MARINDUQUE, Philippines – The famous Moriones tradition here is not merely showcase of art, cultural heritage or land of abundance; for its people, the vow of a Morion unveils their utmost faith and shared passion to the sacrifice of Jesus Christ for humanity.
During the Lenten season, thousands troop to this heart-shaped island-province in Southern Tagalog to witness and glimpse the incredible array of soldiers donning themselves in Roman-inspired costumes.
For the many, photo-ops with a Morion complete their Holy Week experience here. Few however wish to know how it feels to be wearing integrated Roman centurion helmet, cape, breast plate, and leggings with sword or spear.
For this reason, this writer exerted efforts to wear the glamorous Morion costume with the hope of unlocking the mysteries of bearer’s vow to a practice that were handed to them from generations to generation.
Amid prohibition, the Kapatirang Morion ng Marinduque, one of the three Morion groups here, allowed me to wear one of their costumes for me to experience the Morion’s way of life during the Lenten season.
It was not an easy decision for the group as the Morion’s vow reiterated that a soldier’s gear is only fitted to himself and not to others except when he let it go.
Stripping me from my casual wear, a pair of Morion soldiers started to fit the costumes that were intended for me that day. One-by-one, each piece brought significant meaning and a sense of pride.
I fell like a Centurion, a commander of over 100 soldiers, gearing myself for a long war. After 30 minutes, I hit the streets of Boac town.
The National Museum of the Philippines here disclosed that the story of Moriones Festival goes back in 1807 when Padre Dionisio Santiago, parish priest of Mogpog, organized a group of players to re-enact the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
The staging of the play evolved around Longinus, the Roman Centurion, who was assigned to the execution of Christ on Calvary.
Longinus was the one who thrust a lance into the side of Christ and in so doing caused the precious blood to flow whereupon a drop fell unto his blind left eye and miraculously healed it.
He served as officer of the guards of Christ’s tomb and witnessed the resurrection. He rushed into town to spread the news, which prompted the High Priest and Scribes to order for his execution.
As the Morion soldiers fitted my head gear, I felt the entire weigh of my costumes, more than 15 kilos on my estimate.
My first step was hard as my feet were not used to the heavy shod of Roman soldiers. A little unevenness on the surface of the ground could topple me down.
I learned that a Morion must learn to control his steps so as not to find himself rolling in the grounds.
Visual was the most difficult as the mask offered only a half centimeter in diameter hole where one has to thrust his eyes closely so he can have a better visuals.
Daytime offers “little” problems, but even veterans have to deal with the visual’s greatest perils during night time.
With closed head gear, the Morion’s sense of hearing was also at the minimum so he can’t have full awareness of what is coming from his left or right shoulders.
Crossing the streets, with racing pedestrians and vehicles, was not as easy as it looks.
He must also learn to cope with the minimal air that is coming in from his neck portion for his breathing.
For the new Morions, breathing is one of the biggest disciplines that they must need to learn.
From the Morion headquarters near the town hall, I roamed to the Marinduque Expo site.
Along the way, I met people from all walks of all life, wanting to get a picture of me; but little did they know of the struggles of the person behind the mask.
History said that religion and art are the basic elements that make the festival unique in presenting the thematic content of the event.
It has become an epic tableau, where once it merely aimed to reiterate a Lenten miracle, now it is an act of sacrifice.
After nearly four hours, I completed my rounds fully dressed in a Morion’s costume in Marinduque’s capital town of Boac.
My body temparature increased beyond normal along with my blood pressure. Few more hours, under the grueling heat of the sun, I know I will collapse anytime.
I only did it in less than four hours, but a true Morion has to do it for seven days during the Holy Week.
A unique Holy Week experience, the Moriones festival is truly a cultural presentation in itself and a blending of an ancient practice and Lenten piety which has been handed from generations to generation.
