“Pabasa ng Pasyon” is a traditional Filipino ritual involving an uninterrupted chanting of “Pasyong Mahal”, an early 16th-century epic poem narrating the life, passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ
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Pabasa were introduced to the various indigenous peoples of the archipelago by Spanish friars spreading the Roman Catholic faith. But there’s more about it. Here are the things we want to know about ‘Pabasa’:
1. How did the Pabasa started? Who started it?
It started way back in 16th and 17th centuries when Spanish missionaries adapted the European biblical tradition to melodic form. The first book of Pabasa was written in Spanish and was later translated in Tagalog so the Filipino indigenous can be familiar with it.
2. Who wrote the first Tagalog version of Pabasa
The first Tagalog version of Pasyong Mahal was written by Gaspar Aquino de Belen in 1704. It was entitled "Mahal na Passion ni Jesu Christong Panginoon Natin na Tola (The poem of the Blessed Passion of Jesus Christ our Lord)." And was later translated in other dialects.
3. Who can participate in Pabasa?
Anyone/Everyone, even the non-Catholics who sees Pabasa as “panata” are welcome to take part.
4. How many people can participate in Pabasa?
There are usually two Pabasa readers/singers who alternates with the singing. But the verses can also be sung individually depending on the availability of the participants.
5. In what day of the Holy Week can you start reading Pabasa?
Usually, Pabasa chanting starts on Holy Monday and last for three consecutive days although the more popular practice begins on the afternoon of Maundy Thursday and ends at either 12 noon or 3PM on Good Friday. However, most communities end the ritual at 6PM, for the traditional "Last Supper" food festival among folks, even though the Last Supper of Jesus is on Maundy Thursday.
6. How is the Pabasa sung?
Pabasa is usually sung acapella but there are some who uses musical instruments. The verses are structured in five-line stanzas, with each line containing eight syllables. A complete stanza should ideally be chanted in only one breath. For instance, try this in one go: "Tanto rin naming lahat na / Bayang tinubuan Niya / Ito ay taga Galilea / Tayong dukha at hamak na / Naguiguinunong talaga."
7. What tunes can be used when singing Pabasa?
While there are popular melodies in singing Pabasa, there is no official melody on how it should be delivered. Even rock and pop melodies are welcome as long as the intention to reflect on God’s word is there.
8. May singers stop from chanting Pabasa altogether?
No, there should be no dead air in reading Pabasa. It is meant to be a marathon until the last verse of the book. The singer cannot stop chanting until there is someone to replace him/her.
9. In singing Pabasa, is louder better?
No, chanting Pabasa loudly can defeat its solemn purpose.
10. Who can host Pabasa?
Any religious organization or residents can host Pabasa as long as they are willing to provide candles for the relics and foods or refreshments for the participants of Pabasa.
Sources: Interaksyon.com / Wikipedia
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