GMA reporter helps fulfill ailing devotee’s vow to Black Nazarene

A GMA News reporter has helped fulfill a vow (panata) of a Black Nazarene devotee in Mindanao who failed to join this year's procession after recently undergoing a kidney operation.

To help the devotee, GMA's Chino Gaston stepped in and jostled for a chance to fulfill the vow of his long-time colleague.

Ailing and miles away from Manila, GMA News driver Abet Seblos, who is based in Cotabato City, had given up hopes to join his fellow Black Nazarene devotees in the yearly procession in Manila.

Recounting his experience on GMA News TV's "News To Go," Gaston said he was able to climb onto the carriage of the Black Nazarene, with the help of other devotees.



"Naipahid ko naman ang shirt na ibibigay ko sa matagal nang driver ng GMA News, particular na diyan sa Cotabato City, kung saan doon ang mga matitinding coverage natin ng mga bakbakan ng militar at ng mga rebelde," he said.

Gaston said that through his efforts, he is hoping that Seblos would be blessed by the Black Nazarene.

"Ang paniwala, kapag ikaw ay nagsakripisyo at sumama sa prusisyon, dahil sa matinding hirap, ibibigay niya ang iyong kahilingan sa tamang panahon, at kung ayon ito sa Kanyang plano," he said.

Also, Gaston thanked the devotees who pushed him up to climb the Black Nazarene carriage.

"May nakasama akong grupo na nasa tabi ng andas," he said. "Ibo-boost ka nila pataas, kasi kung ordinaryong tao (mag-isa) ka lang, hindi ka talaga makaakyat kasi madulas (ang andas)."

Moreover, he said marshals would allow devotees to climb up the carriage – even helping some of them – just as long as they will not attempt to touch the head and hands of the Black Nazarene image.

"Pinapayagan namang umaakyat... Pero may prohibited na bahagi, tulad ng ulo... At kung masyado kang matagal, sadya kang pababain," he said.

Gaston also said the annual procession may be too chaotic for others, but "that is a manifestation of their faith, you cannot blame them at this point..." — Amanda Fernandez/LBG/VC, GMA News