Makati opens street to two-way traffic for Lent

MANILA, Philippines - The Makati City government announced yesterday it is set to open to two-way traffic the stretch of J.P. Rizal street from Reposo street to Makati Avenue starting tomorrow until April 3.

Makati public safety chief Hermenegildo San Miguel said the traffic measure will be implemented to make way for “kubols” or “kalbaryos” in the streets of Barangay Poblacion.

He said the building of kubols is part of an annual ritual observed in the old communities of Makati during Holy Week.

Kubols are tableaus with religious themes mounted in different areas of Poblacion where residents come together for the “pabasa,” during which they chant the story of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Participants also spend time in the kubol to reflect and meditate.

In Barangay Poblacion, around 20 kubols are usually put up by groups and associations in Makati, bearing statues of saints belonging to Makati’s prominent families. – Rhodina Villanueva