Buhing Kalbaryo draws6T crowd

CEBU, Philippines - Thousands witnessed the 17th- staging of passion play Buhing Kalbaryo last Good Friday, which started from the San Nicolas de Tolentino Parish on C. Padilla Street, Cebu City to the Our Lady of Guadalupe de Cebu Parish Church, despite the heat that was followed by a slight drizzle.

SPO2 Arturo Lawas, Jr. of Guadalupe Police station estimated the crowd to have numbered at least 6,000.

No one reported injured or victimized by lawless elements, although one woman fainted while the procession was heading towards Guadalupe.

Aside from personnel of the concerned police station, the Cebu City Police Office also sent 20 more policemen to augment security of the event.

A 14-year old boy said he was inspired to do good things, just like Jesus who sacrificed his life to save the people, while watching the play.

“Nindot ang play. Naa’y makat-onan. Dili  magminaldito (The play was nice. You learn lessons, like not being bully),” he said.

Raffy Anor, who played the role of Jesus Christ, said it was his third consecutive time playing the role of Jesus in his eight years of being a volunteer actor of the said play. 

He did not mind carrying the heavy wooden cross on his back, saying it was his form of sacrifice in exchange for his petition that he could finish his studies, which he failed to do because of financial constraints.

 â€œNext year kung naay opportunity ang uban nga modala ani nga role akong ihatag aron naa na say laing nawong ba, (if others like to have the opportunity, I would give way to provide a new face to the role)” he said.

This year, the production had 120 volunteers cast in different roles; most of them were out-of-school youths.

Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama said he hoped that everyone would reflect on the life of Jesus through the Buhing Kalbaryo.

“This is amazing; all of them are showing synergy. That’s how the play brought us all together, that we are still around 17 years after. Wa na koy laing masulti kundi worth it ang puasa sa mga casts kay (What I can say is that the sacrifice of the casts was worth it because) the outcome is very great,” he said.

For this year, the city government allotted more than P500,000 for the play; unlike last year when they relied only on donations from people, including the actors and staff themselves. (FREEMAN)