00:00 Here in Lumban, it's not a trend to celebrate Lumbay.
00:04 It's celebrated every year.
00:06 On the last Sunday of the month, they celebrate Lupi or San Sebastian's Feast.
00:10 On this feast, the food and the dance should be wet while it's being served.
00:16 That's why the people here are so wet with joy.
00:19 The martyr San Sebastian is known as the patron saint of archers and athletes.
00:24 That's why this group of basketball players, Gen G, has been present in the joy of Lupi for 8 years.
00:30 The procession of San Sebastian is not only done on the streets.
00:35 Because the steps are being taken by boat to be able to parade the statue on the river of Lumban.
00:40 There are stories that sometimes, the statue of San Sebastian is seen on this river.
00:45 And when it comes to the front of the San Sebastian Church, the devotees will jump.
00:50 Because when they jump into the river, it brings them luck.
00:54 Some people believe that before they jump, they should pray first.
01:00 And then they will jump to adapt.
01:05 But in Paite, jumping into the river is not the answer to fulfill your wishes.
01:15 You will find the answer in the knock of Mount Humarap.
01:18 Alright, we are now here at Tatlong Cruz in Paite, Laguna.
01:23 Which is pretty much a little over 300 meters above sea level.
01:27 Because you can see Laguna de Bay.
01:30 It's cold and windy.
01:32 There are two ways to get to Tatlong Cruz.
01:35 You can use a car now.
01:38 But most people still prefer trekking.
01:41 It takes up to 2 hours to get up and down from Tatlong Cruz.
01:46 But it can take longer if you stop at the falls that you can see in the middle of the hike.
01:51 It's so windy.
01:54 This is Matabungka Falls.
01:57 The height of the falls is beautiful.
02:00 The plants that surround the falls are beautiful.
02:05 And maybe if it doesn't rain, the water of the falls will be clearer.
02:13 Well, I guess it's more rewarding if you will have to use both feet to climb the falls.
02:19 Even if you use a car.
02:20 Of course, I prefer to use my body to climb the falls.
02:26 Because it's a form of exercise.
02:28 Two, you're outdoors.
02:29 Three, the atmosphere is beautiful.
02:35 The surroundings.
02:37 At the same time, your reward is this.
02:40 At the same time, you will also get a reward for climbing Tatlong Cruz because the view is beautiful.
02:46 And of course, the people are nice.
02:48 This is Yatnel in Bumabalik Balik in Tatlong Cruz.
02:53 Has it been here for a long time?
02:57 There was a cross there when I was young.
02:59 But from what I know, it was first made of wood.
03:02 But when Tatlong Cruz was built, it was in the 70s or late 60s.
03:08 People come here every Holy Week.
03:10 We heard that this is a place for tourists and devotees.
03:15 For devotees and those who are praying.
03:17 According to them, they have their wishes coming true.
03:23 They have problems and they are giving solutions.
03:27 That's what they believe.
03:28 Because I don't believe in it.
03:29 No, it's right.
03:30 I just tried.
03:32 You just tried.
03:33 It's up to you.
03:36 Sometimes, Arnel tried to climb these crosses.
03:39 I also have experiences here.
03:41 There was a time when I couldn't ride a boat.
03:45 I was in the field for 1 or 2 years.
03:47 I don't have any other captain.
03:49 I prayed and said, "The next day, the full day will come, I will climb every day until Holy Week."
03:57 Every day?
03:58 I can only climb.
03:59 Arnel became true to his words and he climbed Tatlong Cruz every day.
04:03 I didn't plan it.
04:07 After Holy Week, a company called me from Manila.
04:12 They said I have a schedule.
04:13 I said, "It's true."
04:15 What was your wish?
04:19 The cross line.
04:20 Maybe because of the 3 crosses and the cross line.
04:24 But that's not the only thing Arnel's wish came true.
04:27 I was praying and I thought,
04:30 "This is the sacrifice I need to fulfill my other dreams."
04:37 [Music]
05:02 [BLANK_AUDIO]
Comments