Shaddai El Shaddai is a charismatic Catholic sect in the Philippines which has a phenomenal following. Centered around its leader Brother Mike Velarde, the group's meetings sometimes attract more than a million people. The meetings sometimes last 24 hours, with people beginning to gather in earnest at about noon on Saturdays.
Vendors do brisk business at meetings.
This one sells the trademark scarves that most members own. There is a true communal spirit at the gatherings. Strangers camp out all day under the hot sun and become acquainted with each other, eating, talking, and singing together. El Shaddai seems to be a phenomena firmly rooted in the Filipino middle-class. Most single participants of the weekly Manila meetings are women, though often entire families attend.