Nazarene devotees troop to Quirino Grandstand as 'Pahalik' starts

Devotees of the Black Nazarene flocked to the Quirino Grandstand in Manila as the annual "Pahalik" tradition started before dawn Sunday. Organizers opened the Pahalik to the public at 1 a.m. even as devotees started going to the venue at 8 p.m. Saturday, radio dzBB's Paulo Santos reported. The report said many of the devotees braved strong winds and drizzles at the Quirino Grandstand area just to wait for their turn to kiss or wipe a piece of cloth on the image of the Black Nazarene, which is believed to have miraculous powers. Some of the devotees even brought children to the grandstand, according to a separate report by dzBB’s Manny Vargas. Vendors took advantage of the crowds, selling items ranging from food and drinks to souvenirs such as Nazarene-themed handkerchiefs and towels. The image is expected to stay Sunday night at the grandstand. It is to be brought to Quiapo Church via the traditional procession starting early Monday morning. Security was tight at the venue, with police and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) placing personnel at key areas at the grandstand. "Walang uwian ito, hanggang Martes ng madaling araw (No one among us goes home until at least early Tuesday)," MMDA chairman Francis Tolentino said in an interview on dzRH radio. MMDA traffic discipline office head Yves Gonzalez tweeted the MMDA's rescue teams were on standby to provide medical assistance to devotees. Gonzalez added that devotees began queuing for the Pahalik as early as 10:30 p.m. Saturday. — LBG, GMA News