FROM THE EDITOR

It’s a hot and humid 38 degrees Celsius from where I am, as I write this piece. Notwithstanding the sweltering heat, I love this time of the year because it means summer is here. As Olaf says in the movie Frozen, “I don’t know why, but I’ve always loved the idea of summer, and sun, and all things hot!” Summer is the season for vacation, leisurely travel, or just having a much needed staycation in the comforts of your home. To start off, we have this super long weekend this April - (a five-day holiday period for holy week and Araw Ng Kagitingan or Day of Valor). But sadly, for most of the younger generations, the Gen Zs and the millennials, holy week is no longer a time to reflect about Jesus Christ’s sufferings; rather, it is a time to head out to the beach and have fun exploring popular tourist destinations.

I remember as a kid, during holy week there were “pasyon or pabasa”, station of the cross, and flagellation in our neighbourhood, even though we live in the city. But now, these old traditions are seldom practiced in the urban areas and could only be observed mostly in the provinces today. Too bad the practices were not passed on by the old folks to the young ones, I guess.

For the “Team Bahay” like me, I welcome the long weekend to take a pause from the grinding eight-hour a day work, catch up with some much needed ZZZs, and recharge before going back to reality.

Have a great summer everyone!