Profile
Blog
Photos
Videos
09/01/11
Catholicism in the Philippines…
On Sunday I witnessed the true hysteria of Catholicism in one of the most important religious festivals on the Philippine Calender, The Black Nazarene Procession. Millions toughed out the heat burst and rain for more then 14 hours in hope of laying a hand on the centuries old statue of Jesus Christ.
Devotees came from all over the Philippines to ask God to heal their sicknesses, grant them financial security, bless their families and some even asked God for help in winning the lotto.
Before the procession almost every Philippine person that I spoke to told me that the festival was 'chaotic', 'scary' and some even urged me not to go because of risks of stampedes and even terrorist attacks. But what I witnessed, for the most part, was calm and respectful. I spent the 14-hour day waiting with the other journalist, Marlon, at Quiapo Church- the finally resting place of the statue. It was a long day, but I learnt a lot about Philippine religion and I taught Marlon about Australia. We conducted interviews with street vendors and devotees who had gotten there early to secure themselves a good position.
At about 11.30pm word went around that the carriage holding the statue was close, the excitement rippled through the crowd as devotees began climbing anything and everything to get a better vantage point.
From above the crowd, on the media stage, I safely watched the sea of maroon and gold devotees push and pull to get closer to the beloved statue. It was like a Metallica most pit. The serious devotees climbed over head and shoulders to touch and even kiss the Nazarene, exhausted they then fell into the crowd, lost in the sea people. At two different times I saw the crowd part and an unconscious devotee was carried urgently from the scene after fainting, it was like the crowd stopped for a moment to let the injured pass and then seconds later were pushing and pulling again.
When the gates to the Quiapo Church were opened and the Black Nazarene finally entered its resting place the crowd of people erupted, fireworks and crackers soared into the air and exploded, the crowd (including myself) joyously waved their white cloths in the air- the sight was amazing and something I will never forget.
Fortunately there were no fatalities this year, one man died of a heart attack last year. But the Red Cross did treat over 580 people who suffered minor injuries like cuts and fractures, dizzy spells, fainting and high blood pressure.
The Philippine Daily Inquirer had four journalists and myself on the field and more researchers writing from the office. I noticed that there was not one other print journalist from another paper at the Procession. Marlon informed me it was because they just wrote from the reports on the TV-not what journalism is about if you ask me. Because we were there witnessing it all happen we had the best coverage of the Procession. Here is a link to the story, my interview was with two New Zealand backpackers, it is at the bottom of the article…
Tips for surviving the Black Nazarene Procession
If you're a white girl and you find yourself in Manila during the Nazarene Procession here are some helpful tips to follow…
1. 1.Smile at everyone. Yes they will stare unblinkingly at you because you will be the only Caucasian person for miles. Just smile and normally you will get a positive response.
2. 2. Purchase the ugliest bag you can find (thanks mum) that has a thousand pockets and zips to make it extra hard for pickpockets.
3. 3. Leave everything of significance at home. If you must bring something valuable, i.e. a camera to capture the hysteria, then use one of the thousands of zip pockets to keep it safe.
4. 4. Use an across the shoulder bag and walk with your hand on your bag and in front of your body. They're sneaky the little Fillos they'll get their hands in your pocket/bag without you even feeling it.
5. 5.Put 200 peso in your shoe (Oh yeah, wear runners-you'll be on your feet for 14 hours). That way if anything should happen PH200 will get you anywhere in Manila. You'll be laughing.
6. 6. If you can get your hands on a media pass wear it proudly around you neck. Apparently it will make thieves think twice before robbing you. Power of the media and all… :)
- comments