Date: 22nd April 2011
Good Friday — today was the big day. I promptly got up on time, had breakfast and was out of the hotel by 8am. I walked to the jeepney terminal and got into one that would first go to Dau and then to San Fernando. The ride to Dau took just 5 minutes, and from there, I was asked to get into another jeepney going to San Fernando city, the capital of Pampanga province.
The ride to San Fernando took around 30 minutes and cost ₱32 ($0.75/€0.52). As soon as I reached the San Fernando city center…
![San Fernando good friday locals Pampanga San Fernando good friday locals Pampanga](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/san-fernando-good-friday-locals-pampanga.jpg)
![San Fernando Good Friday flagellate Philippines streets San Fernando Good Friday flagellate Philippines streets](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/san-fernando-good-friday-flagellate-philippines-streets.jpg)
I didn’t know where the jeepney was headed or where it was going to finally stop, but I didn’t wait to find out. As the jeepney slowed down in traffic, I got down.
![San Fernando Good Friday celebrations Pampanga San Fernando Good Friday celebrations Pampanga](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/san-fernando-good-friday-celebrations-pampanga.jpg)
WARNING: From here on, you are going to see a lot of photographs of people with bloodied-backs. The act of self-flagellation (usually whipping oneself or beating methodically) is a common practice in many religions. In the following context, the act is seen as means of repenting for one’s sins. You may think they are beating themselves to a bloodied state but in reality, they make small cuts on their backs with a blade. They then use those whips with wooden bristles at the end to whip themselves, quite gently ctually. The bristles get stained by blood and eventually spread out out the blood across their backs. But rarely is one profusely bleeding because of the cuts.
![Metropolitan San Fernando cathedral dome Pampanga Philippines Metropolitan San Fernando cathedral dome Pampanga Philippines](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/metropolitan-san-fernando-cathedral-dome-pampanga-philippines.jpg)
![Metropolitan cathedral of San Fernando mamalaspas gathering pampanga Metropolitan cathedral of San Fernando mamalaspas gathering pampanga](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/san-fernando-cathedral-mamalaspas-gather-pampanga.jpg)
![San Fernando cathedral wooden cross panorama San Fernando cathedral wooden cross panorama](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/san-fernando-cathedral-wooden-cross-panorama.jpg)
![San Fernando flagellation good Friday ritual Philippines San Fernando flagellation good Friday ritual Philippines](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/san-fernando-flagellation-good-friday-ritual-philippines.jpg)
![San Fernando mamalaspas flagellation Philippines San Fernando mamalaspas flagellation Philippines](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/san-fernando-mamalaspas-flagellation-philippines.jpg)
![San Fernando mamalaspas on ground kicked Philippines San Fernando mamalaspas on ground kicked Philippines](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/san-fernando-mamalaspas-on-ground-kicked-philippines.jpg)
![San Fernando church flagellation good friday Pampanga San Fernando church flagellation good friday Pampanga](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/san-fernando-church-flagellation-good-friday-pampanga.jpg)
![San Fernando good friday mamusankrus cross bearers Philippines San Fernando good friday mamusankrus cross bearers Philippines](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/san-fernando-good-friday-mamusankrus-cross-bearers-philippines.jpg)
![San Fernando church flagellation good friday Philippines San Fernando church flagellation good friday Philippines](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/san-fernando-church-flagellation-good-friday-philippines.jpg)
![Inside Metropolitan Cathedral San Fernando Pampanga Philippines Inside Metropolitan Cathedral San Fernando Pampanga Philippines](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/inside-metropolitan-cathedral-san-fernando-pampanga-philippines.jpg)
![San Fernando good friday penance tourist camera San Fernando good friday penance tourist camera](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/san-fernando-good-friday-penance-tourist-camera.jpg)
![Metropolitan Cathedral San Fernando Pampanga photographer Metropolitan Cathedral San Fernando Pampanga photographer](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/metropolitan-cathedral-san-fernando-pampanga-photographer.jpg)
![San Fernando good friday ceremony photographer Philippines San Fernando good friday ceremony photographer Philippines](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/san-fernando-good-friday-ceremony-photographer-philippines.jpg)
![Filipinos easter procession INRI cross Filipinos easter procession INRI cross](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/filipinos-easter-procession-inri-cross.jpg)
![Heart shaped bloodied back Filipino good friday Philippines Heart shaped bloodied back Filipino good friday Philippines](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/heart-shaped-bloodied-back-filipino-good-friday.jpg)
It was so hot that I was done with the bottle of water I was carrying in a matter of minutes. There were hawkers and vendors selling ice cream, water bottles and chilled coconut water. I had one glass of that, and then another. Five minutes later, another glass. Dehydration was a major issue in this heat!
