Holy Week in Manila
The Philippines is a very religious country. I was in Manila recently to visit my ailing father and my trip coincided with the Holy Week this year. Just as I remember from my childhood years, everything shut down completely during Maundy Thursday and Good Friday. The city was a virtual ghost town, I swear. While many Filipinos go to church on both days to pray and reflect, many nowadays take the time to take a short vacation to the blue waters of the many beaches in the country. The news reported thousands flocking to bus terminals and airports for a short getaway.
Some malls had religious exhibits and other malls even had airconditioned chapels in their premises. This was one of the Glorietta Malls.
I even remember masses being celebrated at Christmas time inside the malls while everyone was busy shopping.
