SOUNDSTRIP asked music personalities the meaning of Easter to them and the way they celebrate that important day for Christianity. While we did not exactly receive a bumper crop of responses, we got some revelatory messages for the prayerful as well as the agnostics among us.
BING AUSTRIA aka PapaMod
Singer/dancer/performer of Flippin’ Soul Stompers
FOR me, Easter is a day to be with loved ones. We usually have family reunions during this day to share a meal together and just bond with each other away from our busy schedules. It is a blessed day indeed. Yeah! Yeah! Yeah!
LADY I
Reggae musician who’s just released her second album
EASTER Sunday means a recollection of the past year’s blessings and challenges and to remind us how we can relive Christ’s life and teachings in our everyday life.
We celebrate Easter Sunday with our loved ones while observing past traditions—whether or not we are at home or on an out-of-town vacation.
Al Ferrer
Father and mentor to Electric Sala
EASTER is a time for reflection, how far you’ve gone in life spiritually. Like asking yourself, have I been worthy of being called Christian? I spend it usually at home with family in Antipolo. Nowadays, we’re practically out-of-town anyways!
Al Dimalanta
Pinoy punk pioneer
FOR me, Easter has always stood for new beginnings and fresh starts. I have always seen Easter as a time not just to renew my faith, but also to rethink about the choices I’ve made.
You see, I may not be a deeply religious person, but I have always managed to hold on to a kind of faith that assures me someone up there looks out for me. That belief has managed to help me through tough times.
I don’t have a specific Easter tradition but I see to it that I spend Easter Sunday with people who matter to me.
WESTDON MARTIN aka Dong ABAY
Self-described Filipino rockstar extraordinaire
“I don’t celebrate it. It’s just an ordinary day for me.”
MARCUS ADORO
Eraserheads lead guitarist, Markus Highway head honcho
EASTER is usually [a] time for self-reflection. We used to observe fasting. And usually, the Christian world is somehow silent in a way. On the other hand it is also the time for parties as it is also the time for family to get together and celebrate and feast. The beach gets unbelievably crowded and noisy.
Personally as a musician, I tend to use this pause to record stuff. (That doesn’t mean I only record during Lent). The Eraserheads’ classic cassette demo “Pop U” was recorded on a Holy Thursday in the basement of the UP’s Faculty Center.
ODD Band
Upcoming post-rock group from Dumaguete
(Kerwin Elman, bass)
“EASTER is the celebration of the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. The long weekend gives us time to rest and spend time with the family, whether it may be an out of town trip or simply staying at home. The week ends with an Easter sunrise service at church.”
(Mark Litorja, guitar)
“EASTER always reminds me of God’s mercy and grace. We usually have an event in the church like a praise and worship workshop, so I spend it with my fellow brothers and sisters and with my family as well.
(Niko Fuentes, drums)
“EASTER is a time for me to reflect on [the way] God has seen me through life. On that day, I usually play drums for a sunrise service for our church. It’s always a sight to see people worship God early in the morning and watch the sunrise as it happens.”
(Cole Geconcillo, guitar)
“EASTER marks the defeat of the grave [and] the loss of death’s sting. To me, it means redemption and restoration.
I help in our annual Easter sunrise service every Easter. I play music in the worship group with [Litorja and Fuentes]. After the Sunrise service, I just usually spend the rest of the day with my family.”