![San Fernando good friday nuns hit with slippers Pampanga Philippines San Fernando good friday nuns hit with slippers Pampanga Philippines](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/san-fernando-good-friday-nuns-hit-with-slippers-pampanga-philippines.jpg)
![San Fernando good friday flagellation group Philippines San Fernando good friday flagellation group Philippines](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/san-fernando-good-friday-flagellation-group-philippines.jpg)
![San Fernando good friday praying man Philippines San Fernando good friday praying man Philippines](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/san-fernando-good-friday-praying-man-philippines.jpg)
![Good Friday flagellated heartshaped back Philippines Good Friday flagellated heartshaped back Philippines](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/good-friday-flagellated-heartshaped-back-philippines.jpg)
![San Fernando city Pampanga Philippines San Fernando city Pampanga Philippines](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/san-fernando-city-pampanga-philippines.jpg)
I drank another glass of coconut water, bought a bottle of water and left the cathedral.
![Pampanga lodge San Fernando Philippines Pampanga lodge San Fernando Philippines](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/pampanga-lodge-san-fernando-philippines.jpg)
![Metropolitan Cathedral San Fernando Pampanga Philippines Metropolitan Cathedral San Fernando Pampanga Philippines](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/metropolitan-cathedral-san-fernando-pampanga-philippines.jpg)
![Taxis to barangay San Pedro Cutud Pampanga Philippines Taxis to barangay San Pedro Cutud Pampanga Philippines](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/taxis-to-barangay-san-pedro-cutud-pampanga-philippines.jpg)
![Tricycle taxi San Pedro Cutud Pampanga Philippines Tricycle taxi San Pedro Cutud Pampanga Philippines](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/tricycle-taxi-san-pedro-cutud-pampanga-philippines.jpg)
![Flagellants San Pedro Cutud Pampanga Good Friday Flagellants San Pedro Cutud Pampanga Good Friday](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/flagellants-san-pedro-cutud-pampanga-good-friday.jpg)
![Tricycle taxi to San Pedro Cutud Pampanga Philippines Tricycle taxi to San Pedro Cutud Pampanga Philippines](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/tricycle-taxi-to-san-pedro-cutud-pampanga-philippines.jpg)
![San Pedro Cutud village alley Pampanga Philippines San Pedro Cutud village alley Pampanga Philippines](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/san-pedro-cutud-village-alley-pampanga-philippines.jpg)
![Road to San Pedro Cutud reenactment site Pampanga Road to San Pedro Cutud reenactment site Pampanga](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/road-to-san-pedro-cutud-reenactment-site-pampanga.jpg)
![Horse Good Friday reenactment Pampanga Horse Good Friday reenactment Pampanga](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/horse-good-friday-reenactment-pampanga.jpg)
![San Pedro Cutud Filipino roman soldier Pampanga Philippines San Pedro Cutud Filipino roman soldier Pampanga Philippines](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/san-pedro-cutud-filipino-roman-soldier-pampanga-philippines.jpg)
![Getting to San Pedro Cutud crucifixion grounds Pampanga Getting to San Pedro Cutud crucifixion grounds Pampanga](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/getting-to-san-pedro-cutud-crucifixion-grounds-pampanga.jpg)
![San Pedro Cutud reenactment grounds Pampanga San Pedro Cutud reenactment grounds Pampanga](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/san-pedro-cutud-reenactment-grounds-pampanga.jpg)
![San Pedro Cutud passion play three crosses Philippines San Pedro Cutud passion play three crosses Philippines](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/san-pedro-cutud-passion-play-three-crosses-philippines.jpg)
![San Pedro Cutud crucifixion crosses Pampanga Philippines San Pedro Cutud crucifixion crosses Pampanga Philippines](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/san-pedro-cutud-crucifixion-crosses-pampanga-philippines.jpg)
![San Pedro Cutud passion play media camera crew San Pedro Cutud passion play media camera crew](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/san-pedro-cutud-passion-play-media-camera-crew.jpg)
I walked up to the media registration counter and told them I was from India and I run my own website. I was wearing my “It’s Football, Not Soccer” t-shirt and pointed to the back to show him my url (which was printed on the back). I also showed him the equipment I was carrying, and that was it — I got the pass to go on the media platform!
