Several devotees of the Black Nazarene expressed disappointment and concern on Wednesday, Jan. 7, after learning that the traditional Pahalik at the Quirino Grandstand would officially begin much later than in previous years.
Many devotees said they arrived before dawn, expecting the religious ritual to start early in the morning as it traditionally does. Instead, they were informed that the official start of the Pahalik would be at 7 p.m., leaving thousands waiting under the heat for hours.
In an interview, Jonas, 46, from Sta. Ana, Manila, shared that he and his wife arrived at 3 a.m., hoping to be among the first to enter the grandstand. However, they were stopped at the entrance despite the growing crowd.
“Inagahan talaga namin punta dito gaya ng mga nakaraang Pahalik gawa ng may hika asawa ko, hindi sya pwedeng nakabilad sa araw ng matagal at naiinitan. Kaso alas-otso na pero hindi padin sila nagpapapasok. Napakahaba na ng pila ng mga deboto,” Jonas said.
He added that many elderly devotees and children were also waiting in line, some struggling to stand for long periods.
“Nung dumating kami dito may mga kasabay kaming matatanda tsaka mga bata, uugod-ugod pa yung iba. Partida mas nauna kami sakanila pero hanggang ngayon wala pang pinapapasok samin. Kawawa naman sila,” he said.
Another devotee, Lucy, 63, said she had been lining up since 5 a.m., puzzled by the unusually late schedule this year.
“Deboto na po ako ng Jesus Nazareno mula noong 18 palang ako… Itong Pahalik nalang ako nakakapunta kaso parang mas late ata ngayon kasi hindi padin sila nagpapapasok. Dati naman maaga palang nagsisimula na sila,” Lucy explained.
By 1 p.m., ushers at the Quirino Grandstand allowed the waiting crowd to enter after the line stretched all the way to Kalaw Drive. Still, officials reiterated that the Pahalik would formally begin at 7 p.m.
Road Closures Announced
The Manila Police District earlier announced temporary road closures to accommodate the Pahalik starting at 7 p.m. These include parts of Independence Road, Katigbak Drive, and South Drive. One lane along Katigbak and South Drive remains open to provide access to the Manila Hotel and H2O Hotel.
The Pahalik is a sacred tradition held days before the Traslacion procession. During the ritual, devotees patiently line up to touch the image of Jesus Nazareno, wiping cloths such as handkerchiefs and towels on it, believing these items absorb the holy image’s curative and spiritual powers.
Despite the long wait and confusion, faith and devotion continued to guide thousands who remained in line, determined to complete their annual pilgrimage.