Makati announces traffic rerouting for ‘pabasa,’ ‘kubol’

MANILA, Philippines—The Makati City government has advised motorists to look for alternative routes from April 1 to 5 as portions of some streets, particularly in Barangay Poblacion, will be closed to give way to the conduct of religious activities for Holy Week.

In an announcement on Tuesday, the city government said that some 20 “kubol” or “kalbaryo” had been set up in different areas in the barangay to “relive the passion and crucifixion of the Savior and Lord Jesus Christ.”

A kubol is a religious-themed tableau assembled by the residents in an area where statues of the Holy Family and other saints are displayed. It is where people gather for the traditional “pabasa” or the chanting of the life and passion of Jesus Christ.

Because of these activities, the Makati Public Safety Department (MPSD) said that from 10 p.m. on April 1 up to 5 p.m. on April 5, two lanes will be closed to vehicles on Cardona Street (from Osmeña to J.P. Rizal), Angono Street (from Osmeña to J.P. Rizal), F. Zobel Street (from Osmeña to J.P. Rizal), and Hormiga Street (from Angono to Antipolo).

One-way streets, which will also be closed to traffic, are Buencamino, Ma. Aurora and Zenaida. On the other hand, the stretch of J.P. Rizal Street (from Reposo Street to Makati Avenue) will be open to two-way traffic.

For the procession on Holy Wednesday and Good Friday, the “salubong” on Black Saturday and the Easter Sunday parade, officials in Barangay Poblacion have issued a traffic rerouting scheme which will be effective starting at 5 p.m. on April 1 until April 5 until all events are finished.

All vehicles coming from Guadalupe going to Manila should turn left on Estrella and proceed to Edsa toward their destination.

For motorists coming from Manila and going to Guadalupe, they can take Kalayaan Avenue, turn right on Makati Avenue, left on Gil Puyat Avenue then straight to Edsa. Another option is to take Valdez Street, turn right on Makati Avenue, left on Gil Puyat Avenue then straight to Edsa.

The MPSD added that other streets may also be closed to traffic during the actual procession although enforcers would be posted to help motorists.

Meanwhile, officials announced that there would be no number coding in Makati City from April 1 to 3 and on April 9, Araw ng Kagitingan. –Maricar B. Brizuela