Sariaya Church: Discovering Quezon’s Timeless Jewel of Faith and History
If you’re planning a trip to Quezon province, you absolutely can’t miss the stunning Sariaya Church, officially known as the Saint Francis of Assisi Parish
General Luna, Quezon
Buhay na Kubol’s Senturyons
A Holy Week Journey in General Luna, Quezon
Share
Tweet
Email
- General Luna, Quezon
Every Holy Week, General Luna, Quezon transforms into a powerful display of faith through Buhay na Kubol—a community-led dramatization of Christ’s Passion. A key element is the Senturyon, portraying Roman soldiers in hand-crafted armor, engaging in symbolic street battles known as Estokadahan. More than performance, it’s an act of devotion rooted in tradition, sacrifice, and shared belief. This unique cultural experience offers raw storytelling, spiritual depth, and a glimpse into how one town turns Holy Week into something unforgettable.
Explore the Philippines through my lens as we venture into Buhay na Kubol’s Senturyons with Point of View (POV) photography. Using a body cam, I’ll guide you on an interactive tour, revealing the behind-the-scenes of capturing the shots shared here. Let’s dive into this visual journey together and uncover the wonders through my lens!
Let’s explore the PHILIPPINES through my lens as we journey on a photo slideshow to Buhay na Kubol’s Senturyons. Join me in this visual adventure and discover the wonders captured through my lens! Check out the shared slideshow here.
General Luna, Quezon might not be the first place that pops into your head when planning Holy Week travel—but maybe it should be. Every Lenten season, this quiet town transforms into a powerful stage of devotion and local storytelling through a unique tradition: the Buhay na Kubol Senturyons.
Check out the video for more highlights. See what I’ve captured through my lens with Point of View (POV) photography. Using a body cam, I’ll take you on an interactive tour, showing you behind-the-scenes moments of capturing the shots shared here.
Check out the video below for additional features. Explore what I’ve captured through my lens in this cinematic slideshow.
A TRADITION OLDER THAN YOU’D THINK
Here’s the thing: locals in General Luna will tell you this devotion goes way back—possibly even predating the more famous Moriones of Marinduque. There’s no exact date etched in stone, but one thing’s certain—it’s been part of their culture for generations. It’s a legacy passed down, reshaped by time but held tightly by faith.
The term Senturyon comes from “centurion”—those Roman soldiers from the Passion of Christ. But this isn’t just a re-enactment for show. What you’ll witness here is raw, heartfelt, and striking—complete with dusty sword fights, cries of anguish, and armor crafted by hand from found materials.
BUHAY NA KUBOL: MORE THAN A PLAY, IT’S A PANATA
Let me explain. The beating heart of this tradition is the Buhay na Kubol—a live dramatization of Christ’s final days. Locals step into the roles of Jesus, Mary, apostles, and of course, the Roman soldiers or Senturyons. They’re not actors. They’re farmers, carpenters, students, mothers—ordinary people taking on extraordinary roles. But this isn’t for applause. It’s a panata—a personal vow. Some participants fast. Others walk barefoot under the scorching sun, don armor for hours, or take on roles as a form of thanksgiving, sacrifice, or spiritual renewal.
A WHOLE TOWN TRANSFORMED
Walk through General Luna during Holy Week and you’ll feel it in the air—it’s like time slows down and the town collectively steps into another world. During the Parada ng Senturyon, the streets fill with locals dressed in handmade Roman armor—cardboard breastplates, feathered helmets, and shields painted with care.
Even the kids join in. You’ll see boys, sometimes no older than ten, marching with wooden swords, eyes serious and determined. And when the street battles break out—known locally as Estokadahan—you’re not just watching theater. It’s part-spiritual ritual, part-community drama, symbolizing the never-ending conflict between good and evil.
