EDIT: I meant to say, more substance over style.

I agree with Jonathan Ong. I don't understand the point you're trying to put across with this post. And you don't seem to know why yourself. The reader is directed to well-crafted sentences that drag on forever, only to realize they never did gain any insight from the article. You didn't express to us how it is to be overwhelmed by such a spectacle, of how small you must have felt. The sidetracking to moshpits and the descriptions of dirty feet don't quite capture the Black Nazarene experience. The treatment you gave to this did not work, I'm afraid to say. Wish this had more style than substance. Best of luck. I read your blog here on Spot religiously.

You guys are so funny! I will be watching out for ANDAL AMAPATUAN JR and ANDAL SR as they are stripped of their garments and their bodies nailed on the cross as the two filthy thieves.. wouldn't that be a spectacular sight to behold? Together with Krista, Manny V and Manny P, Krissy and the other baboons that pester our television sets with their mediocre and melodramatic lives. cool! :)

Watch Marlene Aguilar come Lenten Season...ohhhhh I can't wait to see the drama.

Hurray to idolatry. Idolatry comes in many forms. Next year, we can dress up Manny Pacquiao in a maroon gown, a wig with crown of thorns and let him carry a cross. Let's see how his popularity once again soar, after Wapakman's dismal box-office performance last December. Krista Ranillo can be his Magdalena, "ang babaing laging nakaluhod." My two-cents worth as a split-level pagan / atheist.

@Ricky

Because we are not on the same level of evolution. And neither of us can determine
for sure on what level we are, below or above these people.

Chill

@Yogi,

Yeah, twice. Loud & Clear between reader & writer.

Why are some people hung to false hopes and let these happen...

(http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view/20100109-246352/2-deaths-mar-Nazarene-procession)

According to news as of now there are 3 deaths related to the feast.


3 For the customs of the peoples are worthless; they cut a tree out of the forest, and a craftsman shapes it with his chisel. 4 They adorn it with silver and gold; they fasten it with hammer and nails so it will not totter. 5 Like a scarecrow in a melon patch, their idols cannot speak; they must be carried because they cannot walk. Do not fear them; they can do no harm nor can they do any good." 6 No one is like you, O Lord; you are great, and your name is mighty in power. 7 Who should not revere you, O King of the nations? This is your due. Among all the wise men of the nations and in all their kingdoms, there is no one like you. 8 They are all senseless and foolish; they are taught by worthless wooden idols. 9 Hammered silver is brought from Tarshish and gold from Uphaz. What the craftsman and goldsmith have made is then dressed in blue and purple-- all made by skilled workers. 10 But the LORD is the true God; he is the living God, the eternal King. When he is angry, the earth trembles; the nations cannot endure his wrath. 11 "Tell them this: 'These gods, who did not make the heavens and the earth, will perish from the earth and from under the heavens.' " 12 But God made the earth by his power; he founded the world by his wisdom and stretched out the heavens by his understanding. 13 When he thunders, the waters in the heavens roar; he makes clouds rise from the ends of the earth. He sends lightning with the rain and brings out the wind from his storehouses. 14 Everyone is senseless and without knowledge; every goldsmith is shamed by his idols. His images are a fraud; they have no breath in them. 15 They are worthless, the objects of mockery; when their judgment comes, they will perish. 16 He who is the Portion of Jacob is not like these, for he is the Maker of all things, including Israel, the tribe of his inheritance-- the LORD Almighty is his name.

Jeremiah 10:3to16

@POGI

Please do not "flatter yourselves" or more charitably "exaggerate", I only posted twice.

No beef at all.
Just an interaction between a reader and a writer.

Chill

Besides this fine read this new term really made my day - "J.J.I.B or the “Jumping Jologs in Black”— or more uncharitably, “Orcs.”

rooster envy

@Yogi,

What's your beef with Lourd? I have noticed your critical stance to almost every topic that he writes.

This is pure "Condescension and Apathy" at its most subtle form.
Congrats to Kris Aguino for making it to every article. Really, I can't help buut notice.

Chill

Idolatry as its best. Paganism at its brightest and finest. Fellini will kill for this fiesta and no production designer is needed as it is clearly, magnificently designed.

It is no longer a religious issue, it's a class issue and it has nothing to do with one's salvation anymore. The church is no longer involved in its organization. It is a circus, a carnival, a drinking spree and micro-processions are actually held. This is the time of the year where the jologs express their sentiments by creating havoc and interrupting other people's lives.

Some jologs actually miss the point why they're there in the first place--but it doesn't really matter, they'll soon learn why. But for the others, it is clear to them why they are there--expressing their sentiments through collective consciousness. I just know, because I'm one of them.

The entire exercise was so pagan that it reminds me of the biblical story, the veneration of the golden calf, followed by an orgy.

Speaking of orgy, you forgot to mention the sex temple dedicated to Adonis and Apollo, a few meters away from Quiapo church. Most gay devotees repair to that place to "unload" and "decompress" after doing corporal works of mercy. I'll take you there if you want. But you can't touch anything as you might turn in to a pillar of salt.

Hey Lourd,

You never seem to run out of good ways to write. You are really GOOD. How are you these days? Been wanting to get in touch to reconnect. Do you tweet, want to send my email.

Thanks,

Joann P.(from Viva old days)

I find the article a bit gimmicky and condescending. Written like a detached observer who's content with speculation and witty wordplay. Would have appreciated more sensitivity to do justice to this remarkable and ecstatic ritual.

Quiapo is the fusion of the Sacred and the Profane. This Neo-Pagan ritual isn't about to die anytime soon. Another mosh pit is the Penafrancia festivities in Naga City, last September. More and more are joining this kind of neo-pagan rituals as a manifestation of quiet desperation.

Incredible. This is a Crazy Planets, indeeds.