Filipinos observe the Holy Week celebrations with color and drama. Early in the morning on Palm Sunday, people bring palms, mostly woven coconut fronds, to church to remember the triumphant entry of Jesus to Jerusalem.
The festivities, however, turn solemn come Holy Thursday when some penitents flagellate themselves or even carry crosses supposedly to atone for their sins. On Good Friday, some people even have themselves nailed to crosses.
But joy returns on Easter Sunday when Filipinos flock to churches at dawn to commemorate the resurrection of the Lord.
Photos and text by Joe Torres and Amiel Mark Cagayan