'Pahalik' at Quirino Grandstand has ended, Quiapo Church says

The “Pahalik” or “Pagpupugay” for the Jesus Nazareno image at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila has been stopped, according to Quiapo Church on Thursday.

In an update, the church said the activity was terminated around 12 noon.

On Monday evening, devotees trooped to the Quirino Grandstand with the start of the “Pahalik” or “Pagpupugay.”

The crowd for the Pahalik reached 22,327 on Wednesday morning, according to Quiapo Church.

In 2021, the traditional “Pahalik” or the kissing of the image was prohibited due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It was changed to “Pagpupugay” during which devotees were only allowed to look at the image.

In 2023, devotees were allowed to touch the image of Jesus Nazareno using a towel or handkerchief.

While the Pahalik is already closed to devotees, the Traslacion or the procession of the image of Jesus Nazareno from Quirino Grandstand to Quiapo Church is still ongoing as of posting time.

The procession started at 4:41 a.m. on Thursday, January 9, the Feast day of Jesus Nazareno.

According to Manila Police District Director Police Brigadier General Arnold Thomas Ibay, the image of Jesus Nazareno that is being carried in the Traslacion is different from the one left at Quirino Grandstand before dawn on Thursday.

This would allow the continuation of the Pahalik while the Traslacion began traversing its route.

Ibay also said having a different image for the Pahalik and the Traslacion is for the protection of the old relic.

As of 8 a.m. to 9 a.m., 91,800 devotees have been observed participating in Traslacion, according to the Quiapo Church.

Meanwhile, 25,750 more devotees have been monitored at Quiapo Church and 1,500 at Rizal Park. —KG, GMA Integrated News