What are your Lenten traditions?

Lent is a time for prayer, sacrifice and reflection as we prepare for Easter. Those who grew up with a Catholic education were encouraged to give up something we loved as a sacrifice for the sufferings of Jesus Christ. But even as we observe the tradition of prayers and fasting, this is also an opportunity to relax, travel and bond with our loved ones.

Chit Juan, president, ECHOstore sustainable lifestyle

My Lenten tradition is to start abstinence from Ash Wednesday and throughout Lent. It’s just 40 days but it’s cleansing both physically and spiritually.

Ilocos Governor Ryan V. Singson

Instead of giving up something during Lent, I do something positive. I spend more time with my family. We go to different churches and pray. We have family gatherings during Good Friday, and we go to the beach on Black Saturday.

Trisha Bunye, senior partner, Cruz Marcelo & Tenefrancia

My husband and I try to attend all of the Lenten Recollections at the Ateneo Professional Schools on Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Holy Saturday. Every year, there are different Jesuit speakers who are all excellent. Aside from being a time to pause and reflect, it is an opportunity to see old friends who also attend annually. Unfortunately, we will miss the recollections this year as we will be away for a change.

Grace Lee, TV host

Being a Christian, I contemplate this “What kind of life am I living?” “Is it pleasing to the eye?” Aside from giving up one thing I love (this year I gave up cheese) I came up with a list of one good thing I must do daily during the Lenten season. It doesn’t have to be elaborate. Could be as simple as writing a simple note to my dad or mom.

Angelie Pangilinan Valenciano, president GV Productions Inc.

We normally like going to The Fort for the Church Simplified Display of the Walk of Christ, go to Tali beach and then Easter service with the family!

Rep. Alfred Vargas, 5th District, QC

I follow the tradition of my roots in Sta. Maria, Bulacan. My siblings and I participate in pabasa/passion. Then we go Visita Iglesia, spend the rest of the HolyWeek together with our relatives in prayer and family bonding. We’ve been doing this since I was a kid. This is the tradition I grew up with.

Atty. Midas Marquez

The Holy Week is a sacred time spent with family and for reflection, two important things that clash with a busy schedule. It’s an opportune time to bond with the kids and share with them some life lessons and experiences. It’s a time to reflect and be thankful for the blessings received and to ponder challenges addressed.

Robbie Pinera, makeup artist

I don’t have a Lenten tradition but I take that time to rest, reflect and just have a quiet moment with my loved ones at home.

Atty. Inky Reyes

During Lent, my wife and I usually just stay home and reflect on and rejoice in the ultimate sacrifice Christ made to remove our sins and guarantee us eternal life. Sometimes, rather than joining the maddening crowds in places like Baguio, Tagaytay, Subic or Boracay (where the revelry is too much for us), we enjoy the empty streets of Metro Manila and drive around, then go home to watch a video, or kick back and relax, by ourselves or with some friends, while simply thanking God for our lives and everything He’s done for us.

Michael Sy Lim, professor, De La Salle Universty, blogger/Fashion Pulis

Work is normally not as busy for me and my best friend during the Lenten Season.  So during this time of the year, we normally take a long trip overseas. Honestly, I cannot remember the last time I spent Holy Week here in the Philippines.  Last year we went to London, Munich, Ljubljana and Zurich.  This year we haven not really decided where to go yet.