Tingog.com

As Filipinos, we are witness to the yearly and extreme traditions and rites that only a handful dare to even try. We have flagellants who strike themselves and the most extreme of all, is submitting oneself to a present day crucifixion.

Every year on Good Friday, Christian believers in the Philippines undergo crucifixion as a sign of their faith and desire for penitence. This clip is from DECODING CHRISTIANITY, a HD documentary series which sets out to unravel the mysteries at the heart of Christian art and architecture. Over six episodes, the presenter’s quest takes him to far-flung corners of the earth, on a journey into Christianity in all its fascinating and colourful manifestations.

I enjoy international documentaries in which The Philippines is featured, I just hope foreigners don’t get the idea that there is a vast majority of who participate in these extreme re-enactments of sacrifice during Holy Week, and that all Filipinos undergo such excruciating pain to show their religious faith. I enjoy watching, yes — but I am all too happy to pray in solitary rather than beat myself up.