Around 38,000 devotees gathered at the Quirino Grandstand in Rizal Park on Sunday for the “Pagpupugay” or viewing and touching of the image of the Black Nazarene, according to a report by dzBB’s Jhomer Apresto.
Based on the report, there was a constant stream of people arriving at the Quirino Grandstand for the activity a day before the annual Black Nazarene Feast on January 9.
The “Pagpupugay” replaced the traditional “Pahalik” in compliance with COVID-19 health protocols.
Before dawn on Sunday, an estimated 88,000 devotees attended the first-ever Walk of Faith in Manila as part of the activities of the Feast of the Black Nazarene, according to the Quiapo Church Command Post.
The walk started from the Quirino Grandstand at Luneta Park at 1:30 a.m. and then finished after two and a half hours upon arrival at the Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene, more popularly known as Quiapo Church.
Also present in the vicinity of the Quiapo Church were street vendors selling souvenirs of the Black Nazarene.
According to a report by dzBB’s Carlo Mateo, the vendors hoped to prosper in their business of selling religious items this 2023.
Devotees may buy a 4-inch replica of the Black Nazarene for around P50, while a slightly bigger one costs P100.
Handkerchiefs with imprinted lyrics of the song for Traslacion may be bought for P25 to P35, calendars for P60, fans for P35 to P50, and a t-shirt with an imprinted image of the Black Nazarene for P150 to P200.
In a separate report by Jhomer Apresto, traffic was said to be building on several roads in Manila as authorities had to implement several road closures.
As of 4 p.m., heavy traffic was experienced along P. Burgos, with motorists heading for Abad Santos Avenue, Rizal Avenue, and Quezon Boulevard.
Meanwhile, according to the Philippine Red Cross, 268 patients were given medical attention as of 3 p.m. — DVM, GMA Integrated News
