hi, great blog! I'm from the Philippines and I was psyched when I read this entry. We call this tradition penitensiya. People rich and poor volunteer like snowflakes signing in for a blizzard. Most of the time, heavy sinners or reformed criminals participate in the painful parade as a form of penance. In some provinces, it gets really hardcore. They use really thick nails and people who act as the guards sometimes pour alcohol or liquor on the backs of back slashers.
But in my city, volunteers are always drunk before the penitensiya starts so it's sort of funny.
p.s. A part of this entry's title should be Philippine Officials. not Philippines Officials. :)
But in my city, volunteers are always drunk before the penitensiya starts so it's sort of funny.
p.s.
A part of this entry's title should be Philippine Officials. not Philippines Officials. :)