FUCK YOU CHIP TSAO! - HK JOURNALIST SLUR FILIPINOS.

http://72.14.235.132/search?q=cache:otfuOfc5CpsJ:hk-magazine.com/feature/war-home+chip+tsao+war+at+home&cd=1&hl=en&ct=clnk
FUCK. THIS IS NOT SATIRE. YOU BE CAREFUL, YOU AND YOUR FAMILY WILL NEVER BE SAFE UNTIL YOU BEG FOR OUR FORGIVENESS

War At Home
Chip Tsao

The Russians sank a Hong Kong freighter last month, killing the seven Chinese seamen on board. We can live with that—Lenin and Stalin were once the ideological mentors of all Chinese people. The Japanese planted a flag on Diàoyú Island. That’s no big problem—we Hong Kong Chinese love Japanese cartoons, Hello Kitty, and shopping in Shinjuku, let alone our round-the-clock obsession with karaoke.

But hold on—even the Filipinos? Manila has just claimed sovereignty over the scattered rocks in the South China Sea called the Spratly Islands, complete with a blatant threat from its congress to send gunboats to the South China Sea to defend the islands from China if necessary. This is beyond reproach. The reason: there are more than 130,000 Filipina maids working as $3,580-a-month cheap labor in Hong Kong. As a nation of servants, you don’t flex your muscles at your master, from whom you earn most of your bread and butter.

As a patriotic Chinese man, the news has made my blood boil. I summoned Louisa, my domestic assistant who holds a degree in international politics from the University of Manila, hung a map on the wall, and gave her a harsh lecture. I sternly warned her that if she wants her wages increased next year, she had better tell every one of her compatriots in Statue Square on Sunday that the entirety of the Spratly Islands belongs to China.



Grimly, I told her that if war breaks out between the Philippines and China, I would have to end her employment and send her straight home, because I would not risk the crime of treason for sponsoring an enemy of the state by paying her to wash my toilet and clean my windows 16 hours a day. With that money, she would pay taxes to her government, and they would fund a navy to invade our motherland and deeply hurt my feelings.

Oh yes. The government of the Philippines would certainly be wrong if they think we Chinese are prepared to swallow their insult and sit back and lose a Falkland Islands War in the Far East. They may have Barack Obama and the hawkish American military behind them, but we have a hostage in each of our homes in the Mid-Levels or higher. Some of my friends told me they have already declared a state of emergency at home. Their maids have been made to shout “China, Madam/Sir” loudly whenever they hear the word “Spratly.” They say the indoctrination is working as wonderfully as when we used to shout, “Long live Chairman Mao!” at the sight of a portrait of our Great Leader during the Cultural Revolution. I’m not sure if that’s going a bit too far, at least for the time being.



Chip Tsao is a best-selling author and columnist. A former reporter for the BBC, his columns have also appeared in Apple Daily, Next Magazine and CUP Magazine, among others.


Please Spread!!!!!!

Earth Hour 2009- Makati City, Philippines

Philippines had the most cities going dark

March 29, 2009 03:24:00

Philippine Daily Inquirer

MANILA, Philippines — It was lights out at exactly 8:30 Saturday night in Makati City, as well as in most parts of the Philippines, as the city switched off electricity power for one hour in solidarity with 2,397 cities and towns in 83 countries all over the world to observe Earth Hour, a global activity to raise awareness of climate change and global warming.

Yeb Sano of World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) in the Philippines (WWF) said the Philippines had the most number of cities and towns participating in the event. Hours before the countdown, he told Inquirer that a total of 647 cities and municipalities around the country had pledged to sign up for Earth Hour.

Ranked a distant second was Greece, with 484 cities and towns, followed by Australia with 309, Canada with 273 and the United States with 270.

As Earth Hour’s Official Flagship City in the Philippines, Makati led the country in observing the event, with the designated Earth Hour ambassador, Mayor Jejomar Binay, representatives of WWF and other environmental groups leading the countdown to the ceremonial switch-off at Tower One on Ayala Avenue, the heart of the country’s financial district.

“The city’s observance of Earth Hour is another testament to Makati’s wholehearted commitment to the global crusade to save our environment,” Binay said before the switch-off.

“The sight of various stakeholders — from the city’s ‘barangay’ [neighborhood districts], schools, civic-oriented and religious groups, the business community, led by the Ayala conglomerate, the diplomatic corps — gathered here for a singular purpose, clearly shows how seriously committed we all are. What we will do might seem a simple act. But this act done simultaneously in households and establishments in cities all over the nation and the world, when taken altogether, can make a tangible impact on global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.”

