Lenten Living: A Guide for Iloilo City Renters

Published by

Kurtina PH

on

April 16, 2025

Holy Week is a special time in the Philippines—especially in Iloilo, where tradition and faith are deeply woven into the community.

Whether you’re a student boarder, young professional, or a small family renting a space in the city, this season is a great time to reflect, recharge, and reconnect with your loved ones.

If you’re staying in your rented space or heading home to the province, here are a few tips to help you make the most of the Lenten season—while keeping your space (and your belongings!) safe and sound.

For Renters: How to Observe Holy Week in Your Rented Home

Whether you’re staying in the city or choosing to travel, here are simple ways to observe the Lenten Season respectfully and meaningfully:

If you’re staying in Iloilo City:

Keep it peaceful. Use this time for prayer, journaling, or quiet reflection. You can even set up a small altar or prayer space in a corner of your room.
Participate in local events. Check out nearby Visita Iglesia, Stations of the Cross, or church services. Iloilo has many beautiful churches, like Jaro Cathedral and Molo Church, worth visiting.
Limit loud activities. Respect your neighbors by keeping noise to a minimum, especially on Maundy Thursday and Good Friday.
Cook simple meals. Many observe fasting or abstaining from meat during Holy Week. Try easy, budget-friendly fish and vegetable dishes in your shared kitchen!

If you’re heading home for the break:

Secure your space. Lock doors and windows properly. Unplug appliances to avoid electrical issues.
Tell your landlord. Let your caretaker or landlord know you’ll be away, so they can keep an eye on your space.
Don’t leave food behind. Empty your fridge of perishables and throw out garbage to prevent pests and bad odors.
Bring home essentials. If you need valuables or important documents, take them with you for peace of mind.

For Landlords and Caretakers: Keeping Rentals Safe While Tenants Are Away

Many tenants go home to their provinces during Holy Week, which can leave dorms and boarding houses quieter—and more vulnerable. Here are a few steps landlords and property caretakers in Iloilo can take to protect rental spaces while tenants are away:

Before Tenants Leave:

Take note of who’s leaving. Ask tenants to inform you of their plans, and confirm the dates they’ll be away.
Remind them of safety steps. Send a short checklist or reminder to unplug devices, throw out food, and lock up.
Inspect shared areas. Do a quick check for fire hazards or open windows before the property quiets down.

While Tenants are Away:

Secure entry points. Double-check gates, doors, and common access points—especially at night.
Keep lights on. Use outdoor lighting or solar lights to keep the surroundings visible and deter intruders.
Maintain cleanliness. Check for garbage or food left behind. This helps prevent insects or rodents from settling in.
Monitor plumbing and power. Look out for leaks, burst pipes, or electrical issues in unused areas.
Be alert. Watch for suspicious activity and report anything unusual to the barangay or nearby authorities.

How KURTINA Helps During Holy Week (and Beyond)

Whether your tenants are staying or heading out, KURTINA is here to help make sure everything stays smooth, safe, and secure.

With KURTINA, landlords and caretakers can:

Easily communicate with tenants before and during Holy Week through the app.
Send reminders and safety checklists to make sure everyone secures their space before leaving.
Get notified of maintenance issues, like busted lights or leaks, reported by tenants before they leave.
Keep track of unit access, so you know who’s in and out of the property.
Log and document inspections, helping caretakers check rooms while renters are away—with transparency and trust.

A Gentle Reminder for Everyone

Lenten season is more than just a holiday—it’s a time for renewal. Whether you’re staying in your boarding house, traveling back home, or managing rental properties in the city, take a moment to reflect and care—not just for your soul, but for the space and community around you.

Let’s keep Iloilo peaceful, respectful, and safe this Holy Week.

And with KURTINA, doing that gets a whole lot easier.