Journal of a freelance photographer in Spain: Pampanga

Thursday, September 01, 2011

The hunter, hunted

The Spanish newspaper El Pais published last week one of the photos from my project about the catholic church in the Philippines, to illustrate an article about family planning in the country and how the church opposes it. I was happy they followed my suggestion and picked this photo, which illustrates that "war" in a non-literal way.

I took the photo last Easter in San Fernando, Pampanga, where real crucifixions are still done every year. Excellent photographer and friend Miguel Pereira was with me, and he took some photos of yours truly at work.

The hunter, hunted.

Sunday, May 01, 2011

Good Friday Crucifixions in the Philippines

Every Holy Week some twenty men from the city of San Fernando, in the Pampanga province, are crucified on Good Friday. When I write crucified I mean literally nailed to the cross. Many of the local young men also wander around town flagellating themselves until their backs are raw and bleeding.

The whole event was a mix of deep religious fervor, rite of passage and touristic attraction, with a splash of gore. Definitely not for the faint of heart.

While taking the photos and maybe to compensate, I could not take this song off my head. Perfect ending.

All photos © nacho hernandez. All rights reserved.