ANGELES CITY – Hundreds of people gathered to watch the breath-taking portrayal of religious practices in the province of Pampanga through Panata at Panalangin: A Spiritual Journey Showcased through Culture and the Arts directed by award-winning Kapampangan choreographer Peter De Vera held at the MarQuee Mall Park, Monday (April 10).

Sinukwan Kapampangan Performing Arts Group officially commenced the Lenten observance with Panata at Panalangin, a contemporary dance depicting the faith of the people through body movement and music.

“We are continually exerting our efforts in enhancing our beautiful culture here in the city. Panata and Panalangin shows the strong foundation of the Kapampangan faith and shows how talented our people are in using dance and music as a way of  portraying the passion and death of Jesus Christ,” Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan said.

“Let us unearth all the good traditions passed to us by our great ancestors and continue preserving our rich culture,” he added.  

The week-long artistic presentation is part of a series of Holy Week events in the Angeles City which commenced through the lighting of the candles of the 14 Stations of the Cross in the park.

The candle lighting was spearheaded by Mayor Pamintuan and his wife, First Lady Herminia Pamintuan, local government officials, and members of Lingap Kapampangan.

According to De Vera, the 14 stations represent minor and major issues confronting the Philippine society today.

“People have various ways of showing their faith and we, at Sinukwan Kapampangan show ours through contemporary dance. We aim to preserve our beautiful culture and we aim to  influence people to participate in nurturing the practices and traditions for the future generations,” De Vera said.   

The Sinukwan Kapampangan Performing Arts Group offered a glimpse of the various practices of the Kapampangan faith and sacrifices through a fusion of visual arts, music, drama, and dance.

De Vera’s Panata at Panalangin showcased Pasyon (Passion of Christ), Pangadi (Prayer), Palaspas (Palms), Kuronang Suksuk (Crown of Thorns), Biyernes Santo (Good Friday), Lukas Paldas Nang Maria (The Sorrow of Mary), Katlung Aldo (The Third Day: Christ’s Resurrection) and Salubong (Welcoming the Risen Christ).

The week-long event will run from April 10 (Holy Monday) to April 16 (Black Saturday). Encore performance of Panata at Panalangin will also be held on April 15, 6:00PM at MarQuee Mall Park.