I’ve received a few press releases from some friends, so I’d figure I’d do a little guide on where to go for Holy Week 2009 in the Philippines, including Easter:

1. Visita Iglesia. The Church Visit is quite common among Catholics,and the more churches, the better. I can still remember the times spent in my mother’s hometown in Bulacan and how authentic the commemoration of Christ’s suffering there was, with flagellants walking along the road. You’ll never see a better picture of Catholicism in action that in the week leading up to Easter Sunday.

2. Trek to Mt. Banahaw. Thousands will once again trek to the mountain deemed as holy by its devotees and who don’t mind making the long pilgrimage. While you’re in Dolores, Quezon, don’t forget to stay and sample the culinary offerings of Kinabuhayan Cafe.

3. Go on a retreat. Ateneo de Manila will be holding a Holy Week Triduum Retreat for its alumni, while those of us glued most of the time to the internet can join the Online Holy Week Retreat of the Jesuits.

4. Restaurants open in SM Mall of Asia on Holy Thursday and Good Friday. The mall will be closed, but dining establishments open are Bucharest, China Palace, Fish & Co, Gerry’s Grill, Guilly’s Island, Highlands Steakhouse, Italianni’s, Jatujak, Tanabe, TGI Friday’s & most restaurants in San Miguel By The Bay.

5. Kusina Salud Lenten Specials. One of my favorite restaurants south of the metro prepares a tempting array of fish and seafood treats from Holy Wednesday to Black Saturday. These are: Lumpiang Seafood Shanghai (P175), Bacalao Espanyol (P215), Kinamyasang Hipon (P245), and Bangus a la Pobre (P265). They also have an Easter Sunday Lunch Buffet at P399 per person plus an Easter Egg shell art activity for P350 per person. All these makes me want to make the lone drive, I swear
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