Cebu, Pampanga provinces move to prevent repeat of Holy Week 'scandals'

With Holy Week fast approaching, authorities in Cebu and Pampanga provinces have made moves to prevent a repeat of the “scandals" that hounded last year’s observance of the Holy Week. Radio dzXL reported the Cebu provincial government vowed to arrest people and groups who stage bikini shows during this year’s Holy Week. Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia said authorities will particularly keep close watch over Bantayan Island, where last year’s scandal occurred. Garcia said she does not want a repeat of a show where sexy stars including Maui Taylor and Jennifer Lee held a bikini show during the Holy Week. The show prompted the city government to file charges against the sexy stars and the organizers of the show. Last Feb. 19, Lee personally apologized to Governor Garcia at the provincial capitol. Taylor was not present at the time as she was supposedly sick. [See: ‘Hot Babe’ apologizes to Cebu gov for bikini show in 2009] Women's rights advocates On Saturday, radio dzRH reported Lee and Taylor started to make amends for their offense by being ambassadors for women’s rights by presiding over a meeting of women in Cebu Friday. Both actresses said they were thankful they got a chance to redeem themselves after the Cebu provincial government eased up on charges against them for last year’s incident. Also on Friday, Taylor and Lee faced a local court for mediation and reconciliation on their case. Cutud crucifixions Meanwhile, in Pampanga, local authorities in San Pedro Cutud village in San Fernando City have banned foreigners from taking part in this year’s Good Friday crucifixions. This was after a foreigner made fun of the rites last year. City councilor Jimmy Lazatin told the Union of Catholic Asian News in an interview that they want to keep the rites “solemn." The UCAN also noted that despite the popularity of the crucifixion, the local archdiocese frowns on the tradition known as the Cutud. Cutud is a tourist activity drawing thousands of people yearly but does nothing for the teachings of the Church. “The archdiocese tolerates the Cutud, but would rather it not take place. It is folk religiosity but not one we favor at all," said San Fernando, Pampanga Auxiliary Bishop Pablo David. “Whether or not foreigners take part in the ceremony is no concern to us [diocesan Church officials]," he added. Public crucifixions in San Pedro Cutud village, 70 kilometers from Manila, began in 1962 when aspiring faith healer Artemio Anoza, acting as Christ in a play had himself nailed to a cross. On Good Friday, officials of San Pedro in San Fernando organize the Cutud festival attempting to reenact the passion and death of Christ. Father Arnulfo Serrano, parish priest of Santo Niño Parish near San Pedro, said his flock has no interest in Cutud and focuses on liturgical celebrations of the Church. “The Church does not sanction these private pious acts" and parishioners know it, the pastor said. “When some of my parishioners join the scourging on Holy Thursday, most cover their faces so we would not recognize them," he said. He notes some flagellants believe they are doing “penance" and strengthening their faith. Priests make themselves available for extra hours hearing confessions and inviting Catholics to fast and do charitable work, he said. “Some of our practices for Lent and Holy week have a rich tradition here, such as Dakit Kordero," Father Serrano pointed out. “We use all the official rites of the Church as well and do not need the Cutud," he added. — wit a report by Nikka Corsino/LBG, GMANews.TV