Bamboo pagoda sails as symbol of hope, unity in Bocaue

BOCAUE, BULACAN, Philippines — A bamboo-inspired pagoda sailed along the Bocaue River on Sunday as thousands of devotees celebrated the annual Feast of the “Krus sa Wawa” (Holy Cross), with this year’s observance highlighting simplicity, faith and unity amid difficult economic times.

Designed in the style of a traditional “bahay kubo,” the pagoda paid tribute to the town’s name, “bukawe,” a native species of bamboo, while reflecting the organizers’ decision to hold a more modest celebration in light of rising costs and the financial hardships faced by many Filipinos.

Unlike previous years when a single hermano mayor or major sponsor traditionally shouldered most of the expenses, this year’s feast was made possible through the collective efforts of nearly 10 longtime devotees who served as the fiesta committee. Their collaboration reduced the cost of the pagoda to about P1.5 million.

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“We deemed it to be sensitive with the needs of the times. We only wanted a simple celebration because many still experience the hardness of times, including the crisis being experienced by all of us,” committee member Jocelyn Sulit told the Inquirer.

She added: “We all became Hermano before and we wanted to continue our faith and devotion to the Mahal na Poon ng Krus sa Wawa.”

READ: In Bocaue, Holy Cross fluvial procession brings out devotees amid rain

According to Sulit, the bamboo-inspired design also symbolized the strength and unity of the community.

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“Even if we live simple lives, as long as we remain united in our devotion, we are like bamboo—standing together and growing stronger,” Sulit said.

Fr. Manuel Catral of Tuguegarao City, who presided over the concelebrated Mass, reminded devotees that the feast is not merely about colorful festivities or large crowds, but about embracing the true meaning of the Cross.

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According to Catral, devotion to the Mahal na Krus sa Wawa is one of the enduring expressions of Filipino faith that calls believers to carry their own crosses, just as Christ did.

He urged the faithful to remember that Jesus Christ remains at the center of the celebration, inspiring forgiveness, repentance and generosity.

“As the Holy Cross, which is God’s gift to us, symbolizes the silent faith of the people, we must also ensure humility, forgiveness, healing of wounds and the removal of the poison in our hearts that distances us from God. Let the gift of love, humility, forgiveness and the removal of poison in our hearts transcend to our own lives wherever we are—in our work and in our homes,” Catral said.

He also encouraged the faithful to become responsible stewards of God’s blessings.

“We should be good stewards of God’s gifts to us,” he said.

Catral added that Christ does not merely watch over people from the riverbank, but walks with them through life’s journey.

Bryan San Luis, another member of the fiesta committee, thanked everyone who helped make this year’s celebration successful.

“Bocaue is truly blessed with the gift of the Holy Cross, which brings people together,” he said.

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Parish priest Fr. Mario Jose Ladra said more than 1,600 devotees participated in this year’s Feast of the Mahal na Krus sa Wawa. /cb