Synopsis: Every first Friday of the month, The Straits Times catches up with its foreign correspondents about life and trends in the countries they’re based in.

One afternoon, Philippines correspondent Mara Cepeda popped into church to whisper a prayer, and then sought her fortunes from a tarot card reader just outside its premises. 

She did it in the name of research, but for many Filipinos, this is how they seek divine guidance through life.

In this episode, Li Xueying speaks to Mara about the balance between the two contradictory belief systems in the Philippines.

Highlights (click/tap above):

04:31 Quiapo’s unique blend of religious and mystical practices

06:55 Socioeconomic realities in the Philippines and their influence on religious practices

09:15 The Catholic church’s role in social welfare

13:20 Navigating modern challenges in religion

17:08 Intersection of political power and religious institutions

Read Mara Cepeda’s article here: 

https://str.sg/wN4UL

Read Li Xueying’s articles:

https://str.sg/iqmR

Follow Li Xueying on LinkedIn:

https://str.sg/ip4x

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