For some in the in the villages in northern Philippines, Good Friday is more then just a time of reflection, it is a time of action.  The action is a controversial one, but is a celebration that mixes Filipino folk beliefs and Roman Catholic devotion that has certain people actually get nailed to the cross as to reenact Jesus Christ crucifixion.  

Thousands of tourists watched and took photos as the men spent several minutes nailed to the crosses.  The church does not endorse these actions and has discouraged such rituals. 

Before the scene of the crucifixion they have hooded male penitents stumble through the villages under the hot sun while beaten with makeshift whips while others carried wooden crosses to dramatize Christ's sacrifice.

58-year-old vendor, Alex Laranang, the first to be nailed to a cross Friday, said he was doing it "for good luck and for my family to be healthy."

The men endure the hardships in the belief that these extreme sacrifices will atone for their sins, cures illnesses and thanks to God.

Ruben Enaje, 52, a sign painter, has been a part of this extreme ritual for 27 years.  He began his yearly crucifixion after surviving a fall from a building.  Enaje is one of the most popular who participates.  

Men dressed as Roman soldiers hammered stainless steel nails into Enaje's palms and feet as he screamed in pain.  He had a wireless microphone attached to him so the people all around could hear is screams on the speakers.  

He hung on the cross for several minutes before being taken down and do a first aid station.  

Residents of the village say that the practice began in his village in the 1950s and while the churches in the area are aware of the extreme "celebration", they discourage people from participating.