Hundreds march vs Gaga

MANILA, Philippines - Hundreds of Christian youths yesterday marched along the streets of Manila leading to the SM Mall of Asia (MOA) arena where controversial pop icon Lady Gaga is slated to hold her “Born This Way” Asian tour concert tonight and tomorrow.

The eclectic pop artist arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Saturday night amid protests from young Christians and other conservative groups calling for the cancellation of her concert.

The marchers, holding placards urging the singer to “respect our faith and stop the blasphemy,” denounced the concert organizers and criticized the five-time Grammy awardee over sexual content and her use or abuse of religious symbols in her performances.

Members of Biblemode Youth Philippines plan to hold a vigil starting today near the concert venue, saying they are offended by Lady Gaga’s music, particularly her song “Judas,” which they said mocks Jesus Christ.

Religious leaders said they want Lady Gaga to respect their choices the way they respect hers.

To highlight their demonstration, the protesters also promised to hold a “Jericho March,” known as a walk by a religious group or congregation aimed at praying for or against something.

In contrast, however, hundreds of delirious, camera-toting fans mobbed the pop singer as soon as she walked into her hotel after her arrival last Saturday.

Authorities have approved the concerts, but said they will not allow nudity or lewd acts.

Sold-out crowds and angry protests have followed Lady Gaga’s “Born This Way” Asian tour.

Fans younger than 18 were banned from concerts in South Korea over complaints that the lyrics in Lady Gaga’s songs and her costumes were too provocative. The singer was likewise denied a concert permit in Indonesia by police under pressure from Islamic hardliners.

Riot police stopped Saturday’s marchers just outside Roxas Boulevard, almost half a mile away from the concert venue. Security guards also stood on alert in front of the arena.

Organizers from Ovation Productions said they respect the beliefs of Lady Gaga’s critics but promised that the performances “will not pose a threat to their sense of morality and conduct.”

A campaign against the pop icon, alleging that she is “Satanic,” among others, has been spreading through text since Thursday.

Despite the protests and the criticisms, producers of the Lady Gaga 2012 concert reportedly said that the event will push through as tickets have already been sold out.

– With Sheila Crisostomo, AP