Saturday, April 7, 2007

Good Friday

It's now 1:12 am of Black Saturday...

Believe it or not, Good Friday this year was very subdued and quiet (given that this is New York City, that sounds highly unlikely, but there you go).  I had a rehearsal (we have a new ensemble member starting next week, and I needed to go through a couple of things with him) then headed to church to pray the rosary and attend mass. 

The mass, held at St. Malachy's Church on West 49th Street between Broadway and 8th Avenue, was very solemn, holy and quiet.  Save for the spoken readings and homily, and the sung narrative of the Passion of Jesus Christ, it was a very quiet gathering.  No opening hymn, no closing hymn, nothing blaring, nothing loud.  And thankfully not one cellphone going off.

The first time I ever had to perform on a Good Friday, my body couldn't get over the shock of it (this was in London during my MIss Saigon run).  I've since sung on many more Good Fridays, and I've tried to observe the day as best as I could, as prayerfully as I could.  It's so much easier back home to do so, as all the malls and restaurants are closed, and everyone gathers either at home or at church for prayers, or the movies depicting Christ's passion are on every TV channel.

Perhaps it's not about the "how" of the celebration, but just remembering... remembering God's infinite and boundless love for each of us, and how He sent His Son to save us all.  This is a season not only to remember Christ's suffering on the cross, but more importantly, of His resurrection.  It's a season of love, and a season of hope.

May you all have a very Happy Easter!


19 comments:

arkitekfhc . said...

Happy Easter to you and your family as well. Are there any plans with Nic for her first egg hunting?

(( mAra )) romano said...

I agree. I think people sometimes lose sight of what Easter is really about. The most important thing IS to remember what we are celebrating and not particularly how we do so. Happy Easter!

Aleli Geraldino said...

it's also a season to celebrate.. :) happy easter ms lea :)

XXXX YYYY said...

I was educated in a Catholic School from Nursery to College. When I joined a global Advertising Firm, I was asked to work during Holy Week. At first, I was really shocked and felt guilty. But the excitement of sun and sands diverted my attention. After 4 years of same Bora, Davao, Cebu and Galera routine, I decided to request for a reassignment which will not involve working during Holy Week.

This year, 1) I stayed at home and watched DVDs about biblical characters or manifestations ; 2) I am (still) counting my blessings and writing them in my offline journal; and 3) I committed myself to use my position to influence responsible marketing to children.

Happy Easter!

Anne Shirley said...

Thank you again for sharing this with us, from what's happening behind the stage - up to the more personal side of you. I'll give a "light" comment on your Easter entry, something related to going to church. A former co-worker of mine told me this story of how one time she went to church and when the singing started, she could make out this beautiful singing voice that just stood out. It was coming... from her side, and it's Lea Salonga! She didn't notice you at first, you were standing right beside her! It turned out that it's the church you and your mum always frequent whenever you're home (I forget where). Imagine how she almost fainted when, during The Lord's Prayer, you held hands with her!

I am ashamed to say that ever since I left the Philippines almost two years ago, I have stopped going to church. I would at first (I am currently studying in Norway) but later I just didn't feel the solemnity at all. There are just so many people, some whispering, and yes, cellphones going off (don't really like crowds during mass). I thought it better if I just have my "vigils" at home. When I'm in England (where my fiancé is from) I do go to church with the small community.

Happy Easter, Lea!

Tatiana Villaflor said...

Thank you for sharing with us. Sad to say, I wasnt all good today. Had dinner at The Orleans Casino @ Tropicana, and it seemed like a normal "Friday Night" and saw lots of pinoys/pinays. Im ashamed too, as i was more religious when i was in manila, rather than here, where you work on holidays, and spiritual days, but i do have a direct line to HIM, to repent, ask forgiveness, and for all the blessings Come sunday, its easter egg hunt time for my 6 year old andre. Next year, would be nice to have egg hunting for the adults...using balut?!? hahaha...Have a Happy Easter Lea!

Lindsay Fajardo said...

Happy Easter!!! God Bless...

Carmel Hombrebueno said...

Happy Easter, Manang :)
God bless

Doug Coppi said...

Hi Lea and Fans,

And what a more beautiful way to reflect on Christ's sacrifice than to watch you sing "Via Dolorosa". I think this is the most passionate performance of this Christian classic ever. (Depending on the speed of your internet connection, the videos may appear choppy the first go round but they play perfectly the second.) The illustrated version contains scenes from the movie "Jesus of Nazareth" that I edited together.

Lea Salonga’s Performance

http://www.standyesteady.com/Ecards/SelectCard.php?EcardText=1175804575&ENum=1

Via Dolorosa Illustrated

http://www.standyesteady.com/Ecards/SelectCard.php?EcardText=1175804575&ENum=2

He is risen! He is risen - indeed!
Doug Coppi
Producer
"Stand Ye Steady - Songs of Courage and Inspiration"

XXXX YYYY said...

wow..

Su funcionamiento del "Vía Dolorosa" era impresionante. Su acento español era bueno. Mi profesor era así que satisfecho por cómo usted cantó la canción maravillosamente.

Bravo!

Ang Galing ^-^

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Resurrection is the demonstration of God that life is
essentially spiritual and timeless....

Ria O. said...

Hi Lea! I think you were fortunate to have celebrated Holy Week outside of the Philippines. I I think it gets taken for granted here, because of all the emphasis on the outward practices/appearances. If you were able to celebrate Jesus's death and resurrection within yourself, and really look into your soul, I guess that's the most meaningful celebration one can have. Anyway, Godspeed on your work there. Take care!

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Hill Top said...

thank you for showing us the full-length performance! 'such a moving song gorgeously sung by the incomparable Lea Salonga.

Lloyd de Leon said...

It's just so disheartening to note that more and more people choose this day to go to the beach to have fun when they have the whole summer to do that. I even hav a relative who 'deliberately' choose to work on this day (even asked her boss to assign her on this day) because of double pay... and she is a Catholic. Sad. I mean, if your job requires you to work on a Good Friday, that's perfectly fine. Kailangan talaga e. But if you have the option not to, why insist?

Anne Shirley said...

That was an incredible performance. It's always wonderful to see people showcase their talents especially if it's to glorify our Maker.

Lloyd de Leon said...

I sent her something like this one. The song is Sandy Patti's version and the clips were from "The Passion of the Christ". I wish I have the tool to change the sound to Lea's version, but Patti's version is also good... I wonder if Lea was able to watch it in full.

Urane laderas-cabantog said...

well., its really nice to reflect.....

Gilberto Viana said...

ola, tudo bem?? Obrigado pelas lindas músicas!

hello! Thank you