Friday
Devotees from all over the metropolis walked barefoot to Quiapo church on Good Friday, some carrying their crucifixes while others had elaborate floats. I was just an observer.
People walked the empty stretch of the main street while neighborhood kids found a temporary playground.
Towels, towels and more towels, but not a shade from the sun.
Ice cold water, free for everyone. If only it were like this everyday.
Snake oil to cure sickness, in case prayers don’t work.
The Miranda clan and their float.
Crossing to the other side.
Spikey enjoying the free breakfast.
Religious icons or idols?
Santo Niño, the image of the child Jesus.
Devotees throw towels to wipe the face, hands and crucifix of the image of Jesus Christ.
Outside the church.
At the plaza outside the church, prayers are sung.
Grooming, in public.
Many people endure physical sacrifice on Good Friday for reasons known only to them. Some walk barefoot, others flagellate themselves, and still others go all the way and allow their hands and feet to be nailed to the cross as Jesus was. We all have our own crosses to bear.
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How far would I go with my personal sacrifices? There is already too much pain and suffering in this world, and adding my own pains and sufferings wouldn’t change anything at all. It is time we stop punishing ourselves and create something proactively positive instead.
A walk with my camera 
Lovely work here!
thank you
Truly amazing job! From the moment I saw the first picture, I was captivated! To see how other cultures live is fascinating. Thanks for sharing….inspiring.
thanks likewise
Nice photos, wise words
As always, I really enjoy your posts and photographs. This is no different. I especially love the last photo with the feet. I would rank this as one of my faves. Great job. Thanks.
Thank you, Pam. I almost didn’t include the last photo.
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thank you for showcasing Good Friday in the Philippines, and for sharing with the rest of the world a cultural religious practice that we all miss esp. those who’ve been far away from home. Excellent images!.
I hope to be able to capture the full day’s event sometime. I have never seen an actual crucifixion yet.
Do you shoot in black and white or convert them later? Just curious. 🙂
I shoot in color (RAW) and convert the photos in Lightroom.
Great photos! You have excellent use of contrasts in the black and white. This is a unique insight into the culture of the Philippines. It seems strange to me in many ways – a Catholic country in Asia.
Thanks!
There are many festivals here in the Philippines, and most of them revolve around religion but not necessarily Catholic.
Your photography and words and beautiful and compelling, such a unique cultural insight as well. Thanks for sharing, I love your blog!
thank you likewise for the kind words.
Man, I just love your street style! Awesome stuff, consistently! 🙂
thank you!