Rizalista Groups.

Click image to enlarge.

Click image to enlarge. La Iglesia Catolica Pilipina.

Nuestra Señora Del Carmen.

Click image to enlarge.The Creator.

Through the years, the number of religious sects in Mount Banahaw has grown to more than hundred. Instead of using the term sect or church the tagalog word "samahan" ( group of people joined for some common purpose) would be a better.

I was able to meet and visit quite a lot of "samahans" and they all were very hospitable and friendly. They offered me food and shelter for free while refusing to accept any money in exchange. Alas my basic knowledge of the Tagalog language didn't allow me to start deep conversations about their faith.

Considering the complex belief system of the different Rizalista organizations it is more apt to classify them in subgroups than in general sense. The Rizalista sects profess their faith in different ways. Generally, Rizalista groups immortalize and worship Jose P. Rizal as a divine being. But they also have contrasting views about the persona of Dr. Jose P. Rizal. For instance, some consider him as god, the son of Bathala, the reincarnation of Christ, a spirit, an avatar, a saint, a prophet, while others believe that he is at once a god and a man.

Some of the religious groups you can find around Banahaw are:

• Samahan ng Tatlong Persona Solo Dios

• Ciudad Mistica de Dios

• Bangon Bayan Banal

• Adamista

• The Creator

• Bathalismo (Inang Mahiwaga, Inc.)

• Watawat ng Lahi

• Iglesia Sagrada Flilipina

• Tipunang Tandang Sora Ng Katipunang Gat Rizal

• Espiritual Pilipino Catholic Church

• Nuestra Senora del Carmen

• Universal One Faith House of Prayer for all Nations and Humanity, Inc.

• Jesus Nazareno Jove Rex Al (Prayer Partner Movement International Inc.)

Source: John N. Ponsaran

Comments

[dan]

very intresting photo... im taking a research about rizal's certain group... something supernatural belief about rizal... i want to insight what is the true happening behind those people...they're belief.behavior, and the way of their living... atleast a bit info about those thing is vey much apprciated... if you have information please send in my email... thank you verry much/...

[dan]

hi im intrested about your certain belief with something religious concepts about rizal... im looking for information that i can use in my research about organization that inpire and deligated by rizal(the national hero).if you have information about those things i mention above atleast a bit is really a big help for me... thank you very much... you can text me at 09292576782... thanks

[Rach (Heart of Rachel)]

It's the first time I've heard of these religious sects. Interesting how faith can unite groups of people.

[oggi]

Sidney, thank you for this series. I never knew these religious groups exist. And to think I was born and raised in Laguna, shame on me!
I fourth photo is interesting and strange.:)

[dave]

The signs have some Masonic influences in them.

[jms]

Quelle est la différence avec la secte du vatican ?
:-))

[Michael Rawluk]

I love the look of the ageing weather worn signs.

[Mandaragat]

Re: Picture NO. 5

That's the Baybayin, the ancient alphabet of Filipinos before the Spaniarc came and decimate our culture.

I wish ibalik ito unti-unti.

[Kyels]

Interesting information about the sects in Mt. Banahaw. Very interesting variations.

(:

[Teresa Durães]

incredible the number of diffrent faiths. nice photos

[Ces]

These are very kitschy and gaudy.

[om]

Very interesting and educative as always. nice shots.

[G]

Hi Sidney, I've been lurking everyday but wasn't posting comments coz this series give me creeps...Well I used to be in the Philippines and I was exposed to all of it but I don't want to anymore =D Have a nice weekend!

[tina]

wow.. i learned something from you again.. :P

[Panaderos]

I got to see one these Rizalista sects on a college field trip more than 20 years ago. In fact, it's the one shown on the second picture above. I found it be a weird experience because it was my first time to sit in on a cult's mass/ceremony. Needless to say, I haven't been back.

[Luke]

interesting series! nice shots!

[standley]

Very interesting documentary. You illustrated it quite well!

[RennyBA]

Religious or not - as long as you get treated well like you did, I'm ambivalent.

Great pictures as always - tells a story in itself!

Wishing you a great end to your week :-)

[Otto K.]

Wow, over a hundred! Neat set.

[haggis basher]

OK! Now I'm deeply concerned for your sanity....

I'm looking forward to see what else you have to show on these groups.

[pieterbie]

Wow that guy ust really have been special. Making such an impression on such a large number of people!

[Oswegan]

I like your images of the different churches.

[johnz]

sounds like you met up with a lot of folks with good hearts and generous minds, you know, I sometimes get caught up in the wonderfully commentary, but these are some neat signs (probably not the best description)

[don]

A very interesting series of the signs or logos of these faiths. Very interesting to see so much variation in belief systems.