Karylle and Zsa Zsa Padilla Headline Heritage Celebration at 'Santa Cruz de Mayo'

janimonow

April 30

The renowned mother-daughter duo of Zsa Zsa Padilla and Karylle are set to lead the religious procession in the upcoming "Santa Cruz de Mayo," an event spearheaded by the Philippine Heritage Society (PHS). This marks the society's inaugural organization of the "santacruzan," which is the highlight of the month-long "Flores de Mayo" festival honoring the Blessed Virgin Mary—a tradition deeply rooted in the Philippines' rich Spanish colonial history.

At the event, which is scheduled for May 19 in the historic district of Intramuros, Manila, Zsa Zsa Padilla will grace the procession as Reyna Emperatriz, while Karylle will portray Reyna Elena. They will be joined by other notable figures, including reigning Miss Supranational Alethea Ambrosio, who will also participate as one of the sagalas, showcasing the important women figures from the Bible.

The announcement was made at a press conference held at the Admiral Hotel in Manila, where PHS president Kate Bellosillo explained the significance of involving high-profile personalities such as Padilla and Karylle. "When we were talking about this, there was a suggestion that we have to invite high-profile personalities to add value, to attract more audience to our Santa Cruz de Mayo," Bellosillo stated. She further noted that Karylle's active social media presence and her plans to document the event in real-time would significantly enhance the event's reach and visibility.

PHS Creative Director Nathan De Leon took the opportunity to clarify the distinctions between the "Flores de Mayo" and the "santacruzan." He explained, "Flores de Mayo is a month-long event in May that honors the Virgin Mary with special prayers and flower offerings, while 'Santacruzan' is a specific event at the end of Flores de Mayo celebrating the story of Queen Helena of Constantinople and her discovery of the cross on which Jesus Christ was crucified."

The costumes for the procession, designed by Lito Perez, are expected to add a layer of visual spectacle to the event, embodying the grandeur and historical significance of the occasion.

This year's "Santa Cruz de Mayo" promises to be a memorable celebration of Philippine heritage, faith, and culture, further enriched by the participation of Zsa Zsa Padilla and Karylle. Their involvement not only highlights their commitment to cultural preservation but also bridges generational gaps, making the historic celebration accessible and appealing to a wider audience.