Longest-running Lenten TV Special Airs Anew

Quezon City, April 18, 2011―On Good Friday, the Dominican Province of the Philippines (DPP) will continue its tradition of preaching during the Holy Week with the longest-running Lenten program on Philippine TV— the Siete Palabras (Seven Last Words), with the theme, “Ang Pasyong Mahal sa Buhay ni Juan.”

According to the DPP-Provincial Media Board chairman Fr. Jeff Aytona, OP, the Siete Palabras 2011 will show “the traditional Filipino ways of commemorating the passion of Christ on the Cross.”

“This is why we will also commemorate our Lord’s suffering in Filipino,” Aytona added.

Distinguished Dominican priests will give their reflections during the event. They are Fr. Rolando de la Rosa, OP; Fr. Enrico Gonzales, OP; Fr. Tamerlane Lana, OP; Fr. Filemon de la Cruz, OP; Fr. Allan Lopez, OP; Fr. Roman Santos, OP; and Fr. Nilo Lardizabal, OP.

The Last Words include: “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34); “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise” (Luke 23:43); “Woman, behold your Son: Behold your mother” (John 19:26-27); “My God, my God, why have You forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46 and Mark 15:34); “I thirst,” (John 19:28); “It is finished,” (John 19:30); and “Father, into Your hands I commit my spirit” (Luke 23:46).

Siete Palabras 2011 will have the Bayanihan Dance Troupe, the National Folk Dance Company of the Philippines, which is expected to perform a Moriones routine; the Aquinas University of Legazpi Dance Troupe; and the UST Salinggawi Dance Troupe.

Meanwhile, Soprano Elisanta Cortez will perform with an octet from the UST Conservatory of Music. Singer Jamie Rivera, the Mandaluyong Children’s Choir and the Hail Mary the Queen Children’s Choir will also take part in the program.

The broadcast coverage will feature testimonials from personalities, such as veteran actress Joy dela Cruz, a.k.a. Tanya Gomez; Dr. Sherwin Agravio, the youngest governor of the Global Peace Association; and Queenie Velasco, wife of the late Joey Velasco (artist of the masterpiece “Hapag ng Pag-asa).

Through its Provincial Media Board and Institute of Preaching, DPP will hold the 17-year-old Lenten special still at the historic Santo Domingo Church in Quezon City, and will have its live broadcast by GMA-7 from 12nn to 3 pm.

The Sto. Domingo Convent and the Shrine of Our Lady of the Rosary of Manaoag, Pangasinan are co-organizers of the event. (Levine Lao)