Quirino Grandstand being readied for Nazareno 'Pahalik'

Preparations began early at the Quirino Grandstand at Rizal Park, Manila on Sunday for the traditional "Pahalik" of the Black Nazarene (Itim na Nazareno) scheduled on Wednesday, January 8, according to a report by Mao dela Cruz on Dobol B sa News TV aired on GMA News TV.

#Traslacion2020: Paghahanda para sa Traslacion ng Poong Itim na Nazareno sa January 9, 2020, puspusan na; dagdag seguridad sa mga ruta ng Traslacion, inilatag na. | via Mao dela Cruz pic.twitter.com/0lN1agx9KA

— DZBB Super Radyo (@dzbb) January 4, 2020

Personnel of the Bureau of Fire Protection were seen at the stage checking the structure.

Meanwhile, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) personnel began putting orange barriers on the ground to secure the walkway for thousands of devotees expected to flock to the area this week.

Devotees traditionally observe the "Pahalik" wherein they touch or kiss the Black Nazarene, a life-sized statue of Jesus Christ that has been in the country for over 400 years.

It is believed the image was onboard a galleon from Mexico to Manila in the early 1600s when the ship caught fire, damaging the image and causing its dark brown color to turn even darker.

Devotees of the Black Nazarene believe that the image is miraculous.

On January 9, the Black Nazarene will be paraded in the Traslacion from Quirino Grandstand and through the streets of Quiapo then back to its home, the Quiapo Church.

READ: MMDA releases updated 'Traslacion 2020' route

This year's Traslacion will have security features such as the closure of roads using 20-footer container vans at the corners of Roxas Boulevard and Katigbak Drive, Taft Avenue and Padre Burgos Avenue, Padre Burgos Avenue and Finance Road, and General Solano Street and Nepumuceno Street.

Officials had also agreed to the stringing of barbed wire along the high structures of the Ayala Bridge — an action recommended by the Department of Public Works and Highways.

NCRPO acting director Police Brigadier General Debold Sinas said posters would also be placed to remind devotes not to climb over the Ayala Bridge.

Two police lines would also secure the andas or the carroza this year. —KG, GMA News