![San Pedro Cutud Lenten Rites media platform Pampanga San Pedro Cutud Lenten Rites media platform Pampanga](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/san-pedro-cutud-lenten-rites-media-platform.jpg)
![San Pedro Cutud good friday view from media platform San Pedro Cutud good friday view from media platform](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/san-pedro-cutud-good-friday-view-from-media-platform.jpg)
![San Pedro Cutud good friday flagellants whipped San Pedro Cutud good friday flagellants whipped](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/san-pedro-cutud-good-friday-flagellants-whipped.jpg)
![San Pedro Cutud reenactment site crowds panorama San Pedro Cutud reenactment site crowds panorama](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/san-pedro-cutud-reenactment-site-crowds-panorama.jpg)
![San Pedro Cutud crucifixion ceremony media crane San Pedro Cutud crucifixion ceremony media crane](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/san-pedro-cutud-crucifixion-ceremony-media-crane.jpg)
![San Pedro Cutud lenten rites GMA news crew San Pedro Cutud lenten rites GMA news crew](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/san-pedro-cutud-lenten-rites-gma-news-crew.jpg)
![San Pedro Cutud good friday crucifixion professional photographers San Pedro Cutud good friday crucifixion professional photographers](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/san-pedro-cutud-good-friday-crucifixion-professional-photographers.jpg)
![San Pedro Cutud good Friday crucifixion tall camera tripod San Pedro Cutud good Friday crucifixion tall camera tripod](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/san-pedro-cutud-good-friday-crucifixion-tall-camera-tripod.jpg)
Not to feel left out, I set up my tripod, raised it to its highest and mounted the 70-200mm lens on my 7D. Trouble is, it was even more scorching hot here! My sunglasses and sunscreen weren’t enough for the burning heat. Many had umbrellas and I felt I should have carried mine as well. I hadn’t experienced such piercing heat since my years in Bahrain.
![San Pedro Cutud good friday flagellant fainted Philippines San Pedro Cutud good friday flagellant fainted Philippines](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/san-pedro-cutud-good-friday-flagellant-fainted.jpg)
![San Pedro Cutud good friday people under media platform San Pedro Cutud good friday people under media platform](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/san-pedro-cutud-good-friday-people-under-media-platform.jpg)
All of a sudden…
![San Pedro Cutud Lenten Rites tornado Philippines San Pedro Cutud Lenten Rites tornado Philippines](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/san-pedro-cutud-lenten-rites-tornado-philippines.jpg)
![San Pedro Cutud tornado hawker stalls Pampanga San Pedro Cutud tornado hawker stalls Pampanga](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/san-pedro-cutud-tornado-hawker-stalls-pampanga.jpg)
![San Pedro Cutud Lenten rites Filipino standing on log San Pedro Cutud Lenten rites Filipino standing on log](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/san-pedro-cutud-lenten-rites-filipino-standing-on-log.jpg)
![San Pedro cutud good Friday flagellants crucifixion crosses San Pedro cutud good Friday flagellants crucifixion crosses](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/san-pedro-cutud-good-friday-flagellants-crucifixion-crosses.jpg)
I stood on the platform at around 11:30pm, and everyone here was getting restless in the heat, wondering when the ‘show’ would start. A lot of worshipers kept coming, but not ‘Jesus’.
