Holy Week: Beer-nes Santo

Biernes Santo is Good Friday in English.  Being a very Catholic Country that we are,we are expected to observe Holy Week Rituals.  Working is should be from minimum to none, fasting til 3PM and in my province, wait for it, we are not allowed to take a shower til 3PM.  I don't remember the reason behind it though.  :P

 Friday was very relaxing.  I love the easy life.  We only ate that day, slept the whole day(maybe I'm the only one) and of course drank although we are not supposed to.  We can't help it.  We are young.  We are on holiday.  Clear?  Clear!

 On our way home. 

Kendi snorkelling.  If only I can swim. 

"Penetensya".  This is one of the practices in Kendi's province.  We don't do this in Nueva Ecija although I've seen people doing this in Marinduque(mummy's province).  The practice varies from province to province but the goal is the same - to repent from one's sin.  

Let me explain the "penetensya process".  In the photo above, the person repenting cuts himself with a blade, hits himself with a whip made of bamboo and walks barefoot with a black cloth covering their faces.  After the whole process, he washes himself with ocean water.

In another variation, people would carry a big crosses resembling what Christ did.  In Pampanga, people actually have themselves crucified.  Yes, crucified with big nails in their feet and hand.  Very dangerous.

Additional Info:  It is also believed that you are a sinner if you get "showered" with blood by the penitent.  Kendi, Chekka and I got showered.  Hahaha!

The tricycle in Lubang Island resembling a passenger jeep.  Very Cute!  It actually seats 7 people including the driver.  2 people less than Manila. 

Chekka, Kendi and Me.

Left home at 6PM to pick up our tickets to Manila.  We were lucky that Kendi got connections or we'll be stuck there for few more days.  Actually, that ain't a bad idea.  Hahaha!