Devotees queue overnight at Quirino Grandstand ahead of pahalik

Devotees began arriving as early as Tuesday evening at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila to line up for the traditional pahalik or the kissing of the Jesus Nazareno image, which is set on Wednesday evening.

Many of the faithful traveled from distant provinces and already spent hours waiting in the queue, according to a report of GMA Integrated News’ James Agustin on Unang Balita.

Some laid out blankets and chose to stay overnight at the venue.

Among those at the front of the line along Kalaw Extension was Eleanor from Las Piñas City who arrived in the area at around 8 p.m. on Tuesday.

For this year, organizers implemented changes to manage the flow of devotees. 

Two separate lines were designated for senior citizens, pregnant women, and persons with disabilities, and another for the general public.

From the entry point, devotees will walk several meters to the stage where the image is displayed. They will proceed past the cross portion of the image before exiting at the back of the stage and returning to Kalaw Extension.

Last year, devotees exited via Katigbak Drive.

As of Tuesday morning, the line along Kalaw Extension already reached Roxas Boulevard with around 200 devotees.

Pahalik will start at 7 p.m., Wednesday. —Joviland Rita/AOL, GMA Integrated News