![San Pedro Cutud good friday crucifixion reenactment gown San Pedro Cutud good friday crucifixion reenactment gown](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/san-pedro-cutud-good-friday-crucifixion-reenactment-gown.jpg)
![San Pedro Cutud Good Friday passion play man carrying white cross San Pedro Cutud Good Friday passion play man carrying white cross](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/san-pedro-cutud-good-friday-passion-play-man-carrying-white-cross.jpg)
![San Pedro Cutud good friday man passed out San Pedro Cutud good friday man passed out](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/san-pedro-cutud-good-friday-man-passed-out.jpg)
![San Pedro Cutud lenten rites Filipino fainted San Pedro Cutud lenten rites Filipino fainted](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/san-pedro-cutud-lenten-rites-filipino-fainted.jpg)
![San Pedro Cutud lenten rites crowd tents San Pedro Cutud lenten rites crowd tents](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/san-pedro-cutud-lenten-rites-crowd-tents.jpg)
Finally, just past 1:45pm…
![San Pedro Cutud lenten rites crucifixion starting San Pedro Cutud lenten rites crucifixion starting](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/san-pedro-cutud-lenten-rites-crucifixion-starting.jpg)
![San Pedro Cutud crucifixion passion play actors San Pedro Cutud crucifixion passion play actors](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/san-pedro-cutud-crucifixion-passion-play-actors.jpg)
![San Pedro Cutud crucifixion Jesus Roman soldiers Pampanga San Pedro Cutud crucifixion Jesus Roman soldiers Pampanga](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/san-pedro-cutud-crucifixion-jesus-roman-soldiers-pampanga.jpg)
![San Pedro Cutud passion play Pampanga Philippines San Pedro Cutud passion play Pampanga Philippines](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/san-pedro-cutud-passion-play-pampanga-philippines.jpg)
![San Pedro cutud crucifixion play jesus pushed around San Pedro cutud crucifixion play jesus pushed around](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/san-pedro-cutud-crucifixion-play-jesus-pushed-around.jpg)
![San Pedro Cutud crucifixion play Jesus rolling ground San Pedro Cutud crucifixion play Jesus rolling ground](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/san-pedro-cutud-crucifixion-play-jesus-rolling-ground.jpg)
![San Pedro Cutud crucifixion play Roman soldiers Jesus Philippines San Pedro Cutud crucifixion play Roman soldiers Jesus Philippines](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/san-pedro-cutud-crucifixion-play-roman-soldiers-jesus.jpg)
![San Pedro Cutud crucifixion play laying Jesus on cross San Pedro Cutud crucifixion play laying Jesus on cross](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/san-pedro-cutud-crucifixion-play-laying-jesus-on-cross.jpg)
![San Pedro Cutud crucifixion play roman soldiers horse San Pedro Cutud crucifixion play roman soldiers horse](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/san-pedro-cutud-crucifixion-play-roman-soldiers-horse.jpg)
![San Pedro Cutud crucifixion play actors Philippines San Pedro Cutud crucifixion play actors Philippines](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/san-pedro-cutud-crucifixion-play-actors-philippines.jpg)
![San Pedro Cutud lenten rites crucifixion reenactment raising cross Philippines San Pedro Cutud lenten rites crucifixion reenactment raising cross Philippines](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/san-pedro-cutud-lenten-rites-crucifixion-reenactment-raising-cross-phhilippines.jpg)
![Good Friday Crucifixion reenactment cross Philippines Good Friday Crucifixion reenactment cross Philippines](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/crucifixion-reenactment-cross-philippines.jpg)
![Good friday crucifixion Jesus cross Pampanga Philippines Good friday crucifixion Jesus cross Pampanga Philippines](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/good-friday-crucifixion-jesus-cross-pampanga-philippines.jpg)
![San Pedro Cutud crucifixion nailing Jesus on cross Pampanga San Pedro Cutud crucifixion nailing Jesus on cross Pampanga](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/san-pedro-cutud-crucifixion-nailing-jesus-on-cross-pampanga.jpg)
![Crucifixion reenactment nailing Jesus hands on cross Philippines Crucifixion reenactment nailing Jesus hands on cross Philippines](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/crucifixion-nailing-jesus-hands-on-cross-philippines.jpg)
![San Pedro Cutud crucifixion passion play nailing Jesus hand San Pedro Cutud crucifixion passion play nailing Jesus hand](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/san-pedro-cutud-crucifixion-nailing-jesus-hand.jpg)
![San Pedro Cutud crucifixion nailing Jesus hands on cross San Pedro Cutud crucifixion nailing Jesus hands on cross](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/san-pedro-cutud-crucifixion-nailing-jesus-hands-on-cross.jpg)
![San Pedro Cutud crucifixion raising Jesus Philippines San Pedro Cutud crucifixion raising Jesus Philippines](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/san-pedro-cutud-crucifixion-raising-jesus-philippines.jpg)
![San Pedro Cutud crucifixion jesus closeup Pampanga San Pedro Cutud crucifixion jesus closeup Pampanga](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/san-pedro-cutud-crucifixion-jesus-closeup-pampanga.jpg)
