Ruben Enaje returns as ‘Kristo’ in Holy Week rites despite plans to retire

Veteran penitential devotee Ruben Enaje will again take part in this year’s crucifixion rites, reversing his earlier statement that he would end his decades-long vow, as the city prepares for one of the country’s most prominent Holy Week observances.

The City Government of San Fernando confirmed during a March 30 press conference that Enaje remains among the official “Kristo” figures for Maleldo 2026, particularly in the Via Crucis reenactment in Barangay San Pedro Cutud.

Enaje, 65, has been nailed to the cross for 36 years, earning recognition as the city’s principal “Kristo” and one of the most enduring symbols of the Good Friday tradition.

He is joined by other long-time devotees, including Wilfredo Salvador of Barangay San Juan, who has fulfilled his vow for 18 years, and Fernando Mamangun of Barangay Sta. Lucia, who has performed the ritual for 30 years.

Over 500 personnel deployed for Maleldo

City officials said preparations are in full swing for Maleldo 2026—the Kapampangan term for Holy Week or Semana Santa—with more than 500 personnel set to be deployed on Good Friday, April 3, to ensure public safety, manage crowds, and respond to emergencies.

The Maleldo Executive Committee, led by Chairperson Ricardo “Jun” Pineda Jr., reported that coordination meetings and site inspections have been completed, with a final inspection scheduled on April 1.

Major crucifixion rites will take place in several barangays: San Juan (7 a.m.), Sta. Lucia (10 a.m.), and San Pedro Cutud (11 a.m.), while smaller-scale rites are set in Barangay Del Pilar.

Traditional penitential practices such as tira bakal will also be held across multiple barangays, reflecting the city’s long-standing Holy Week traditions.

Authorities expect thousands of pilgrims and tourists to flock to San Fernando, prompting the setup of assistance desks in key areas such as City Hall, Dolores Intersection Flyover, Sindalan, and the Giant Lantern and Tourist Information Center.

Despite evolving circumstances, including rising costs and changing conditions, San Fernando officials emphasized that Maleldo remains a deeply rooted expression of faith.

A vow born from survival

In a previous interview with GMA News Online, Enaje recalled how he began his vow in 1985.

At the time, he was 25 and working at a construction site when he fell from a height of about 30 feet after the bamboo scaffolding collapsed.

“Akala ko, mamamatay na ako. Pero nang mabangga ako, tinanong ko, ‘Bakit ako buhay pa?’” he said.

(I thought I was going to die. But when I hit the ground, I asked, ‘Why am I still alive?)

He lost consciousness for a few minutes, but later awoke with barely a scratch.

The experience stirred in him a deep sense of gratitude. Believing that his life had been spared for a reason, Enaje made a promise.

He vowed that every Good Friday, he would reenact the suffering of Christ by carrying the cross and undergoing crucifixion.

“Sabi ko sa sarili ko, kung buhay pa ako, magpapako ako sa krus para sa Diyos. Iyon ang magiging pasasalamat ko,” he said.

(I told myself that if I survived, I would be nailed to the cross for God. That would be my way of giving thanks.)—MCG, GMA News