Pabasa

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.   

a young reader in her 30s