![San Pedro Cutud crucifixion nailing jesus feet Pampanga San Pedro Cutud crucifixion nailing jesus feet Pampanga](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/san-pedro-cutud-crucifixion-nailing-jesus-feet-pampanga.jpg)
![San Pedro Cutud crucifixion nails Jesus feet San Pedro Cutud crucifixion nails Jesus feet](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/san-pedro-cutud-crucifixion-nails-jesus-feet.jpg)
![San Pedro Cutud lenten rites crucifixion reenactment Philippines San Pedro Cutud lenten rites crucifixion reenactment Philippines](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/san-pedro-cutud-lenten-rites-crucifixion-reenactment-phhilippines.jpg)
![San Pedro Cutud crucifixion ladder Jesus Pampanga Philippines San Pedro Cutud crucifixion ladder Jesus Pampanga Philippines](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/san-pedro-cutud-crucifixion-ladder-jesus.jpg)
![San Pedro Cutud crucifixion over Jesus Philippines San Pedro Cutud crucifixion over Jesus Philippines](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/san-pedro-cutud-crucifixion-over-jesus-philippines.jpg)
![San Pedro Cutud lenten rites crucifixion Romans carrying Jesus San Pedro Cutud lenten rites crucifixion Romans carrying Jesus](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/san-pedro-cutud-lenten-rites-crucifixion-romans-carrying-jesus.jpg)
![Good Friday passion play Romans carrying Jesus to medics Good Friday passion play Romans carrying Jesus to medics](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/good-friday-passion-play-romans-carrying-jesus-to-medics.jpg)
At this point, few of the locals were cheering as ‘Jesus’ was taken away by medics. One could tell from the laughter that this passion play has become less of a religious event and more, comical of sorts.
Anyway, just when I thought it was all over, the announcement came on to inform us that there are going to be other penitents crucified on the cross. These people volunteer in the hope that, by doing so, they are forgiven for their sins.
![San Pedro Cutud passion play bringing down crosses Pampanga San Pedro Cutud passion play bringing down crosses Pampanga](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/san-pedro-cutud-passion-play-bringing-down-crosses-pampanga.jpg)
![San Pedro Cutud passion play crucifixion volunteers Pampanga Philippines San Pedro Cutud passion play crucifixion volunteers Pampanga Philippines](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/san-pedro-cutud-passion-play-crucifixion-volunteers-pampanga.jpg)
![San Pedro Cutud passion play crucifixion volunteer Pampanga Philippines San Pedro Cutud passion play crucifixion volunteer Pampanga Philippines](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/san-pedro-cutud-passion-play-crucifixion-volunteer-pampanga.jpg)
There was chatter going around me saying these people who volunteer to be crucified are drunk, so they feel less pain.
![San Pedro Cutud passion play crucifixion penitent nailed Pampanga Philippines San Pedro Cutud passion play crucifixion penitent nailed Pampanga Philippines](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/san-pedro-cutud-passion-play-crucifixion-penitent-nailed-pampanga.jpg)
![San Pedro Cutud passion play crucifying volunteer Pampanga San Pedro Cutud passion play crucifying volunteer Pampanga](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/san-pedro-cutud-passion-play-crucifying-volunteer-pampanga.jpg)
![San Pedro Cutud passion play crucifixion hammering nail photographer Pampanga San Pedro Cutud passion play crucifixion hammering nail photographer Pampanga](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/san-pedro-cutud-passion-play-crucifixion-hammering-nail-photographer-pampanga.jpg)
![San Pedro Cutud penitents crosses Pampanga Philippines San Pedro Cutud penitents crosses Pampanga Philippines](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/san-pedro-cutud-penitents-crosses-pampanga-philippines.jpg)
![San Pedro Cutud good friday crucifixion plane flying above San Pedro Cutud good friday crucifixion plane flying above](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/san-pedro-cutud-good-friday-crucifixion-plane-flying-above.jpg)
![San Pedro Cutud plane flying blue sky cloud trail Philippines San Pedro Cutud plane flying blue sky cloud trail Philippines](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/san-pedro-cutud-plane-flying-blue-sky-cloud-trail-philippines.jpg)
![San Pedro Cutud passion play crucifixion spearing heart Pampanga San Pedro Cutud passion play crucifixion spearing heart Pampanga](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/san-pedro-cutud-passion-play-crucifixion-spearing-heart-pampanga.jpg)
![San Pedro Cutud passion play crucifixion guards penitent Pampanga Philippines San Pedro Cutud passion play crucifixion guards penitent Pampanga Philippines](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/san-pedro-cutud-passion-play-crucifixion-guards-penitent-pampanga-philippines.jpg)
![San Pedro Cutud passion play crucifixion penitents Pampanga San Pedro Cutud passion play crucifixion penitents Pampanga](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/san-pedro-cutud-passion-play-crucifixion-penitents-pampanga.jpg)
By the point, the locals had infiltrated the grounds and were inching their way closer to the crosses to try and get a closer look.
