The city government of Manila, together with other concerned agencies, is ramping up its preparations for the traditional “Pahalik” to be held at the Quirino Grandstand starting Wednesday night, Jan. 7, as part of the celebration of the Feast of the Black Nazarene.
Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso said five huge tents are being built by the local government unit’s Department of Engineering and Public Works inside the grandstand to accommodate thousands of devotees who will attend the annual Pahalik tradition.
“Bukod dito ay nakahanda na rin ang Manila Police District (MPD) na umagapay sa pagpapanatili ng kaayusan sa vicinity ng Quirino Grandstand, Quiapo, at Department of Public Services upang malinis ang lugar. Mag-iingat po ang ating mga deboto na dadayo ngayon habang ang inyong pamahalaang lungsod ay nakahanda na umagapay sa inyo,” Domagoso said on Monday, Jan. 5.
The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has also begun erecting a covered walkway for visitors, as well as medical tents across Quirino Grandstand, to assist devotees who will need urgent medical attention during the event.
The traditional Pahalik (kissing) is usually done a day or a few days before the start of the Trasclacion procession at the Quirino Grandstand, where devotees wait for hours to touch the image of the Nazareno.
During Pahalik, visitors wipe cloths — ranging from handkerchiefs or small towels — on the image, believing that the cloth can absorb the powers of the holy image, particularly its curative abilities.
The tradition was temporarily renamed “Pagpupugay” (paying tribute) when the devotees were only allowed to look at the image due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Its name was reverted to “Pahalik” after the pandemic. (Patrick Garcia)
