47-year-old ready to replace Ruben Enaje as ‘Kristo’ in Pampanga's Holy Week tradition

A 47-year-old man has expressed readiness to replace veteran penitential devotee Ruben Enaje as “Kristo” in the Via Crucis reenactment in Barangay San Pedro Cutud, San Fernando, Pampanga.

According to Sandra Aguinaldo’s Wednesday report on “24 Oras,” Arnold Maniago has been participating in the crucifixion rites for 25 years.

He said that stepping into Enaje’s role is more difficult because he is carrying the cross and putting himself through suffering.

“Opo, handang-anda na po ma'am [gumanap bilang Kristo]. Panata po kasi (I’m ready to take the role of Kristo.This is my devotion),” Maniago said.

Enaje will take part in this year’s crucifixion rites, reversing his earlier statement that he would end his decades-long vow.

The Via Crucis reenactment is a long-standing tradition in Cutud, but veterans like Enaje expressed concern because their group is getting older, and they might find it difficult to convince the younger generation to participate.

They have young members, but they are mostly women.

For 38 years, Boy Padilla played the role of Pontius Pilate and Longinus, the soldier who stabbed Christ and experiences healing.

He said even though he usually plays a villain, taking part in this tradition is his way of showing his devotion.

“Isipin mo, 76 na ako, pero wala akong gamot na iniinom, wala akong maintenance. Basta ano 'yung pangako ko, hangga’t malakas ako,” Padilla said.

(I’m 76 years old, but I don’t take any medicine, no maintenance medicines. I promised that as long as I’m strong enough, I will continue to participate in this tradition.)

He also shared that his son agreed to become his successor.

The local government has already prepared the burol or site of the crucifixion, expecting many visitors.

For those participating in this Holy Week tradition, this is not just a simple performance but a personal offering of time, talent, and faith.

“Walang makakahadlang. Kung sa Panginoon ang pinag-uusapan, walang makakahadlang. Tuloy-tuloy pa rin po kami,” Enaje said.

(Nothing can stop us from doing this tradition. If it’s for the Lord, we will continue this devotion.) — Mariel Celine Serquiña/BAP, GMA News