![San Pedro Cutud passion play crucifixion guards warning locals Pampanga San Pedro Cutud passion play crucifixion guards warning locals Pampanga](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/san-pedro-cutud-passion-play-crucifixion-guards-warning-locals-pampanga.jpg)
![San Pedro Cutud good Friday crucifixion crowds near cross San Pedro Cutud good Friday crucifixion crowds near cross](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/san-pedro-cutud-good-friday-crucifixion-crowds-near-cross.jpg)
I bumped into the American girl whom I had met on the journey from Baguio to Sagada two days ago. We chatted for a bit and when we saw the people thronging towards the cross, we both assumed the same thing: “Hey, when in Rome…”
![Crucifixion reenactment locals crowded Pampanga Philippines Crucifixion reenactment locals crowded Pampanga Philippines](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/crucifixion-reenactment-locals-crowded-pampanga-philippines.jpg)
![Crucifixion reenactment nailed hand on cross Pampanga Philippines Crucifixion reenactment nailed hand on cross Pampanga Philippines](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/crucifixion-reenactment-nailed-hand-on-cross-pampanga-philippines.jpg)
![Crucifixion reenactment nailed feet on cross Pampanga Philippines Crucifixion reenactment nailed feet on cross Pampanga Philippines](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/crucifixion-reenactment-nailed-feet-on-cross-pampanga-philippines.jpg)
![San Pedro Cutud crucifixion nail in leg Pampanga Philippines San Pedro Cutud crucifixion nail in leg Pampanga Philippines](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/san-pedro-cutud-crucifixion-nail-leg.jpg)
Since the hustle and bustle was getting a bit too much, I just used my phone to record this video as they were about to take the nails out of the penitents:
As you can tell from the above video, the locals found all this just as amusing as I did. (Just so you know, I don’t find blood and gore ‘amusing’ — it was this whole act and how the crowds were reacting to it that I found amusing).
![Good Friday Pampanga nailed hand cross from behind Good Friday Pampanga nailed hand cross from behind](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/good-friday-pampanga-nailed-hand-cross-behind.jpg)
In fact this event shouldn’t be taken seriously. These crucifixions aren’t even organized by the church. In fact, the Catholic Church condone it and do not endorse them in anyway.
It was a local theatrical troupe in the 1950s that first reenacted the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. It became popular enough to become an annual event. Word spread across the Philippines, and later, the world. It became a media event, and an interesting one, for photographers both amateur and professionals alike.
![San Pedro Cutud good friday passion play crucifixion nailed to cross San Pedro Cutud good friday passion play crucifixion nailed to cross](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/san-pedro-cutud-good-friday-passion-play-crucifixion-nailed-to-cross.jpg)
![San Pedro Cutud good friday passion play nailed to cross San Pedro Cutud good friday passion play nailed to cross](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/san-pedro-cutud-good-friday-passion-play-nailed-to-cross.jpg)
![Crowds thronging crucifixion site good friday Pampanga Crowds thronging crucifixion site good friday Pampanga](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/crowds-thronging-crucifixion-site-good-friday-pampanga.jpg)
Looking around you can see why the City of San Fernando continues to host this event. San Pedro Cutud is an impoverished village with little else to offer tourists (same can be said about San Fernando city too). So Good Friday seems to be the only day in their calendar where locals earn good income selling everything from drinks to food. There are thousands who visit San Fernando just for this.
![Flagellating penitents good friday San Pedro Cutud Pampanga Flagellating penitents good friday San Pedro Cutud Pampanga](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/flagellating-penitents-good-friday-san-pedro-cutud-pampanga.jpg)
![Flagellation locals good friday San Pedro Cutud Pampanga Flagellation locals good friday San Pedro Cutud Pampanga](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/flagellation-locals-good-friday-san-pedro-cutud-pampanga.jpg)
![San Pedro Cutud road Good Friday traffic Pampanga Philippines San Pedro Cutud road Good Friday traffic Pampanga Philippines](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/san-pedro-cutud-road-good-friday-traffic-pampanga-philippines.jpg)
![San Pedro Cutud barangay hall Pampanga DC logo San Pedro Cutud barangay hall Pampanga DC logo](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/san-pedro-cutud-barangay-hall-pampanga-dc-logo.jpg)
I managed to get a bicycle taxi further up the road, and I asked him to take me back to the cathedral in San Fernando city.