As sirens from fire trucks and police cars wailed and church bells rang on cue, street lights in the city’s principal roads and electricity in all public buildings were turned off. Business establishments like restaurants and fun venues dimmed their lights to express their support.

Launched in Australia in 2007, Earth Hour is a global event involving the voluntary shut-off of electricity in homes, offices, public places and commercial establishments for one hour from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m. in all time zones to express support for environmental issues.

“The local response was astonishing,” said WWF’s Sano. Provinces from Cagayan in the north to Sulu and Tawi-Tawi in the south expressed their intention to participate, making it the largest environment-themed event in the country, he said, adding that their target was to save 500 megawatts [of electricity], or the equivalent of shutting down 10 coal-fired power plants, for one hour.”

After Earth Hour, what next?

“When the lights are back, we should think about switching onto a more sustainable future,” Sano said.

“Earth Hour is really a symbolic act,” he said. “We should be practicing energy conservation and environmental consciousness every day, and in any way we can. In our own simple way, each of us can contribute to being more conscious about our impact on the environment, and how much we could save on electricity and water.”

With the hoopla over, Sano said he hoped citizens would have “a brand new relationship with the true entity that gives us true light, and that is Mother Nature.” Alcuin Papa

REVERSE CHRISTMAS - Earth Hour Philippines 2009 Official Video

Update:

Makati was chosen amongst the global flagship cities of Earth Hour 2009

Earth Hour is supported by the Philippine Government with Malacañang Palace (Presidential Palace) switched off its lights last year. Earth Hour is also supported by the Church, Businessmen and all the major media networks.

Last year, 1M Filipinos switched off their lights in support, this year is slated to be bigger.

Switch Off to Support Earth!

====================================

From WWF Philippines:

Earth Hour Approaches
Filipinos Urged to Spread the Word

With days to go before the world switches off for Earth Hour 2009, WWF-Philippines calls on the social networking community to spread the Earth Hour message through e-groups, blogs, web videos and texts.

“The commitments of support grow with each day. We urge everyone to spread the word and join millions throughout the world by switching-off lights from 8:30 to 9:30pm on Saturday night, 28 March. This is our chance to show the world what our Bayanihan spirit can do, for only when we act as one will Earth Hour be successful,” says Earth Hour National Director Yeb Saño.

Earth Hour is a massive social movement aimed to mobilize action against climate change through the simple act of turning off lights.

Launched in Australia on 31 March 2007, Earth Hour moved over two million people and 2100 businesses in Sydney to turn off their lights for 60 minutes – hence the movement’s logo. This captured the hearts and minds of people all over the world, giving rise to Earth Hour 2008 – where 50 million people in 370 cities followed suit. New York’s Times Square, Rome’s Coliseum and even the remote Casey Station in Antarctica plunged into darkness.

The Philippines was the first Southeast Asian nation to pledge support. Its flagship cities of Pasay, Manila, Parañaque and Makati observed a switch-off ceremony and enveloped the entire Roxas Boulevard seaside strip in symbolic darkness. Popular landmarks such as the Cultural Center of the Philippines and Mall of Asia were blanketed in darkness. Lights-out activities were instigated by a million Filipinos in over 50 major towns and cities across the nation.

“Earth Hour 2008 remains the country’s largest environmental action. Last year, total power savings amounted to 80MWh. 56MWh was saved in Luzon alone – equivalent to shutting down a coal-fired power plant for one hour. More important than the power we saved was the awareness and positive action generated. This year, Earth Hour 2009 hopes to inspire at least 10 million Filipinos to unite and act for the environment,” explains Saño.

Earth Hour is an initiative of WWF, the Department of Energy, Green Army Network and SWITCH movement. Over a hundred corporations, schools, public and private organizations have now pledged support. The roster of supporters grows by the hour.

Numerous institutional partners such as the Archdiocese of Manila Ministry, Boy and Girl Scouts, CBCP, Department of Education, Earth Day Network, Gawad Kalinga, Habitat for Humanity, League of Corporate Foundations, National Electrification Administration, National Historical Institute, Outdoor Advertiser’s Association of the Philippines, Philippine Jaycees, Renewable Energy Coalition, Rotary Club and World Youth Alliance have also pledged support.

