Cover San Vicente de Paul Parish visita iglesia and stations of the cross activities (Photo: San Vicente de Paul Parish)
San Vicente de Paul Parish visita iglesia and stations of the cross activities (Photo: San Vicente de Paul Parish)
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This Holy Week, walk the Stations of the Cross in parks, cathedrals, and even malls
Each year, during the height of the Philippine dry season, churches swell. Holy Week in the country is far from just a break from work or a time for family reunions—it is, for millions, a solemn ritual of remembrance.
At the heart of this spiritual calendar is the Stations of the Cross, a centuries-old devotion that invites the faithful to retrace Christ’s final hours through 14 prayerful reflections. Traditionally held on Good Friday, this meditative walk—whether done in candlelit churches, along dusty provincial roads, or via online due to remnants of the pandemic—continues to draw believers seeking to engage with the mystery of Christ’s Passion.
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This 2025, a growing number of interactive and outdoor Stations of the Cross invite believers to not only observe but to experience the Via Dolorosa—whether on the park grounds of Manila or along the high streets of Taguig.
Here are just some places where you can take part in this moving Lenten devotion throughout Holy Week:
Rizal Park’s Interactive Stations of the Cross
At Rizal Park, the National Parks Development Committee has opened an interactive Stations of the Cross at the Mabini Hall. Conceptualised by Reverend Father Jesus Madrid Jr, this public display offers a creative and engaging way for parkgoers and pilgrims alike to commemorate the Passion. The installation runs from April 14 to 19, operating daily from 7 am until 10 pm. On Holy Wednesday, April 16, at 4 pm, a full re-enactment of the Passion of Christ will be staged at the Central Section by Cainta Nazareno, Inc—a dramatic retelling of the Via Dolorosa in the heart of Manila.
Semana Santa at Paco Park
Paco Park continues its observance of Semana Santa. The historic grounds, anchored by the St Pancratius Chapel, offer a circular route ideal for walking the Way of the Cross. A solemn procession took place on Holy Monday, April 14. But throughout the week, the park and chapel will remain open daily from 6 am until 6:30 pm, except on Maundy Thursday, when the grounds will stay open until midnight for those taking part in Visita Iglesia. Easter Sunday will be marked with three Masses in the morning and in the afternoon.
Faith Walk at Bonifacio High Street, BGC
In Taguig, Bonifacio High Street welcomes back the Faith Walk after a five-year hiatus. In partnership with The Chosen Philippines, the event transforms BGC into a contemporary pilgrimage route from April 16 to 20.
Spaced out between Fully Booked on 11th Avenue and C1 Park on 5th Avenue are 14 immersive stations. Each stop is designed to foster reflection, offering a modern, accessible take on the centuries-old devotion.
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Manila Cathedral: Stations and Liturgy
The Manila Cathedral in Intramuros maintains its liturgical schedule with a traditional observance on Good Friday. The Stations of the Cross begin at 9 am. This is followed by the Siete Palabras, or the Seven Last Words, at noon, and the Commemoration of the Lord’s Passion at 3 pm, presided over by His Eminence, Jose F Cardinal Advincula. The setting within the walled city lends a particular gravity to the rites—history and faith converging in every corner.
Gateway Mall 2: Sagrada Familia Church
In Quezon City, the Sagrada Familia Church atop Gateway Mall 2 has also set up its own Stations of the Cross that began on April 12. Situated on the higher floors of the mall, the church offers a quieter space for reflection away from the city’s noise, showing how even commercial centres can become sanctuaries during Holy Week.
Bonus: Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar in Bataan
In Bagac, Bataan, Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar offers a different kind of retreat. From April 17 to 21, guests are invited to a Holy Week experience that weaves together religious ritual, cultural immersion, and restful leisure.
The Stations of the Cross unfold within the resort’s storied grounds, their paths flanked by restored heritage homes and cobbled streets. Supplementing the devotion are Lenten role plays, Orasyon prayers at the Santuario de San Jose, and processions that draw from both Christian and folk traditions. Guests staying under the Holy Week package—complete with room accommodation, breakfast, and access to the beach and pool—also receive entry to guided heritage tours and Kamayan-style dinners.
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Angela Nicole Regis Guiral is the assistant digital editor of Tatler Philippines. She studied journalism and has since written features that look closely at how culture, lifestyle and social impact converge, while occasionally wandering into the worlds of style and travel.
