KALAYAAN, Laguna. Under the scorching sun, dozens of devout penitents walked the streets of Kalayaan town on Good Friday, whipping their bloodied backs with wooden whips in a controversial ritual meant to atone for sins and honor the sufferings of Jesus Christ.
The annual flagellation, witnessed by residents and tourists alike, remains a vivid display of devotion in the predominantly Catholic Philippines — even as the Catholic Church discourages the practice.
Among the penitents was 27-year-old Luis Bautista, who said, “I do this so I can experience the hardships of Christ and also pray for the safety of my family.”
Another participant, Jayve Lorenzo, has been joining the flagellation rites for nearly two decades. “Ginagawa ko ito bilang panata. Ipinagdadasal ko ang kalusugan at kapakanan ng pamilya ko,” said Lorenzo, whose vow is rooted in personal struggles and a deep desire for healing.
The ritual procession moved slowly through the town’s streets, the penitents pausing at stations to pray or take water breaks. Despite their physical wounds, some could be seen dancing while whipping their backs shortly after reciting prayers.
Along the way, residents showed support for the penitents. Baby Ragaza, a local resident, placed containers of boiled eggs and bottled water in front of her home for them to consume. “I am just happy to help and ease their hardships,” she said, adding that she performs this act in memory of her late husband and as a way to grow closer to God.
After completing their route, the penitents made their way to a small waterfall outside the town where they washed the blood off their backs.
In nearby Paete, a town known for its masterful wood carvings and strong religious traditions, residents held a grand procession on Holy Wednesday, parading life-size images of Christ and Catholic saints through its narrow streets. On Maundy Thursday, townspeople staged a passion play at the local plaza under the sweltering summer heat.
According to Rowell Ybanez, parish pastoral council moderator of Saint James the Apostle Parish, Paete’s Lenten practices have endured for centuries, drawing tourists year after year. “Paete is one of the most colorful towns in the Philippines because art and faith are intertwined in our town,” he said.
Across the Philippines, various Lenten traditions continue to be practiced with fervor — from passion plays to self-flagellation, and even crucifixions, where individuals are nailed to wooden crosses in a dramatic and controversial display of faith.
Despite differing views from religious authorities, many Filipinos remain deeply connected to these acts, believing them to be personal expressions of devotion and spiritual renewal during one of the holiest times of the Christian calendar.
With reports from the Associated Press
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
- Venus L Peñaflorhttps://tutubi.ph/author/venusp/
- Venus L Peñaflorhttps://tutubi.ph/author/venusp/
- Venus L Peñaflorhttps://tutubi.ph/author/venusp/
- Venus L Peñaflorhttps://tutubi.ph/author/venusp/
