In celebration of the Feast of the Black Nazarene, I opted to share a story about my close encounter with Nazareno that happened 2 years ago.
January 09 commemorates the Feast of the Black Nazarene or fondly known as Itim na Nazareno. The centuries old image is nested at the Basilica Minore del Nuestro Padre Jesus Nazareno de Quiapo. The image was a masterpiece of an unknown Mexican sculptor and it arrived in Manila via galleon ship from Acapulco, Mexico. It was said that the dark complexion of the image was caused by a fire accident that charred the image. Others said that the image was carved from a type of wood that turns dark as it ages. Whichever is true, one thing remained constant, the strong devotion of people to Nazareno.
Covering the Feast of the Black Nazarene was a dream came true! I could still remember the two attempts I made to cover this feast, but I ended up a chicken. I’ve been hearing scary stories from the news and from other people which prohibits me from attending. At first, I thought that stories are with extreme exaggeration, but I was able to prove them true.
My heart nearly stopped – I found a good spot to take photos at the tail of McArthur Bridge near Manila City Hall. I was waiting for the image to pass by. I’ve been hearing people reminding others to move away once the image is near. This is to avoid being shoved away by the rushing people. I played deaf since just in front of me was a sturdy street signage and my legs locked to its poles. The image was fast approaching, with devotees pulling the rope with full force. At a blink of an eye, I was pushed off the bridge by the rushing people!
God saved me! - Falling from a 9-ft tall structure, I was lucky to be unfractured. Grabbing the nearest pole, I fell gracefully onto the concrete. A concerned man hurriedly grabbed me. And when I looked back, Voila! I saw a pile of human on the spot where I fell and more bodies continuously to fall from the bridge. If I was still there, I could be the bottom of the human pile. Surrounded by a huge crowd, the place felt unusually warm. It could be the adrenaline rush. I never wanted to be part of the crowd but I found myself already PART of the ballistic crowd. I wanted to leave the site, but I was persistent. I wanted to experience the be in the crowd. The experience was terrifying but it was all worth it.
Tonight, as I watch the news coverage about the Nazareno Translacion, I couldn’t help but reminisce the terrifying encounter 2 years ago. However, it was an encounter that I would cherish until my last breath!
Viva Padre Jesus Nazareno!
January 09 commemorates the Feast of the Black Nazarene or fondly known as Itim na Nazareno. The centuries old image is nested at the Basilica Minore del Nuestro Padre Jesus Nazareno de Quiapo. The image was a masterpiece of an unknown Mexican sculptor and it arrived in Manila via galleon ship from Acapulco, Mexico. It was said that the dark complexion of the image was caused by a fire accident that charred the image. Others said that the image was carved from a type of wood that turns dark as it ages. Whichever is true, one thing remained constant, the strong devotion of people to Nazareno.
Covering the Feast of the Black Nazarene was a dream came true! I could still remember the two attempts I made to cover this feast, but I ended up a chicken. I’ve been hearing scary stories from the news and from other people which prohibits me from attending. At first, I thought that stories are with extreme exaggeration, but I was able to prove them true.
My heart nearly stopped – I found a good spot to take photos at the tail of McArthur Bridge near Manila City Hall. I was waiting for the image to pass by. I’ve been hearing people reminding others to move away once the image is near. This is to avoid being shoved away by the rushing people. I played deaf since just in front of me was a sturdy street signage and my legs locked to its poles. The image was fast approaching, with devotees pulling the rope with full force. At a blink of an eye, I was pushed off the bridge by the rushing people!
God saved me! - Falling from a 9-ft tall structure, I was lucky to be unfractured. Grabbing the nearest pole, I fell gracefully onto the concrete. A concerned man hurriedly grabbed me. And when I looked back, Voila! I saw a pile of human on the spot where I fell and more bodies continuously to fall from the bridge. If I was still there, I could be the bottom of the human pile. Surrounded by a huge crowd, the place felt unusually warm. It could be the adrenaline rush. I never wanted to be part of the crowd but I found myself already PART of the ballistic crowd. I wanted to leave the site, but I was persistent. I wanted to experience the be in the crowd. The experience was terrifying but it was all worth it.
Tonight, as I watch the news coverage about the Nazareno Translacion, I couldn’t help but reminisce the terrifying encounter 2 years ago. However, it was an encounter that I would cherish until my last breath!
Viva Padre Jesus Nazareno!