THE non-stop rain which muddied the dirt road to Mount Tapochao did not deter devotees from participating in the annual trek to the island’s highest point at dawn on Good Friday.
But because of the rain and the fog, the wooden cross that was transported from Mount Carmel Cathedral was not immediately erected.
Former Sen. Vinnie Sablan, who was among the local residents who have carried the wooden cross each year, said it was “slippery — we will wait until the weather clears before erecting the cross.”
Long-time island resident Bernardo Montano said, “This is a yearly trek that is part of my vow and prayers to God…to keep my family, my wife and children safe, healthy, and far away from misfortunes.”
Another long-time resident, Bogz Dayrit, who recently returned from California, said he had not been on Mount Tapochao for the past 10 years. “I’ve forgotten how far the walk was,” he said. “I stopped more than four times on the way up. But the rain helped many walkers to cool down. It was a good walk.”
Local resident Luisa Cabrera said, “This was always something our family had been doing since I was a child.”
She said she was a child when she started joining the annual trek to Mount Tapochao with her family.
“I remember my uncle putting me on his shoulder. He carried me all the way up whenever my feet got tired of walking,” she said.
After years of living in the states, Cabrera, who is now in her early 30s, has returned Saipan with her husband Chuck. She said she wants the annual trek to remain a part of their family traditions.
The cross
“The cross is a reminder of what truly happened on Good Friday,” Father Isidro Ogumoro said.
He said amid a “chaotic” world, prayer is very important.
“Let us pray, fast and give alms. At the end of the tunnel, we will always see Easter and a good tomorrow. Let us hope for the best as we earnestly pray,” he said.
Among the devotees who participated in this year’s trek were Precinct 2 Reps. John Paul Sablan and Manny Castro.
“Happy Easter from me and my family — may everyone have a good weekend,” Sablan said.
“I wish to greet everyone a happy Easter! Please join the Mass on Easter,” Castro said.
Support groups
Among the community organizations and government agencies that erected canopies or set up tables which offered water and other refreshments were the Saipan Mayor’s Office, the Indigenous Affairs Office, the United Families in Christ, the United Filipino Organization, the American Red Cross-NMI Chapter, the Saipan Magalahi Eagles Club, Tau Gamma Phi, Alpha Kappa Rho and local families.
They set up their canopies as early as 12 midnight. Many devotees, for their part, started the trek at 1 a.m.
Department of Public Safety police officers were also in the area to ensure the safety of individuals. An ambulance was also on standby.
“The turnout is lower compared to the previous years because of the weather,” American Red Cross-NMI Chapter Disaster Manager Juan Diego Tenorio noted.
He said there were no reported emergency cases or injuries.
“The American Red Cross team would like to greet everyone a solemn Holy Week and a Happy Easter. We are always here to provide assistance and support to the community especially during events like this,” he said.
Best way
Variety asked community members how they intend to spend their Easter.
“The best way is to get together with our family and friends so we can enjoy good food and great stories while sharing a good meal,” Rota Municipal Council Chairman Jim Atalig said.
For Linz Wang of Saipan Dance Studio, Easter is best celebrated by preparing a big festive meal for her family.
“I usually go shopping for all ingredients, groceries and all sorts of Easter bunny chocolates a week in advance. I cook a big meal with my family and friends and we spend time together during the weekend,” she said.
Femie Rey of the non-government organization ABIGAIL said Easter is a day to reflect on one’s life.
“The best way to spend Easter is to disengage from the usual work or activity and reflect on your own spiritual journey. It is also a time to connect with God through prayer, spending time with family and reaching out to those in need,” she said.
Father Isidro Ogumoro and other devotees pose with the wooden cross that would be erected on Mount Tapochao on Good Friday.
