Bakla Ako, May Reklamo?

For many Filipinos and Catholics all over the world, this week is one of the most important weeks in their calendar. I say “their” because I am not one of them. I am Filipino and I was born and raised a Catholic. “Was” because I used to be a devout Catholic and practiced the religion to its strictest sense. But over the years, I learned that at the end of the day, what matters most is one’s faith. Faith not necessarily in a particular god, but in a higher being. Many people do not know this but I no longer believe in organized religion or any institution that has something to do with it.

I have had debates with my mom about this, but I think she now understands where I’m coming from. And although she doesn’t really agree with my beliefs, she respects them. Initially, she alluded my non-belief in the Catholic faith to my UP education. We used to have fights over dinner about my plans of non-observance of the sacraments and the traditions during Holy Week. It has been 10 years since I was a freshman in college and I think we have agreed to disagree on matters of religion.

My mom called me up yesterday and asked me where I was gonna spend my Holy Week. She knew for a fact that I would rather go to work, stay home or go on an out-of-town trip with friends but she still asked me what my plans were. I told her that I would probably just stay home, watch DVDs and blog. I prepared myself for another round of verbal castigations and a shortened version of a whole summer’s worth of Catechism classes.

To my surprise, she asked me if I wanted to go with her, grandma, my titos, titas, and cousins to Tagaytay. I got quiet. Shocked and in disbelief. You see my mom (almost) always observes the traditions of Holy Week so it was weird hearing an invite from her to spend the holidays vacationing.

I can only think of one time that my mom didn’t observe tradition. Ten years ago, after I graduated from high school, we went on a trip to Subic to spend the long weekend. It came as a shock to me and guilt was painted all over my face as I frolicked in the pool of the hotel were billeted in. But I enjoyed myself nonetheless.

So now I’m still thinking what I should do on Thursday and Friday, since I have the days off from work. Should I go with the family? Should I go online, find Value Hotels in the Philippines, and book a room for myself? Should I stay home, watch DVDs and pig out on meat (pork and not the meat you’re thinking of)? Should I stay home and blog? Should I go to work and offset the holidays off to a not so busy weekend?

“I’ll think about it and give you my answer on Monday,” I told my mom. My Monday is almost over, but I still haven’t made a decision. Good luck to me. And for all Catholics out there, may you find peace and may you have a blessed Holy Week.

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