Today is Ash Wednesday. This religious tradition signals the beginning of the lent season.

The wearing of ashes on the forehead symbolizes the dust from which God made his people. The Catholic Church observes the disciplines of fasting and abstinence during this day.

Fasting is the reduction of one's intake of food, while abstinence refers to refraining from something that is good, and not inherently sinful, such as meat.

The commemoration of Lenten Season is one of the significant seasons for Filipino Catholics because it is a time to reflect, repent, and express their faith.

Photos: William Ronquillo - PIA HRDD