Go out or stay in: How the stars plan to spend Holy Week

For many celebrities, the Holy Week is one of the few periods in the year where they get to have a decent break from the hustle and grind of show biz.

Some go on vacations for a much-needed breather. Others, however, are too exhausted to go anywhere, or simply prefer to stay home and relax. But however they choose to spend the occasion, they all share common denominators—the desire to be with their families and the commitment to reflect on the sacrifice of Christ.

While Christopher de Leon is currently in Japan shooting his upcoming reunion film with Vilma Santos, the veteran actor had asked the production team that they take a break on Easter Sunday.

“I requested that we take a break on that day and observe Easter. I think for some people, Pasko ng Pagkabuhay is an even more important occasion than Christmas; Jesus’ resurrection is very important,” he told the Inquirer.

Admittedly, Christopher used to go to parties even during Holy Week. But he eventually grew out of it. “I don’t do that anymore. I just stay quiet and contemplate while I observe Lent,” he said, adding that he also planned to fast this week. “No red meat for me—just fish and vegetables. And one meal a day will probably be enough.”

Richard Yap and his family prefer to take it easy, stay at home and pray together.

“We feel that it’s such a hassle traveling during Holy Week, since it’s vacation season for most people,” he said. “We would rather relax at home… We will pray the rosary and go to Church and pray, even if there’s no Mass.”

Like Richard, Marco Gumabao wasn’t too keen on going out during the Holy Week, so he set his vacation—with friends and rumored girlfriend, Cristine Reyes—weeks prior. “I just want to relax at home… I don’t want to join the foot traffic of people going on vacation,” he said.“I was already able to visit Siargao recently, so I’m good in terms of vacation. Now, I’m more focused on work,” he added.

For Xian Lim, Holy Week is a time for reflection and is usually spent with family. But once in a while, he and his girlfriend Kim Chiu go on spontaneous trips if their respective schedules allow it.

“It can also be good to go out and unwind. Our trips tend to happen at the spur of the moment, because at times, the more you plan something, the more it doesn’t push through,” said Xian, who would love to go to the beach given the chance because his ongoing drama series, “Hearts on Ice,” is mostly shot indoors, in a skating rink. “Para maarawan lang.”

A time to rest

There are times, however, when staying at home is more enticing. “Traveling is good because you learn new things… But there are times when you’re too drained. In which case, I just stay at home, read a book or watch a series,” he related.

Andrea Torres has always spent Holy Week at home. “I just use the time to rest, reflect and be with my family,” said the actress, who also goes on a Visita Iglesia and practices fasting. “The fasting isn’t limited to food. It also includes social media or whatever I feel is appropriate. Jesus Christ already made the biggest sacrifice for us, but it feels good to be able to do something for Him.”

Patricia Tumulak makes sure to participate in devotional activities. “I make a conscious effort to pray, unceasingly, throughout the day and be reminded of Jesus’ life, death and resurrection. We attend mass, or stream it online. I fast… I have recently given up fast food and online shopping. I spend less time on social media. And I start my day with a Bible verse and reflect on it.”

John Vic de Guzman will return to his hometown in Laguna to be with his family. “This is the only time we can have a proper break. But of course, we will still observe Holy Week traditions,” he said.

Same goes for Victor Anastacio. “I visit my family and just stay at home with them, because we’re usually complete during this time,” he said. Ryle Santiago will be in his mom Sherilyn Reyes’ hometown in Cebu. “We will meet up with other family members. I can’t remember the last time we went there, so I’m looking forward to spending some time there,” Ryle said. “The staple Holy Week tradition of our family is going on a Visita Iglesia. ‘Di nawawala ‘yun. After that, we go back to work.”

Joyce Ching and her family don’t have set activities during Holy Week, but it’s usually spent at home and for reflection. “Our plans change yearly. If there’s constant practice, it’s really more about remembering and celebrating what Jesus did for us on the cross,” she said. INQ