SAN JOSE DE BUENAVISTA, Antique – Elite families in Sibalom, Antique, are showcasing eight century-old statues of saints this Holy Week, drawing attention from tourists and serving as a testament to their faith and history.
These images belong to the “principalias,” or the elite members of society, traditionally affiliated with the Philippine Independent Church (PIC). One notable statue is of the Virgin Mary, originally owned by the great-grandmother of Sibalom Municipal Committee on Tourism and Cultural Affairs member, Engineer Jonathan De Gracia. The ivory statue is now cared for by the Lotilla-Galera-Vego family.
“The Virgin Mary has an ivory head, feet, and arms,” De Gracia said. The family maintains the statue with funds generated from a one-hectare farm, used to provide new garments and cover expenses for the Holy Week procession.
Another historic icon is St. Maria Salome, a wooden statue once owned by Don Teodoro Marzoña and now cared for by the Gesulgon family. “The wooden head, feet, and arms of the saint are well-preserved by the family,” De Gracia added. During World War II, the family took extra precautions, believing the saint would protect them from Japanese soldiers.
“Only the elite families could afford these religious images because they were very expensive,” De Gracia explained, noting that many were acquired through the Galleon trade with the Spaniards.
Meanwhile, the century-old Nazarene statue cared for by Raymund Cervantes will join the Maundy Thursday and Good Friday processions. The statue, originally acquired by his great-grandfather, Nemesio Lotilla, from a local sculptor, is a symbol of devotion and blessings for the family.
“We believe that the Nazarene makes our challenges in life lighter,” Cervantes said, explaining that his family continues to honor the legacy of their great-grandfather through this cherished tradition. The family also ensures the statue is well-maintained, providing new garments and fresh flowers for the procession.
