👼 Pagsalubong in Marinduque: A Touching Easter Reunion of Mary and Jesus

🌅 A Memory That Never Fades

When I was a kid, Pagsalubong wasn't just a Holy Week tradition—it was the beginning of our Easter Sunday hustle.

Every Sunday, we’d join my mother at the tiangge to sell vegetables, fruits, and anything we could carry. We had to wake up before sunrise, walk for over an hour to the town proper, and I swear—I’d walk half of that road with my eyes still closed. 😂

I remember how Nanay would nudge me awake when my bag of veggies started falling or I was veering off the trail. But all the exhaustion melted away whenever we arrived just in time for something magical: Pagsalubong.

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💐 What is Pagsalubong?

Pagsalubong is a reenactment held at dawn on Easter Sunday to celebrate the reunion of Mary and her risen son, Jesus Christ. It’s a dramatic, symbolic end to the somber Holy Week—marking new beginnings and restored hope.

Here’s what makes it unforgettable:

👼 "Angels" Descend
Fake angels—usually little girls dressed in white—are lowered from above using ropes and pulleys near the church entrance, their arms gently opening as hymns play. As a child, it amazed me every time!

💐 Flower Petals Rain Down
Once Mary meets Jesus, a veil is removed to reveal her joy, and petals fall from above, carried by the angels. The whole churchyard fills with music, smiles, and the scent of morning flowers.

🎶 The Hymn of Reunion
A solemn yet joyful song plays in the background—soft, slow, and sacred. It’s the kind of music that quiets even the most restless child (me included).

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🙏 Tips If You’re Witnessing Pagsalubong in Marinduque:

⏰ Come Early – It happens before sunrise, around 4:00–5:00 AM. Set an alarm and pack a light jacket—it’s chilly!

📍 Find a Spot Near the Church – If you’re in the town proper, head to the churchyard or plaza early to catch the best view.

📸 Respect the Moment – It’s tempting to take photos, but don’t interrupt the solemnity. Capture memories, not attention.

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❤️ Why Pagsalubong Still Moves Me

Even now, the sight of those angel wings, the scent of flowers, and the slow reveal of Mary’s joy brings me back to those sleepy walks with my mother. Back then, I didn’t understand all the symbolism—but I felt the magic. And sometimes, that’s all faith needs.

To this day, Pagsalubong reminds me that hope arrives quietly—often in the early morning, after a long, tired walk.

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📣 Experience Pagsalubong in Marinduque
Wake up early. Watch the angels descend. Feel the warmth of reunion and renewal.

👉 This Easter 2025, let Pagsalubong remind you: joy always follows sorrow, and light always breaks the dawn.

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