RELATED STORIES
Pulong Pasig Sandbar: The Hidden Sandbar Paradise of Calauag Quezon
Pulong Pasig Sandbar, situated in the pristine coastal waters of Calauag, Quezon, is a breathtaking sandbar that emerges and disappears with the tides, offering an
Lucban Church: A Testament to Faith and Resilience
Right in the heart of Lucban, Quezon, you’ll find the San Luis Obispo de Tolosa Parish Church, more commonly known as Lucban Church. This centuries-old
Boling-Boling Festival: A Colorful Carnival of Creativity in Catanauan
Among the many festivals that take place in Quezon, one of the most popular is the Boling-Boling Festival, particularly in the town of Catanauan. The
WHY IT’S WORTH THE TRIP
So why should General Luna make your Holy Week list? Because this isn’t about spectacle—it’s about living faith. It’s intimate, grounded, and deeply human. No stages, no sponsors—just a community breathing life into tradition.
For photographers and storytellers, it’s a goldmine of color, emotion, and local detail. For anyone looking to reconnect—spiritually or culturally—it offers a moment of reflection that hits different.
IF YOU PLAN TO GO
Best time to visit? Holy Week, especially Good Friday and Easter Sunday, when most of the dramatizations unfold. From Manila, take a bus to Lucena City (about 3 to 4 hours), then a jeep or van to General Luna.
There are no big hotels in town, but nearby areas like Lucena or Sariaya offer decent accommodation. If you’re up for something immersive, ask locals about homestay options—you’ll likely get stories over breakfast, too.
Quick heads-up: Be respectful. This isn’t just something to “cover” or “watch.” It’s sacred to the people. Dress appropriately, be mindful when taking photos, and if you’re invited to join in prayer or quiet reflection—take that chance.
CLOSING THOUGHTS: THIS ISN’T A FESTIVAL. IT’S FAITH IN ACTION.
Let’s be clear—Buhay na Kubol Senturyons isn’t a festival. It’s a vow, a ritual, a piece of living heritage. It’s memory wrapped in devotion, carried by ordinary folks who—every year—do something extraordinary.
So if you’re searching for something meaningful this Holy Week, consider stepping off the usual trail. Skip the noise, forget the fanfare.
I’m looking forward to the stories and images leaving a lasting positive impression on you, just as they have on me. Stay connected with us on social media for a weekly exploration of travel assignments and breathtaking visuals. Our focus is on championing local tourism, showcasing small businesses, and honoring the magnificence of the Philippines through the content we curate. Join us in spreading the word by clicking the ‘share’ buttons below. Your support means the world to us.
BROWSE BY REGION
- metro MANILA
- abra
- albay
- baguio city
- BATAAN
- batangas
- Benguet
- bulacan
- cagayan
- cavite
- cebu
- cotabato
- davao oriental
- Guimaras
- ilocos norte
- ilocos sur
- Iloilo
- Isabela
- laguna
- lanao del norte
- maguindanao
- negros occidental
- nueva vizcaya
- Pampanga
- pangasinan
- QUEZON
- rizal
- Samar
- sarangani
- Tarlac
- zambales
- zamboanga city
EXPLORE MORE about
Atimonan Port: Gateway to Adventure and Island Escapes
Situated along the pristine shores of Quezon Province, Atimonan Port is more than just a transportation hub—it is a doorway to stunning islands and a
Siain Port: From Copra Trade to Community Pier in Plaridel
Every time I walk toward Siain Port, the first thing that hits me is the line of the pier itself—long, straight, and stretching into Lamon
Malagonlong Bridge: Exploring Magnificent Heritage of Tayabas, Quezon
The Malagonlong Bridge is among the 11 historical bridges of the city of Tayabas located in Quezon Province. This bridge is one of the oldest
San Narciso Port: A Small Harbor at the Center of Coastal Life
When people talk about ports in Quezon Province, the bigger and busier ones usually come to mind first. But further south, along the Bondoc Peninsula,
Moriones Festival: A Living Tradition in the Heart of the Bondoc Peninsula
If you think the Moriones Festival is something you can only witness in Marinduque, think again. Over the years, this dramatic, mask-filled tradition has quietly
Pulong Pasig Sandbar: The Hidden Sandbar Paradise of Calauag Quezon
Pulong Pasig Sandbar, situated in the pristine coastal waters of Calauag, Quezon, is a breathtaking sandbar that emerges and disappears with the tides, offering an
Hambujan Festival: A Celebration of Agricultural Bounty and Spiritual Devotion
Located in the heart of Dolores, Quezon, the Hambujan Festival is a vibrant celebration that embodies the town’s rich heritage and deep connection with nature.
