Bulusan's Mexican Connection

On a limited appearance last Holy Week in Bulusan were the altar silver centerpieces, part of the local parish church's ecclesiastical heirlooms. The priceless heritage altarpieces under the care of Saint James the Greater Parish include also several pieces of antique silver candle holders seen during the Huwebes Santo vigils.

According to several posts about the pieces, the frontal silver altarpieces with ornate silver relief design and style were brought to the shores of Bulusan via  the galleon trade during the Spanish colonial period. The craftsmanship and materials probably originated from Mexico since there were no similar silver craftsmanship techniques of the same style existing in the Philippines at the time these pieces appeared in Bulusan.

But according to a National Library article, Mexican influences in Philippine culture is still lacking in available scholarly studies. In this case, these elegant Bulusan silver altarpieces from the 18th century era will be valuable sources of evident materials.

Photographs by Alma P. Gamil
Bulusan, Sorsogon, Philippines

Santa Marta: A beautiful Act of devotion

For the discerning eye, it is evident, everything about the Santa were meticulously prepared. The style of the gown, the accessories used, the flowers and even the color combination were so excellent that one can sense a professional designer's hand behind the exquisite presentation.

Surprisingly, the effect was not ostentatious but rather a high couture and a manifestation of a sense of style on the part of the 'carer' of the Santa.

Santa Marta will always be dear to me since she 'lives' just beside our residence in Central, only a house away. I have known her since I was a child. She never ages. She is as beautiful as ever and more radiant now in the hands of a devoted carer- a grandson of our neighbor. Without fail the Santa always catches my curiosity for the whole week of the Kamahalan (Holy Week) when all the town's santas and santos are present at the Saint James the Greater Parish Church of Bulusan.

Taking care of a Santa for the Kamahalan is an act of devotion and faith in Bulusan. Although done only once a year, the preparation for the event entails not just a short span of days or weeks. It is actually a way of life for the carer that will last a lifetime and will extend to the next in the family line or whoever will be fortunate enough to be given the task of caring a Santa.

Indeed Santa Marta is an example of a Bulusanon's spirit of devotion and faith. An eloquent statement of love and care for the Santa as translated in the visual form.

Gazing at Santa Marta in the Palm Sunday afternoon procession, I can honestly say that  Santa Marta in her most beautiful regalia is a visual prayer expressed in a most stylish form. A testament of a Bulusanon's creativity and talent.

Photographs by Alma P. Gamil
Bulusan, Sorsogon, Philippines

Palm Sunday Images in Bulusan

The Palm Sunday event was a visual feast so beautiful and unbearably light. So distinctly Bulusanon.

Images by Alma P. Gamil
Saint James the Greater Parish Chuch/grounds, Bulusan, Sorsogon
Philippines