Catholic group to hold 'truth fest' Aug 22-23 at Baywalk

MANILA, Philippines - A religious group aims to get 50,000 participants to join a "Truth Fest" on the weekend of Aug. 22 and 23 in Manila, to slam what they called the "untruths" of the Arroyo government. The Association of Major Religious Superiors of the Philippines said the "Truth Fest" starts at 3 p.m. Aug. 22, and ends 6 a.m. the next day. "We have lined up a series of activities including a regatta with 200 rowers out to rescue our symbol of integrity," AMRSP chairwoman Sr Mary John Mananzan said at a Church-backed media forum in Manila. Excerpts of the forum were posted Wednesday afternoon on the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines website. Mananzan said resource persons have been invited to talk about issues from the environmental degradation at Rapu-Rapu in Albay province to the effects of expanded value-added tax and the latest developments at the Commission on Audit. She said speakers will address the audience from 9 p.m. to midnight. Filipino talents led by Grace Nono will provide intermission numbers. "There will be a litany of untruths from 12:00 midnight as concerned artists will make an image of Judas stuffed with firecrackers to cap the event," she said. Mananzan said the festival will be held at Baywalk-Roxas Boulevard from Pedro Gil to Quirino Avenue. She said they have received permission from Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim to use the venue. Appropriate traffic advisories will also be released a week before the event. Mananzan said there will also be an inter-faith ritual featuring representatives from various faiths, "from the Babaylan to our Muslim brothers and other faiths." Drum-beating will also be made during the festival while various choirs will render songs. Food booths will be installed along with meditation tents and other trimmings usually found in college fairs. "There will be a lugawan where people from all walks of like will be treated to traditional evening snacks," Mananzan said. There will be no alcoholic drinks during the "Truth Fest." Asked if politicians will be welcome to join the event, she said "Yes, they are welcome to listen to the speakers and take part in the activities because the invitation is for all Filipinos." - GMANews.TV