The Department of Energy has given its full backing for the movement. "This is a cause that should unite us as Filipinos and as citizens of the world," declares DOE Secretary Angelo Reyes. Adds WWF-Vice Chairman and CEO Lory Tan, “Will Earth Hour alone stop climate change? No. But it is a statement that we will not go down without a fight.”

The global aim of Earth Hour is to secure the participation of one billion people in 1000 cities globally. Already over 1500 cities in 80 countries including the United States, China, Russia and India have signed on.

“It is hoped that this global gesture will send a clear message for world leaders to take strong and decisive action against climate change,” explains Saño. Top leaders will meet in Copenhagen this coming December to craft a post-Kyoto policy for tackling the world’s mounting problems on climate change. “The strength of our message ultimately depends on how many Filipinos will join in.”

Pahiyas Festival

Start:	May 14, '09
End:	May 15, '09
Location:	Lucban, Quezon, Philippines

Pahiyas Festival is a colorful feast celebrated every 15th of May by the people of Lucban, Quezon in honor of San Isidro Labrador. This is the farmers' thanksgiving for a bountiful harvest which has been popularized by the grand display of colorful rice wafers, fruits, vegetables, and handicrafts adorning every houses in the town.

History

The festival was named after the Filipino terms hiyas (jewel) and pahiyas (precious offering). This feast is an ancient farmers' harvest celebration that dates back in 16th century. According to the legend, San Isidro Labrador magically plowed the field whenever he goes out of the church. This is the story that the Spaniards passed on to the Philippines from Mexico during their colonial period. Since then, the Pahiyas Festival has been a source of excitement for the locals and visitors of Quezon Province.

The Festival

The festival is highlighted by a procession along the streets of the image of San Isidro Labrador across the town to ensure the bountiful harvest of the people in the following seasons. The procession features a pair of giant papier mâché of a farmer and his wife. This is followed by the image of the patron saint and his wife Sta. Maria de la Cabeza. The image of Sta. Maria de la Cabeza carries a basket with triangulo biscuits, which are given to the children during the procession. This culminates with generous sharing of overflowing foods among the townspeople.

All the locals' houses are decorated with agricultural harvest (fruits, vegetables, rice grains, rice stalks, flowers, and ferns) and colorful rice wafers, called kiping. These thinly made rice dough are usually made into two or three layers of chandeliers called aranya. The locals use different kinds of leaves to add flavor and color to the kiping. They have also produced varieties of tastes and textures by using different ingredients such as kabal, coffee, talisay (umbrella tree), cocoa, and banaba leaves.

Each house tries to outdo each other in terms of the decoration of their house through an annual competition as they vie for the honor of being recognized for their creativity. After the competition is over and the awards are handed over to the owner of the winning house, the decorations of the house will be thrown away to the huge flock of people as free treats. For the other houses, after the festival, those kipings that were used to decorate these houses are cooked and eaten as rice chips. Also during the festival, the people display their harvest in front of their homes so that the parish priest could bless them as the procession passes their homes.

SIGN THIS PETITION! Boycott Boyet Fajardo! - Puta anong Creative Outburst???

http://petitionspot.com/petitions/boyetfajardo



Boyet Fajardo, a Filipino Fashion designer caught on tape harassing a duty-free employee for doing his job of asking another ID card for a credit card transaction. Irate and angered by this, This man threw temper tantrums at the employees.

While Store Managers and officers were sought to appease the matter, explaining to him that it is standard operating procedure in credit card safety, not only for the company but also his own.

Ignoring this, he pulled out his phone and threatened to call high positioned people whom he allegedly knew, to make these people realize how important he is.. he went on using words like “LECHE KAYO, DI NYO KO KILALA? AKO SI BOYET FAJARDO! AT ITONG P..I.. NA BABAENG ITO, (pointing to a lady officer) AT ANG BAKLANG ITO (pointing to the cashier) AY WALANG KWENTANG MGA TAO! I WANT THEM FIRED!!!

His yelling and berating went on and on FOR THREE HOURS!, he could not calm down and went on to say, that only if the cashier would kneel down before him and/or allow him to freely slap the persons face, would he get satisfied.
AND, you know what happened next...the poor cashier simply gave in, crying in shame. He knelt down and apologized before this self proclaimed GOD….

Magic Mormon Underwears- Keeping People Safe from Sin and Bears!

