In the Philippines, most Filipinos consider Holy Week to be the best time to watch religious films in line of observing the Christian tradition of valuing the life and teachings of Jesus Christ.
According to Msgr. Pedro Quitorio, watching television programs that contain religious views influence a deeper effect that will contribute in building a person’s spiritual experience than attending retreats. As a media director of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), Msgr. Quitorio says that “movies have powerful images” and gives a “stronger effect” to viewers.
Religious movies often uplift the spirit and bring forth inspirational messages. It becomes a good way to reminisce how Jesus Christ was able to spend his life on earth, how he sacrificed himself to save us and let every faithful individual be reminded of His greatness.
While Filipinos are encouraged to engage themselves on watching religious films, Quitorio strictly reminds devout Catholics to avoid buying pirated DVDs and VCDs sold in the streets.
In line with the “Semana Santa” known as Holy Week, the CBCP also joins the campaign against piracy as a support to the Optical Media Board.
Many unauthorized vendors display illegal copies of DVDs and VCDs especially in Quiapo District of Manila. And since it is Holy Week, merchants take advantage of selling pirated religious films and other movies to those who plans to spend their time in their homes.
Customers consider Mel Gibson’s “P(–foul word(s) removed–)ion of the Christ” and “Jesus of Nazareth” to be their favorite religious films. At present, those films have been dubbed in Filipino language.
There is a rampant selling of pirated DVDs and VCDs ranging between Php25 to Php 40.
Quitorio recommends people to watch good religious shows that are aired on television networks for free during “Semana Santa”if they choose not to spend a big amount over the weekend.
Philippine television networks normally suspends airing regular programs especially on Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Black Saturday in observance of the Holy week. Rather, the local television stations replace them with movies that focus on the spiritual aspect.
Quitorio also promotes the TV Maria, a station run by the Catholic Media Network that is now carried for more than 300 cable groups across the Philippines.
TV Maria features programs with praise and worship gatherings, Gospel reflections as well as religious documentaries.