![Metropolitan Cathedral of San Fernando panorama Metropolitan Cathedral of San Fernando panorama](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/metropolitan-cathedral-of-san-fernando-panorama.jpg)
![McDonald's Jollibee restaurants San Fernando Pampanga Philippines McDonald's Jollibee restaurants San Fernando Pampanga Philippines](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/mcdonalds-jollibee-restaurants-san-fernando-pampanga-philippines.jpg)
The McDonald’s was full of tourists who had just come back from San Pedro Cutud as well. Freshened up, sat in the air conditioning and enjoyed my meal. After the meal, I sat a few minutes longer and reviewed my photographs. Needless to say, I couldn’t wipe the smile off my face. I came, I saw, I captured.
But the day wasn’t over yet. Though many were making the long journey back to Manila, I stayed back in San Fernando because I had only planned on leaving after I photographed the procession at night.
![Penitents walking to cathedral San Fernando Penitents walking to cathedral San Fernando](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/penitents-walking-to-cathedral-san-fernando.jpg)
![San Fernando good friday jesus float Pampanga San Fernando good friday jesus float Pampanga](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/san-fernando-good-friday-jesus-float-pampanga.jpg)
![Fernando III statue church Pampanga Philippines Fernando III statue church Pampanga Philippines](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/fernando-III-statue-church-pampanga-philippines.jpg)
I just stood outside, hoping the sun would set early and the procession would start some time soon. It was just 5pm, so I knew I had quite a bit of waiting to do.
![San Fernando street children smiling Philippines San Fernando street children smiling Philippines](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/san-fernando-street-children-smiling-philippines.jpg)
![San Fernando local boys Pampanga Philippines San Fernando local boys Pampanga Philippines](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/san-fernando-local-boys-pampanga-philippines.jpg)
![No to RH bill banner San Fernando church Pampanga No to RH bill banner San Fernando church Pampanga](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/no-to-rh-bill-banner-san-fernando-church-pampanga.jpg)
![Inside Metropolitan Cathedral San Fernando Pampanga Inside Metropolitan Cathedral San Fernando Pampanga](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/inside-metropolitan-cathedral-san-fernando-pampanga.jpg)
![Good Friday procession float San Fernando Philippines Good Friday procession float San Fernando Philippines](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/good-friday-procession-float-san-fernando-philippines.jpg)
![Good friday procession float San Fernando cathedral Philippines Good friday procession float San Fernando cathedral Philippines](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/good-friday-procession-float-san-fernando-cathedral-philippines.jpg)
![San Fernando drunk local Pampanga Philippines San Fernando drunk local Pampanga Philippines](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/san-fernando-drunk-local-pampanga-philippines.jpg)
![Good Friday San Fernando old man Pampanga Good Friday San Fernando old man Pampanga](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/good-friday-san-fernando-old-man-pampanga.jpg)
![San Fernando good friday procession Pampanga San Fernando good friday procession Pampanga](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/san-fernando-good-friday-procession-pampanga.jpg)
![American Pie 15 dvd cover Philippines American Pie 15 dvd cover Philippines](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/american-pie-15-dvd-cover-philippines.jpg)
I walked back to the cathedral and saw people walking as the procession had begun. I asked a police officer as to where they were headed and he told me they would be going around and coming back to the cathedral by sunset. I only wanted to take photos of the procession once it had gotten dark, so I sat inside the cathedral until the sun had completely set.
Sitting inside the cathedral under the fans made me feel sleepy. I guess all that scorching heat and the early morning wake up was getting to me.
![Metropolitan Cathedral of San Fernando dome Philippines Metropolitan Cathedral of San Fernando dome Philippines](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/metropolitan-cathedral-of-san-fernando-dome.jpg)
After half an hour, I looked outside and by 6:30pm, the sun had set. So I left the cathedral.