Temple garment
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Jump to: navigation, search
Temple garment circa 1879 (GSR 1879).

In some denominations of the Latter Day Saint movement, the temple garment (also referred to as garments, or often by outsiders as Mormon underwear or derided by skeptics as magic underwear) is worn as a religious vesture beneath the clothing of those who have taken part in the Endowment ceremony. The undergarments are viewed as a symbolic reminder of the sacred covenants made in temple ceremonies, and are viewed as an either symbolic or literal source of protection from the evils of the world.

The garment is given as part of the washing and anointing portion of the endowment. Today, the temple garment is worn primarily by members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) and by Mormon fundamentalist churches. Adherents consider them to be sacred and some may be offended by public discussion of the garment. Anti-Mormon activists have occasionally publicly displayed and/or defaced temple garments to show their opposition to the LDS Church.
Construction and symbolism

In the 19th century, the temple garment was a one-piece undergarment extending to the ankles and the wrists, resembling a union suit, with an open crotch and a collar. It was made of unbleached cotton, and was held together with ties in a double knot. The garment had four marks that were snipped into the cloth as part of the original Nauvoo Endowment ceremony (Buerger 1987, p. 56; Beadle 1870, p. 497; Bennett 1842, pp. 247-48). These marks were a reverse-L-shaped symbol on the right breast, a V-shaped symbol on the left breast, and horizontal marks at the navel and over the right knee. These cuts were later replaced by embroidered symbols. According to generally-accepted Mormon doctrine, the marks in the garments are sacred symbols (Buerger 2002, p. 58). One proposed element of the symbolism, according to early Mormon leaders, was a link to the Square and Compass, the symbols of freemasonry (Morgan 1827, pp. 22-23), to which Joseph Smith had been initiated about seven weeks prior to his introduction of the Endowment ceremony. Thus, the V-shaped symbol on the left breast was referred to as "The Compasses", while the reverse-L-shaped symbol on the right breast was referred to by early church leaders as "The Square" (Buerger 2002, p. 145).

According to an explanation by LDS Church President John Taylor in 1883, the "Square" represents "the justice and fairness of our Heavenly Father, that we will receive all the good that is coming to us or all that we earn, on a square deal", and the "Compasses" represents "the North Star" (Buerger 2002, p. 145). In addition to the Square and Compasses, Taylor described the other symbols as follows: the collar represented the idea that the Lord's "yoke is easy and [his] burden is light", or the "Crown of the Priesthood"; the double-knotted strings represented "the Trinity" and "the marriage covenant"; the navel mark represents "strength in the navel and marrow in the bones"; and the knee mark represents "that every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that Jesus is the Christ" (Buerger 2002, p. 145).

An alternative explanation was given in 1936 by then-LDS Church apostle David O. McKay, whose explanation was incorporated into the LDS Endowment ceremony (Buerger 2002, p. 153). According to McKay's explanation of the ceremony, the "mark of the Compass" represents "an undeviating course leading to eternal life; a constant reminder that desires, appetites, and passions are to be kept within the bounds the Lord has set; and that all truth may be circumscribed into one great whole"; the "mark of the Square" represents "exactness and honor" in keeping the commandments and covenants of God; the navel mark represents "the need of constant nourishment to body and spirit"; and the "knee mark" represents "that every knee shall bow and every tongue shall confess that Jesus is the Christ" (Buerger 2002, p. 153). Unlike Taylor, McKay did not describe the symbolism of the collar or the tie-strings because those elements of the garment had been eliminated in 1922 (Buerger 2002, p. 138).
Post-1979 two-piece temple garments end just above the knee for both sexes. Women's garment have a rounded or sweetheart neckline with cap sleeves. Male tops are available in tee-shirt styles.

While the original pattern of the garment is still in use by some Mormon fundamentalists, over the years, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has somewhat modernized the original pattern. In 1893, the church expressed an official preference for the color white. In 1923, a letter from Heber J. Grant to Stake and Temple Presidents, stated that after careful and prayerful consideration it was unanimously decided by the First Presidency and Council of the Twelve of the LDS Church, that the following modifications would be permitted to the garments:

1. Sleeve to elbow.
2. Leg just below knee.
3. Buttons instead of strings.
4. Collar eliminated.
5. Crotch closed (Buerger 2002, p. 138).

Other changes were made after 1923 which shortened the sleeves and legs more and eliminated buttons.

