IMAGES of Semana Santa 2012 in Subic & Olongapo
KNIVES ALL OVER. Penitents in Subic, Zambales north of Olongapo City walk barefoot with hands raised, knives pointed toward their bodies to keep them from putting their hands down, another form of sacrifice or self-punishment. Many Filipinos still believe that doing acts of penance such as inflicting harm or punishment on oneself on Good Friday, would cleanse them of past sins committed, bring good luck and make wishes come true or even cure them, or somebody else they care for, of illnesses even doctors have declared beyond help. SBN/VVVphoto
SCARED. A young lass runs away from a flagellant at Matain, Subic, Zambales north of Olongapo City. Many Filipinos still believe that doing acts of penance such as inflicting harm or punishment on oneself on Good Friday, would cleanse them of past sins committed, bring good luck and make wishes come true or even cure them, or somebody else they care for, of illnesses even doctors have declared beyond help. SBN/VVVphoto 
- BARS, NIGHTCLUBS & PENITENTS. Hooded, barefooted and bloodied, flagellants in Barretto, Olongapo City pass by a row of bars and nightclubs that, silent in daytime, liven up the village at night. Many Filipinos still believe that doing acts of penance such as inflicting harm or punishment on oneself on Good Friday, would cleanse them of past sins committed, bring good luck and make wishes come true, or even cure them, or somebody else they care for, of illnesses even doctors have declared beyond help. SBN/VVVphoto
- FROM THE OUTSIDE. Flagellants at Barretto, Olongapo City pay their respects from outside the gates of the Catholic Church which, despite the wide and annual practice of many members, does not offically recognize nor endorse the self-inflicted physical harm as a form of penance. The flagellants also messes-up the church’s interiors with blood, on top of the trash generated by escorts and onlookers, thus, adding to the cold shoulder treatment they have been receiving lately. Many Filipinos still believe that doing acts of penance such as inflicting harm or punishment on oneself on Good Friday, would cleanse them of past sins committed, bring good luck and make wishes come true, or even cure them, or somebody else they care for, of illnesses even doctors have declared beyond help. SBN/VVVphoto
