'Pahalik' of Black Nazarene underway at Quirino Grandstand

The traditional "Pahalik" or the kissing or wiping of the foot of the Black Nazarene image continued on Tuesday morning at the Quirino Grandstand in Rizal Park in Manila in an orderly manner, according to a report by Mariz Umali on GMA News' Unang Balita.

Usually held a day before the Traslacion procession, this year's Pahalik started days earlier or on Monday at 6 p.m.

The original schedule was 3 p.m. on Wednesday for the start of the Pahalik. Organizers and the police moved the schedule days earlier to manage the crowd better and prevent any stampede.

The Black Nazarene image was transported on Monday from the Quiapo Church to Quirino Grandstand via a closed van and escorted by several motorcycles.

The image was then taken to the stage. Devotees fell in line starting Monday night to go up backstage and touch the exposed foot of the image or kiss it.

Senior citizens were given priority in the queue.

Devotees were also asked to remove their hats before approaching the image.

Some devotees spent the night in the area to secure their position for the Pahalik and the Traslacion to be held on Thursday.

Police from the National Capital Region Police Office were highly visible at the Quirino Grandstand as part of security measures for the event.

A Mass meanwhile was held at 6:30 a.m. on Tuesday.

Organizers advised devotees to come early on Tuesday while the crowd was still thin.

According to the Quiapo Church, the Traslacion will start at 5:30 a.m. from the Quirino Grandstand on Thursday, Jan. 9.

It will go through streets around Quiapo and will end at the church.

READ: MMDA releases updated 'Traslacion 2020' route

—KG, GMA News