Funny video, Peter. What a barbaric tradition , which is the same in the USA, BTW. This subject always has the biggest feedback on the U.S. radio talk shows when discussed. People want to know "Why"
Circumcision became a part of Pinoy culture because of Christianity; which in turn inherited it from Jewish practice. Nowadays, Pinoys say circumcision is necessary for men for medical and health reasons. According to this: http://www.webmd.com/sexual-conditions/guide/circumcision#3 What are the benefits of circumcision? There is some evidence that circumcision has health benefits, including: A decreased risk of urinary tract infections. A reduced risk of some sexually transmitted diseases in men. Protection against penile cancer and a reduced risk of cervical cancer in female sex partners. Prevention of balanitis (inflammation of the glans) and balanoposthitis (inflammation of the glans and foreskin). Prevention of phimosis (the inability to retract the foreskin) and paraphimosis (the inability to return the foreskin to its original location). That is still debated by the way. Older Pinoys consider it as a 'right of passage/coming of age.' You are not considered a man until you have it. They also say it increases virility and makes you 'taller' if you undergo the procedure as a teen. I think it's all bollocks, but what can I do? My parents had me go through it a few days after I was born. I can't escape it too by the way. I'm also part-Jewish through my mother's side. It's expected. There are two main methods for circumcision in Pinoy culture. The medical operation and the traditional one called 'pukpok.' It's in the video.
