A town in the Philippines has instituted strict new laws to ban chismis — with gossips fined 500 pesos and forced to pick up litter. Binalonan, in the province of Pangasinan, has made the move in the run-up to next month’s local elections. It has been driven by the town’s mayor, Ramon Guico, who has… Full Story »
Weird News
Nine ‘penitents’ volunteer to be nailed to crosses on Good Friday
Under a blistering sun, eight men and a woman were nailed to crosses today in a reenactment of the passion and death of Jesus Christ. A crowd of spectators trooped to a man-made calvary hill in Barangay San Pedro Cutud, San Fernando, to watch the “magdarame” (flagellants) whipping themselves and penitents getting nailed to wooden… Full Story »
Health chief’s words of wisdom: Wash your nails before being crucified!
The Department of Health has urged those planning to have themselves crucified this Easter to make sure their whips and nails are clean and sterilised. In a radio interview today (Friday, April 12) DOH Undersecretary Enrique Domingo said: “What is scary is tetanus. The penitent’s wounds — especially those who are going to be crucified… Full Story »
Bamboo statue in Central Luzon town breaks Guinness world record
An agricultural town in central Luzon is won a place in the Guinness Book of Records after building the tallest bamboo statue in the world. The residents of Bayambang, in Pangasinan province near Tarlac City, have unveiled a 50.23-metre tall statue of their patron Saint Vincent Ferrer. Its record-breaking height was confirmed in front of… Full Story »
Catholics in Cebu ordered to pray for rain amid El Niño drought
Catholics across the Archdiocese of Cebu will join together in praying for rain to fall upon the province amid climate “calamity”. The Oratio Imperata, a prayer issued by a bishop of a diocese when calamity occurs, was issued by Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma today (Wednesday, April 3). The directive comes just days after the province… Full Story »
