Category Archives: Religion

Government, Religion

Man Nailed On The Cross: Proof Of Separation Of Church And State In The Philippines

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Ruben Enaje had allowed himself to be nailed to a cross every Good Friday since 1985 as an act of thanksgiving for surviving a fall. E.I. REYMOND T. OREJAS / CONTRIBUTOR
Enaje (Photo credit: .E.I. REYMOND T. OREJAS)

SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga (The Adobo Chronicles, Manila Bureau) – Once again, on Good Friday, March 25, Filipino Ruben Enaje will allow himself to be nailed — literally — to a wooden cross as part of a bizarre Lenten rite.  This is his 30th time being “crucified,”  something he started doing in 1985 as an act of thanksgiving for surviving a fall.

Several other male penitents have also made this ritual an annual undertaking, along with dozens of others who participate in a different penitence of self flagellation.

This Holy Week tradition is  proof that in the Philippines, there is truly a separation of Church and State.

The Roman Catholic Church, short of condemning the practice, has discouraged Filipinos from imitating Jesus’ nailing on the cross.

In contrast, the state — in particular the Department of Health — is hands off in discouraging this fanatical religious practice.  Instead, it has issued yet another reminder for those who choose to be nailed to the cross this year to take tetanus shots and to make sure the nails used are properly sterilized.

 

 

 

Politics, Religion

Poll: Which Presidential Candidates Should Play Lead Roles In The Senakulo?

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L-R: Defensor-Santiago, Duterte, Binay, Roxas, Poe, Dantes

MANILA, Philippines (The Adobo Chronicles, Manila Bureau) – It’s Holy Tuesday in the Roman Catholic calendar and preparations for the Senakulo (passion play) are at fever pitch.

For the first time ever, presidential candidates in the upcoming Philippine elections will be playing major roles in the play.  Famous actor Dingdong Dantes will play the role of Jesus, but the casting director needs help in determining which roles each of the candidates will play, so he is asking for the help of Filipino netizens.

Who do you want to play the roles of Judas, Magdalena, Pontio Pilato, Magnanakaw?

The play will be held at the Philippine Arena (which, ironically, is owned by Iglesia Ni Cristo) and will be telecast live on CNN Philippines starting at 12 noon on Good Friday.

Please help by participating in the poll below: (you can vote for several candidaters at a time)

Entertainment, Religion, Social Media

AlDub Fans Not Happy About Pope Francis’ New Instagram Account

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Left, Pope Francis' first Instagram photo; right the AlDub team of Alden Richards and Maine Mendoza
Left: Pope Francis’ first Instagram photo; Right: the AlDub team of Alden Richards and Maine Mendoza

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines (The Adobo Chronicles, Baguio City Bureau) – Today, Palm Sunday, is the official start of the Roman Catholic Church’s Holy Week, culminating next Sunday, Easter.

Baguio City, the nation’s summer capital, is starting to get really crowded as people from the lowlands — including politicians and celebrities — troop to this mountain resort to escape the scorching heat and enjoy Baguio’s cool weather.

Just in time for this solemn season, Pope  Francis has just announced that he has entered the world of Instagram. This, in addition to his existing Twitter account.  It was welcome news for many Catholics visiting Baguio.

In just under twelve hours, Francis’ Instagram account generated more than 1 Million likes and is expected to equal, if not surpass his Twitter likes of 26 Million.

And guess who’s not happy about all this? AlDub (the sensational love team of Alden Richards and Maine Mendoza, stars of the kalye serye on the noon-timle show ‘Eat Bulaga.’)

Although AlDub is credited for a record 39 Million tweets, thrashing the 35.6 Million record of the 2014 FIFA World Cup slemi-final match bvetween Germany and Brazil, their “likes” on both their Twitter and Instagram accounts have a lot to be desired.

Depending on which AlDub site you’re following, the couple’s (and their fans’) Twitter page likes is anywhere between 88,000 and 350,000.  Their Instagram page likes is about 230,000.  Both are a far cry from the Pope’s Twitter record and expected Instagram following.

Well, AlDub fans, you can’t have it all.

In the meantime, AlDub’s competitor TV celebrity, Vice Ganda, is reportedly about to launch an unprecedented social media campaign to outdo AlDub’s record (she has been trying for so long). Stay tuned!