‘Para sa Kanya’: Nazareno devotee walks 7 hours barefoot during ‘pagpupugay’

One of the people lining up for the "pahalik" or "pagpupugay" for the Jesus Nazareno at the Quirino Grandstand stood in bare feet in line for hours to show his devotion.

"Kumbaga dinadaos ko yung paghihirap ni Hesu Kristo, kaya sa ganitong paraan, ganito ko isi-share sa Kaniya na ako kaya ko ring magdusa ng ganoon para sa Kanya," said Ramil, 43, who was in line at the Quirino Grandstand since 7:30 a.m.

(In a sense I am commemorating the suffering of Jesus Christ. In this way I am showing that I can suffer for Him as well.)

Ramil only got to touch the image at around 2:40 p.m. He and his three companions, all from Carmona, Cavite, attended the 5:30 a.m. mass at Quiapo Church and afterwards went straight to Quirino Grandstand, where the Nazarene had been installed for the traditional pahalik,

After hours standing in line, Ramil is finally able to touch his kerchief to the foot of the Nazareno through the small opening, designed by organizers to discourage kissing the image for hygiene reasons. Sherylin Untalan/GMA Integrated News

Like other devotees, Ramil emphasized that this year's crowd is much bigger than last year. 

"Ganoong oras din ako nagpunta noon pero mas marami talaga ngayon, kaya matagal, mas marami na yung dumalo," he said. 

(I came here at the same time last year, but there are really a lot more people now, so it's longer. There are more attendees.)

"Dasal ko ano, kumbaga sa hanap-buhay, gabay, ganoon. Lagi niya akong gabayan at yung pamilya ko, na sana hindi magkasakit," he added. 

(My prayers are about my work, guidance, like that. That He may always guide me and that my family will remain in good health.)

Ramil walked barefoot to visit the Nazareno to show his devotion. Sherylin Untalan/GMA Integrated News

More than 22,000 devotees have so far flocked to Quirino Grandstand in Manila on Wednesday for the event, part of the yearly Feast of the Nazarene.

According to the Nazareno Operation Center, a total of 22,327 devotees lined up as of 8 a.m., January 8, Wednesday, since the pahalik started 7 p.m. of January 6, Monday.

In 2021, the traditional pahalik 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 Christ using a towel or handkerchief.

The organizers called on devotees to refrain from kissing the image for hygiene reasons.

The pahalik will run until Thursday, January 9.

The Feast of Jesus Nazareno is a 10-day activity which started from December 31, 2024 and will culminate on January 9, 2025 with the Traslacion or the procession of the image.

The Traslacion route will start at Quirino Grandstand and end at Quiapo Church.

Millions of devotees are expected to participate in the Traslacion. — BM, GMA Integrated News