Did you ever experience the Holy Week traditions in the Philippines?
Did you hear about the "penitensya" (penitence/penance) where one do self-flagellation and at times even have themselves nailed to crosses as expression of penance or thanksgiving for a granted prayer?
I grew up as a Born Again Christian, we don't have such traditions,
so I never saw anything like that until now.
My husband's grandparents live in Quezon province where the Catholic community practice such. I went there this year (April 2014) with my husband and mom-in-law and witnessed it for the first time (but not the crucifixion).
We went there on a Thursday after picking up his mom in the airport.
After an 8-hour drive, we got there at 11:00pm already.