In the 1930s, the Church built Beehive Clothing Mills which manufactured and sold the garments leading to a more standardized design. During this time women's garments were one-piece designs that ended just above the knees and had a cap sleeve. In 1970's, the first two-piece garment became available and Mormons generally accepted the change with enthusiasm.[6] Today garments are made in both styles with a variety of different fabrics. Feminine styles are sold with either a rounded or a sweetheart neckline with cap sleeves. Sweetheart necklines usually follow the line of the bra, which is worn over the garment. There are also two styles of necklines for men. Endowed church members can purchase garments produced by Beehive at distribution centers worldwide. Garments can also be ordered through the mail. They are sold at a moderate price that is assumed to be near cost.

Latter-day Saint views as to sacredness

To members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the temple garment represents the sacred and personal aspects of their relationship with God. For this reason, Church leaders discourage members from discussing the garment in a casual or disrespectful manner. One church leader has compared the garment to the clerical vestments worn by clergy of other churches. Display of the garment is viewed by most members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as extremely inappropriate and offensive.

Church leaders have publicly discussed the above principles and beliefs in general terms since the mid-1840s. However, because of the sacredness surrounding temple rites and the garment to many Latter-day Saints, some people have utilized it as a source of humor and parody. People who have sold garments on internet auction sites have been criticized by some LDS members.

During the October 2003 General Conference of the Church, some anti-Mormon demonstrators outside the LDS Conference Center reportedly spat and stomped on garments in view of those attending the conference. A scuffle broke out between a protester and two members of the church who attempted to take the garments from him. To avoid a repeat of the conflict, the municipality of Salt Lake City planned stronger enforcement of fighting words and hate speech laws for the April 2004 Conference in Salt Lake City with new protest buffer zones

STOP THE KOREANS! The Koreans are Skinning Subic!

http://mamomoondok.multiply.com/journal/item/15/The_Koreans_are_Skinning_Subic
If you are having a hard time reading the article on that site because of the background- I copied and pasted it here:

The Koreans are Skinning Subic! Dec 2, '08 11:48 AM
for everyone
(http://mamomoondok.multiply.com/journal/item/15/The_Koreans_are_Skinning_Subic)

If you like Subic not because of what it is, but because of its lush greens, age old and huge trees, birds, monkeys, butterflies, the clean air, the natural park, and the verdant mountains, I'd like to let you know that very soon, 300 AGE OLD & FOREST TREES WILL BE CUT, and another MOUNTAIN WILL BE CLEARED IN FAVOR OF A CASINO PROJECT by the KOREANS. First it was their housing project. And they got away with it. By the blessing of this sick government. Now, because the Koreans have sensed that it is very easy in the Philippines to get away with our conservation laws, and we are not very particular about keeping our trees, and the management of Subic is not very much concerned nor appreciate their trees, and the DENR is silent (as lame duck), THE CASINO PROJECT WILL COME, AND THE TREES WILL GO.

I think the deeper root to the problem is not the approval of the project, but the inability of the Subic ecology/natural department & DENR to know their specific jobs, and their inability to appreciate the importance of trees in sustaining the ecological balance. The Philippines is the fastest region in Asia in losing its forest, (RP lost forest fastest in Southeast Asia--EU official.. Country also 7th in the world By Veronica Uy, INQUIRER.net) contributing to the decline and extinction of many of its diverse and unique flora and fauna. With the incompetence of those in charge, and the attraction of easy money, wealth without hardwork, they DESTROY OUR NATURAL TREASURE, IN FAVOR OF GAMBLING! What kind of government is this? and what kind of authorities do we have?

I appreciate Arch Jun Palafox on his stand. Arch Palafox is a world-renowned architect who developed and designed famous parks, malls, and establishments, including the Ayala Land projects. His understanding on the importance of trees is very much inculcated in his designs, and the preservation of the environs, always first and foremost, as his love for his country. He gave up $1M project for his disagreement against the Koreans in killing the trees. A challenge to our fellow architects, really. Money or what? The Koreans know they could not do this in Korea. But they know it is easy in this country.

"Amethya dela Llana-Koval, head of the SBMA Ecology Center, said the project site is within the central business district of the free port zone that is not classified as a protected area"- according to the article. But until where and when will she stop issuing these statement? If any investor would come and identify a new site, would she say the same? Does she know that it is almost impossible to revive and age-old tree? Even the highest care given in handling and balling does not guarantee survival, when a tree is old. Have they done this before? Can she show us how? I've been planting trees all my life, from seedlings to balled, but it is almost impossible to revive an age old tree. It is not that easy. She is sugar-coating and telling us in a way- come what may, she has the blessing of the project. Ouchh!!

