Pabasa literally translates to a "reading".
However used in the Tagalog culture a Pabasa
is a sung reading of the last events of Jesus' earthly life.
This tradition has been done for generations.
There are leaders, mostly women in their 70s.
When I asked how one learns how to do the Pabasa,
no one could answer me.
In fact one woman was rather disturbed that I was even asking.
This Pabasa is sponsored by the church and
it goes from 7 am to 7 am the following day.
The church also sets a group in charge of the meals
served to the readers and those who will attend.
![](//1.bp.blogspot.com/-M9fc904Ac80/VQ44bFhzPRI/AAAAAAAACTQ/5yTtNHGkIn8/s1600/100_2734.JPG) |
a young reader in her 30s |