the meaning and origin of Palm Sunday is concerned, I guess only few of the San Antoniohanons know about it. I, myself, knew little about it and that has something to do mainly with the fact that Palm Sunday signals the opening of the Holy Week.

However, a few years ago, I found an article that explained Palm Sunday. Based on what I read, the day is celebrated to commemorate the triumphant entry of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem in the days before his execution.

The people gave Jesus the honor of covering the path of someone thought worthy of the highest honor by spreading palm branches and even their clothing on Jesus' path as He entered Jerusalem, thus this quote:

They brought the donkey and the colt, placed their cloaks on them, and Jesus sat on them. A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted, "Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!" (Matthew 21:7-9)

Palm branches, from the ancient times, were symbols of victory and triumph. The Romans used to reward their champions of the games with palm branches, and in military triumphs, you probably have noticed that the celebrations of victory were observed with palms.

I think, the Jews followed the same custom of carrying palm branches on their festive occasions and this is what happened during the solemn entry of Jesus into the Holy City before his last passover.

Today, to continue to honor Jesus for His triumphant entry to Jerusalem, San Antoniohanons wave palm branches. The day somehow reminds us that by entering the Holy City on Palm Sunday, Jesus Christ voluntarily accepted His passion and death for our salvation, and that the triumphant procession with palm branches heralded His glorious resurrection.

And, now by carrying blessed branches in our hands, we Filipinos and Christians wish to associate ourselves with Christ in order that we also may participate with Him in the joy and happiness of His resurrection.

A blessed Holy Week to all of you San Antoniohanons! =)

Kudos to you graduates!

For graduates who hail from San Antonio:

The fireworks begin today. Each diploma is a lighted match. Each one of you is a fuse. ~Edward Koch

Graduating from college is what most people dreamed of, but sad to say only few of the thousands out there were able to make it. Some were deprived of the right to support school, and some just don’t mind the challenge, thinking they can make a difference without wearing togas. Well, for those who believe that what lies within us are bigger and more important matters than what lies behind us, my congratulations!

Achieving a degree or a diploma is no easy process, but as what an unknown author wrote, “The tassel’s worth the hassle!”


- Manoglaya

Rediscovering Dalupiri

I was browsing through the net, hoping to find fresh and interesting information about the island of San Antonio when I stumbled into one of Inquirer's multiple pages. The entry on that page is what caught my attention, although it was first posted way back in 2007. It's all about finding and discovering pristine islands in the province of Northern Samar. San Antonio was covered on that entry, and that simply shows how worthy the island is of all those praises.

here's what the writer of that entry wrote:

...The last island we visited was Dalupiri (or San Antonio), where the water is pristine, the white sand beaches deserted and spotless, and where weary psyches battered by urban stress recharge instantly, and the balance between man and nature is regained...

To read the full story, click HERE.

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By the way, I'm asking you to submit your own stories about San Antonio if you have any. You can send photos with captions, or any suggestions or comments you can think of. Drop me a line through this email: manoglaya@yahoo.com

Thanks much for passing by! =)