Catholic churches were in a festive mood Sunday recalling the arrival of Jesus Christ in Jerusalem more than 2,000 years ago.
Churchgoers waved their beautifully- crafted palm fronds to be blessed.
Palm Sunday fronds or palaspas have become a showcase of Filipino art, creativity and tradition.
The making of palaspas are usually a family, in some cases, community activity.
Palm Sunday ushers in Holy Week when Christians reflect on the passion of Jesus – from his triumphal entry into Jerusalem, his cleansing of the Temple, his anointing, the Last Supper, his agony, his arrest, his trial before the Sanhedrin and his trial before Pontius Pilate, his crucifixion and death.
On Easter Sunday, Christians will celebrate the triumph of good over evil with the Resurrection of Jesus.
Photos and videos by Bullit Marquez of Palm Sunday celebrations in churches in Manila and Paranaque for VERA Files