Dolores’ Paskotitap 2025: Quezon’s One-of-a-Kind Christmas Celebration
This Christmas, Dolores shone as the creative heart of Quezon province. Paskotitap 2025 transformed the town into a radiant celebration of lights, movement, and storytelling—where
Pabasa ng Pasyon: A Heartfelt Holy Week in General Luna, Quezon with the Living Tradition of Buhay na Kubol
If you’ve ever wondered what faith looks like when it’s woven into the daily life of a town, you might want to head to General
Lamon Bay: A Hidden Gem for Eco-Tourism and Marine Adventures
Located along the northeastern coast of Luzon, Philippines, Lamon Bay is a stunning destination that boasts pristine waters, rich marine life, and a vibrant local
Lucban Church: A Testament to Faith and Resilience
Right in the heart of Lucban, Quezon, you’ll find the San Luis Obispo de Tolosa Parish Church, more commonly known as Lucban Church. This centuries-old
Sirena ng Atimonan: The Mystical Mermaid of Quezon
Situated along the picturesque coastal highway of Atimonan, Quezon, the Sirena ng Atimonan is more than just a roadside landmark—it is a symbol of the
Lucban Longganisa: The Garlic-Packed Pride of Quezon
If there’s one local delicacy that defines the town of Lucban, Quezon, it’s the unmistakably bold and garlicky Lucban Longganisa. This native sausage isn’t just
A&J Cafe: Exploring Gumaca One Sip at a Time
Finding A&J Cafe at J.P. Rizal Street corner E. Caparros Street in Barangay Pipisik, the space immediately communicates calm. Minimalist design, warm lighting, and an
Lucban Pahiyas Festival: A Spectacularly Colorful Tradition in Quezon
Every May 15, the charming town of Lucban, Quezon bursts into a dazzling display of colors, artistry, and cultural pride as it celebrates the Pahiyas
Gunao Lake: A Hidden Gem in Dolores, Quezon
Gunao Lake, located in the charming town of Dolores in Quezon Province, remains a hidden treasure waiting to be discovered by adventurers seeking natural wonders.
The Vibrant Pahiyas Festival Street Dance: A Celebration of Culture and Faith
Every May 15, the charming town of Lucban, Quezon, bursts into a kaleidoscope of colors, music, and movement for the Pahiyas Festival, a grand celebration
Sariaya Church: Discovering Quezon’s Timeless Jewel of Faith and History
If you’re planning a trip to Quezon province, you absolutely can’t miss the stunning Sariaya Church, officially known as the Saint Francis of Assisi Parish
Boling-Boling Festival: A Colorful Carnival of Creativity in Catanauan
Among the many festivals that take place in Quezon, one of the most popular is the Boling-Boling Festival, particularly in the town of Catanauan. The
Hondagua: Everyday Life by the Deep Waters of Lopez
Hondagua is a barangay in the Municipality of Lopez, within Quezon Province, part of Region IV-A (CALABARZON) on Luzon island, Philippines. It lies directly along
Candle Festival: Shines with Tradition and Devotion in Candelaria
This celebration of the “Candle Festival” takes place from the 31st of January to the 2nd of February each year and is held in order
San Narciso Beach: Unveiling Nature’s Wonders in Quezon’s Bondoc Peninsula
You and your family and friends can experience the beauty of San Narciso Beach in Quezon Province. This stunning beach offers plenty of activities and
Quezon Zigzag Road: The Wild Ride Through Bitukang Manok
The Quezon Zigzag Road was built in 1969 during the Marcos administration, designed to link Quezon Province with the Bicol Region. Faced with the rugged