![Chicken grilled street food San Fernando Pampanga Chicken grilled street food San Fernando Pampanga](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/chicken-grilled-street-food-san-fernando-pampanga.jpg)
![San Fernando Elementary school road evening Pampanga San Fernando Elementary school road evening Pampanga](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/san-fernando-elementary-school-road-evening-pampanga.jpg)
![Catholic figurine carrozas Good Friday procession Philippines Catholic figurine carrozas Good Friday procession Philippines](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/catholic-figurine-carrozas-good-friday-procession-philippines.jpg)
![Good Friday night procession Pampanga Philippines Good Friday night procession Pampanga Philippines](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/good-friday-night-procession-pampanga-philippines.jpg)
![San Fernando good friday procession night Pampanga San Fernando good friday procession night Pampanga](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/san-fernando-good-friday-procession-night-pampanga.jpg)
And with that, I was done! Phew, what a day!
I walked by myself down the quiet road and tried to catch a jeepney going to Angeles City.
![Iglesia ni Christo church San Fernando Pampanga Philippines Iglesia ni Christo church San Fernando Pampanga Philippines](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/iglesia-ni-christo-church-san-fernando-pampanga-philippines.jpg)
I had to wait around 15 minutes until I finally managed to get a jeepney going to Angeles City.
![Angeles City jeepney at night Angeles City jeepney at night](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/angeles-city-jeepney-at-night.jpg)
But the driver eventually asked me, where exactly I wanted to go because he was nearing his final stop.
![Angeles City pampanga Philippines at night Angeles City pampanga Philippines at night](http://mithunonthe.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/angeles-city-pampanga-philippines-at-night.jpg)
Which is what I did. Then when I got asked to get down from the second jeepney, I saw SM Clark, but it was still a bit far. So I hopped into another jeepney going up Perimeter Road and got down at the jeepney terminal.
Three jeepneys and ₱50 later, I was back in familiar territory. Even though I wanted to go back to my room and take a bath, I decided to have dinner now itself since I was out anyway. Plus, I was desperately craving some chilled beer!
Despite being Good Friday, some of the nightclubs and casinos were open. I took a stroll down Walking Street and finally ended up sitting at club called Angel Witch, only because it sounded badass and they were playing rock music. They had a few girls dancing to Bon jovi’s “It’s My Life,” but 15 minutes later and a beer down, I was bored and soon left.
I stopped by the Turkish restaurant on the way back, packed a meal and walked back to my room. I got out of my blood-stained clothes (you can’t help it, droplets of blood will splatter on you if you are close to the flagellants) and enjoyed a good, clean shower.
As I copied my photos over to my back-up hard drive, I couldn’t be more happier with my coverage of this, erm, interesting event. The above are just 220 of the 793 photos(yup!) I shot using my three devices: my Canon 7D (mostly), the Canon 450D* and my cellphone.
With the main event of this trip in the bag, I felt this visit to Philippines was well worth my money and time. And to think, I still had more than a week left and a lot more to see in this country!
*Regarding the photos taken using the Canon 450D. I mounted my wide angle lens on the 450D so that I could use the other lenses on my 7D. But I noticed just about every image I shot on the 450 was very blue. I only realized this after I had taken a few shots and I could figure out why the photos came out that way. The tungsten filter wasn’t enable and the white balance was et to auto. I couldn’t afford to restore the camera to factory setting in case it formatted the SD card in the process.
I did try and correct the blueish hue in every image, but only some I could turn from this:
The rest had too much blue in them.
Previous posts in this series:
Philippines 2011: Leaving Sagada for Baguio, and arriving in Angeles city (Days 4 & 5)
Philippines 2011: Day 3 – Banaue town; heading to Sagada via Bontoc
Philippines 2011: Day 2 – Banaue rice terraces; trekking to Batad village
Philippines 2011: Day 1 — Manila American Cemetery and Memorial, Fort Bonifacio
Philippines 2011: Flying over South China Sea for the first time
Other posts in this series:
Philippines 2011: Day 7 – Leaving Angeles City for Manila, Mall of Asia
Philippines 2011: Day 8 – Manila tour: Rizal Park, Intramuros, Manila Cathedral, China Town
Philippines 2011: Day 9 – Cebu: Fort San Pedro, Basilica of Santo Niño, Taoist Temple
Philippines 2011: Day 10 – Bohol tour: Chocolate Hills, Loboc river cruise, Tarsiers, churches
Philippines 2011: Day 11 – Arriving in Puerto Princesa, Palawan
Philippines 2011: Day 12 – Puerto Princesa Underground River tour, Palawan
Philippines 2011: Day 13 – Puerto Princesa to El Nido by bus
Philippines 2011: Day 14 – El Nido island hopping tour A and sunset at Las Cabanas beach, Palawan
Philippines 2011: Back to Manila, shopping, and my final thoughts about the country (Last post)