MANILA, Philippines (The Adobo Chronicles, Manila Bureau) – The Philippines may be considered by many as a “third-world” but this largest Catholic country in Asia leads the pack in modern Christianity.

Technology has a lot to do with it.

At Holy Week and Easter celebrations in many Filipino Catholic parishes across the nation, lighted candles have been replaced by digital images on smart phones.

What a great way to prevent fires, pollution and health hazards!

The harmful effects of candle smoke include  lung inflammation and toxicity, arteriosclerosis, and ageing effects on chromosomes in the lungs and spleen. Ultimately, this all leads to an increase in particulate air pollution.

Way to go, Philippines!