AP PHOTOS: Devout in the Philippines mark Holy Week with flagellations, processions and passion play

Apnews - Apr 18th, 2025
Open on Apnews

In Kalayaan, Philippines, penitents engage in self-flagellation on Good Friday to atone for sins and commemorate the sufferings of Jesus Christ, despite the church's disapproval. Participants like Luis Bautista and Jayve Lorenzo partake in these acts for personal reasons, such as family safety and health. Residents support them by providing refreshments, as the penitents parade through the town in the blistering heat, stopping to pray and rest. This intense devotion culminates in a cleansing ritual at a local waterfall.

This tradition, part of the broader Lenten observances in the Philippines, highlights the intertwining of faith and cultural practices. Events in nearby Paete, known for its artistic heritage, further showcase the colorful expressions of faith, drawing tourists to the region. The story underscores the deep-rooted religious fervor in the Philippines, where such rituals continue despite modern criticisms, reflecting the enduring cultural and spiritual landscape of the country.

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RATING

7.6
Fair Story
Consider it well-founded

The article provides a detailed and accurate depiction of Holy Week practices in the Philippines, focusing on self-flagellation and community involvement. It effectively balances personal stories with cultural context, offering readers insight into the motivations behind these traditions. While the article could benefit from more authoritative sources and transparency in its reporting process, it remains engaging and informative. The narrative is clear and accessible, making it suitable for a wide audience. Overall, the article succeeds in raising awareness of unique cultural practices while maintaining a respectful and balanced tone.

RATING DETAILS

9
Accuracy

The story accurately depicts the cultural and religious practices during Holy Week in the Philippines, such as self-flagellation and processions, which are well-documented in various sources. The mention of penitents whipping their backs and the church's disapproval aligns with known practices. Personal motivations of participants, like praying for family safety, are consistent with common reasons cited by those involved in these rituals. The story's details about community support with food and water, and the post-ritual cleansing, are plausible and reflect local traditions. However, the mention of penitents dancing while whipping themselves is less commonly documented, though it may represent a local variation.

8
Balance

The article presents a balanced view of the Holy Week practices by including perspectives from both participants and community members, like the penitents and residents who support them. It mentions the church's disapproval, providing a counterpoint to the participants' views. However, it could further enhance balance by including more direct commentary from church officials or religious scholars to provide a broader perspective on the practice's religious and cultural significance. The article effectively captures the diversity of practices and motivations, offering a comprehensive view of the event.

8
Clarity

The article is well-structured and uses clear, descriptive language to convey the events and practices of Holy Week in the Philippines. It logically flows from the description of the rituals to personal stories and community involvement. The tone is neutral and informative, making it accessible to a general audience. However, some readers may benefit from additional context on the historical and cultural significance of these practices, which could enhance understanding.

7
Source quality

The article relies on direct observations and quotes from participants and community members, which are valuable primary sources. However, it lacks attribution to external sources or experts, such as religious scholars or cultural historians, which could enhance the credibility and depth of the reporting. The inclusion of more authoritative sources would provide a more comprehensive understanding of the historical and cultural context of these practices.

6
Transparency

The article provides a clear narrative of the events and motivations behind the Holy Week practices, but it lacks transparency in terms of sourcing and methodology. It does not specify how the information was gathered or if there were any potential biases in the reporting process. Including details about the reporting process, such as interviews conducted or observations made, would enhance transparency and help readers understand the basis of the claims made in the article.

Sources

  1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holy_Week_in_the_Philippines
  2. https://vogue.ph/lifestyle/culture/sacred-pause-holy-week-in-the-philippines/
  3. https://owlcation.com/humanities/Gruesome-Holy-Week-Traditions-in-the-Philippines
  4. https://www.nipino.com/why-is-holy-week-celebrated-in-the-philippines
  5. https://www.acxelsus.com/how-do-we-celebrate-holy-week-in-the-philippines/