For celebrities, Holy Week is best time to unwind

Author: Reyma Buan-Deveza
Column: Entertainment

For many celebrities, Holy Week offers a much-needed break from the stress and chaos that come with fame.

They consider it the best time to relax and enjoy, be with friends, loved ones and family. OFF TO BEACHES
The most-desired local holiday destination of local stars is Boracay in Aklan province, considered as one of the best beaches in the world.

Actress and television host Mariel Rodriguez said she will spend a lot of time on Boracay's unique white sand beach to relax and also do some work.

"I will be in Boracay... but there's a church in the island so there's no excuse for you not to hear mass or pray," Rodriguez told ABS-CBNNEWS.com.

"Wowowee's" co-host RR will also take her time to enjoy Boracay.

Young, morena beauty Bianca Gonzales will also spend Holy Week in a beach where she will enjoy the sun with friends.

"My friends and I are looking for a beach to go to," Gonzales added.

Gonzales explained stars really need a break since many of them are stressed from work.

"For a lot of people in the industry, there's really no holiday except Holy Week, so it's really a time to relax and reflect and take time for yourself," she said.

Sexy actress and comedienne Kitkat said she will also go to the beach with her family.

"Thursday, I'm going to the beach with my family. They say that during Holy Week, you should not be going out but it's just one day with my whole family, a perfect time to bond with them," she said.

However, Kitkat said she also believes that the message of Holy Week is to reflect and confess.

"Try to recall if you committed a sin, and if you do, pray and ask for forgiveness," she said. BEING WITH FAMILY
Stars like Valerie Concepcion use the break to recharge spiritually and be with her family.

"I will be in Tarlac with my family since that is our tradition every Holy Week, to stay together," Concepcion told ABS-CBNNews.com.

Her family also follows the common way of commemorating Lent.

"Very traditional. We do hear mass, but we don't attend procession," she said.

"Holy Week is the time to reflect and then take the right direction," Concepcion said. "It's also a time to actually go back to God's embrace. I always believe that he is there for me."

Comedian actor Empoy will stay in Baliuag, Bulacan with his family to reflect and take time to praise the Lord.

"I will be in Baliuag, Bulacan. It's good a place, especially during Holy Week because of the processions, contrition march and the images of saints," he said.

Animal lover and television host Kim Atienza is off to Boracay with his family.

"I have a little hotel in Boracay. It's a family business. So I'm bringing my kids there to the hotel," he said.

Atienza said Lent is an opportunity to recharge the spirit. "We thank God for all the blessings that he has given us. It's also time for healing of relationships and bonding with the people we love." PRAY AND DON'T SIN
For child star Makisig Morales, who plays a character in ABS-CBN's "Super Inggo, Holy Week means a vacation with his family, plus a time to remember the suffering of the Lord through masses and prayers.

"Kailangan po inaalala ang paghihirap ni Lord. Tapos po, lagi pong magpi-pray, tapos lagi din pong magsisimba," he said.

Makisig encouraged other children to always pray and not to commit sins.

"Mag-pray po sila na sana ay mawala na ang mga kasalanan nila. Ako din po ay magpi-pray din po ako na sana ay mawala na ang kasalanan ko saka po sana ay sundin na nila ang mga magulang nila." WORK FOR VHONG
But not all stars will be on vacation.

Actor-comedian Vhong Navarro will be in Manila to promote his latest film, "Supahpapalicious," produced by Star Cinema.

" Ipapalabas ang pelikula so magpo-promote. Baka dito muna ako," he told ABS-CBNNEWS.com

He agreed that Holy week is also a good time to be with one's family.

"Siyempre, ito iyong time para siguro magdasal tayo, magpasalamat tayo sa Panginoon dahil alam natin na ito ang time na naghi-hirap siya," he said. "And then, siguro, ito iyong time din para makasama ang buong pamilya mo dahil ito iyong panahon na lahat e walang trabaho."

Source: ABS-CBN News