Hanggang ngayon pa ba ay alipin pa rin tayo ng mga banyaga? Hanggang kailan matatapos ang ating pagiging sunud-sunurin sa naisin ng mga banyaga dahilan lamang sa pera? Sa pera na ang ituturo sa atin ay ang pagsusugal at pagbebenta ng laman ng ating mga lakambini? Hangang kailan matatapos ito? Marami pa naman mga bakanteng pwesto sa Subic, bakit ninanais nila ito ilagay sa bundok na kung saan kailangang putulin ang mga mahigit pang 300 na puno, na matatanda pa sa ating mga ninuno? Bakit hndi bigyan pansin ng ating pamahalaan ang iba pang industriya na magiging kapakipakinbang sa ating mamayan? malinis at marangal? Nagtatanong lang po, at naghihinagpis sa mga nangyayari sa ating inang bayan.

Here's the LINK TO THE ARTICLE: http://www.inquirer.net/specialfeatures/theenvironmentreport/view.php?db=1&article=20081129-175207

Tips on the importance of trees: (in case Llana-Koval and DENR sec, and his people do not know this):

One huge tree saves 200gallons or 800 liters of water. Cut those trees, and there's 240,000 liters of fresh water turned to flood, enough to supply fresh water to 50 families. 3-4 trees converting 2.5kg of CO2 to oxygen. That's almost 200kg of CO2 cleaned from space everyday, or equivalent to cleaning 200 households CO2 waste. BUT IT IS MORE THAN THE TREES. The life sustained in the undergrowth, the wildlife hosted for their breeding, adn food..the ecology, IT IS LIFE.

PLEASE, LET US JOIN HANDS, and spread the word!

The ASEAN Way- The Official Anthem

The Talkshop finally had an anthem. I think it is boring and as useless as ASEAN itself.

Awesome Philippines! - Win a Trip to My Awesome Philippines!!

http://www.awesomephilippines.com
Remix a video and win a trip to my beautiful country!

Crucifixion at San Pedro Cutud, San Fernando Pampanga, Farm Barbie at Batangas, Sombrero/Maricaban Island Hop

Start:	Apr 10, '09 04:00a
Location:	San Pedro Cutud, San Fernando Pampanga; Batangas Farm, Sombrero/Maricaban

From wiki:

The San Pedro Cutud Lenten Rites is a Holy Week re-enactment of Christ’s Passion and Death which takes place in Barangay San Pedro Cutud, City of San Fernando, Pampanga in the Philippines.

It includes a passion play culminating with the actual nailing of at least three penitents to a wooden cross atop the makeshift Calvary.

Events

Every year on Good Friday or the Friday before Easter a dozen or so penitents - mostly men but with the occasional woman - are taken to a rice field in the barrio of San Pedro Cutud, 3km (2 miles) from the proper of City of San Fernando, Pampanga and nailed to a cross using two-inch (5 cm) stainless steel nails that have been soaked in alcohol to disinfect them. The penitents are taken down when they feel cleansed of their sin. Other penitents flagellate themselves using bamboo sticks tied to a rope.

2008 Crucifixion

On March 21, 2008, Pampanga carpenter Ruben Enage, 47, was nailed to a wooden cross on Good Friday for the 22nd time, since his first in 1985. 25 other penitents, including two women, were nailed on wooden cross on Good Friday in San Pedro Cutud. Central Luzon crucifixion reenactments were also held yearly, in Angeles City, Sto. Tomas, Pampanga, and in Bulacan.

Criticism

The Catholic Church does not approve of the crucifixions and does not endorse them. The media has also turned against the rites, calling them "pagan and barbaric" but generally admitting they are still a good show.

No Reservations: Anthony Bourdain does Philippines!

From Anthony Bourdain's blog:

Hierarchy of Pork

By Anthony Bourdain on February 16, 2009 6:55 PM | Permalink | 493 Comments

I'm very nervous about tonight's Philippines show.

I'm all too aware of the fact that the country is made up of over seven THOUSAND islands and that I visited exactly two of them. The food is intensely regional ... I mean, even the difference between the food in Manila and Pampanga -- only a couple of hours away --is striking. So I missed ... a lot.