Pampanga's 'Kristo' Ruben Enaje to end decades-long crucifixion vow

After thirty-six years of reenacting Jesus Christ’s crucifixion every Good Friday in Barangay Cutud, San Fernando, Pampanga, Ruben Enaje said he will no longer carry the cross this year.

“Hindi na po,” he told GMA News Online when asked if he would still fulfill his panata in 2026.
(No more.)

The longtime devotee, who has been nailed to a wooden cross as part of Cutud’s Holy Week rites, said he felt last year’s crucifixion might really already have been his last.

“Noong isang taon naramdaman ko na parang ito na ’yung huli ko. Kasi kinakapos na ako ng hininga,” he said.

(Last year, I felt that it might already be my last. I was running out of breath.)

The 65-year-old Enaje shared that during the 2025 Good Friday rites, he struggled physically while carrying the cross.

“Noong nakaraang taon, 2025, nang pasanin ko na ’yung krus, medyo mabigat na. Nagdasal ako, sabi ko, ‘Panginoong Jesus, gabayan mo ako sa panata kong ito, sana matapos ko nang walang kahirap-hirap.’ Hanggang sa mapako, kahit masakit, natapos din,” he recalled.

(Last year, 2025, when I carried the cross, it already felt heavy. I prayed and said, “Lord Jesus, guide me in this vow, may I finish it without much difficulty.” Until I was nailed to the cross, even if it was painful, I was still able to complete it.)

He also cited health concerns, saying asthma runs in their family.

“Alam mo, sa lahi namin, asthma ang laging umaatake,” he said.

(In our family, asthma is what usually strikes us.)

Last year, in an exclusive interview with GMA News Online, Enaje admitted that while he remained deeply committed to his devotion, he wondered whether the tradition would continue after his final crucifixion.

The ritual, he said, is not only painful but also isolating. He acknowledged that many Filipinos, particularly the younger generation, no longer share the same level of religious dedication.

“Noong unang taon ko, may mga 44 na kami na nagdaos ng crucifixion. Ngayon, konti na lang,” he said.

(In my first year, there were about 44 of us who underwent crucifixion. Now, only a few remain.)

He observed that younger generations, preoccupied with modern life, appear increasingly indifferent to the religious practices that once defined their community.

“Hindi na sila interesado sa ganitong tradisyon,” he said. “Parang hindi nila na-appreciate ang hirap na dinadanas ko.”

(They are no longer interested in this kind of tradition. It seems they do not appreciate the hardship I go through.)

Still, Enaje hopes the practice will endure.

“Sana may magpatuloy,” he said. “Kung hindi, magdasal tayo na kahit sa ibang lugar, ipagpatuloy nila ang tradisyong ito.”

(I hope someone continues it. If not, let us pray that even in other places, they will carry on this tradition.)

Successor named

This year, Enaje said a successor has already been chosen to take his place in the annual reenactment.

“May papalit na sa akin. Si Arnold Maniago,” he said.

(I have already have a replacement. His name is Arnold Maniago.)

Despite stepping down from going through a crucifixion, Enaje said he will still take part in the religious activity.

“Hindi ako manonood. Sasama ako sa paglakad hanggang sa burol,” he added.

(I will not just watch. I will join the procession until the hill.)

Enaje’s decision marks the end of an era in Cutud’s Lenten tradition, which has drawn both devotees and tourists over the years. — BAP, GMA Integrated News