Physical “Buhing Kalbaryo” returns on Good Friday

CEBU, Philippines —  The traditional “Buhing Kalbaryo,” the street play depicting the Passion of the Christ in Cebu City, will return to the physical stage on Good Friday, April 15, 2022, after two years of virtual presentations due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

For its 25th year, up to 100 performers will take part in the staging, said its creative consultant, Jojo Abella.

The play will be directed by Joel Gallardo, Marcaine Ian Fuentes, Mark Rosales, Henry Neal Chavez, Clefren Dumaguit, and Werner Lorenzo.

Labella said they are making sure the play will be worth the physical presence of the Catholic faithful and the musical score is something to look forward to.

The play will kick off at the Archdiocesan Shrine of San Nicolas de Tolentino in Barangay Pahina San Nicolas and will traverse V. Rama Avenue to the Espina compound in Barangay Guadalupe.

Mayor Michael Rama, the founder of the play in 1997, assured the safety of performers and audiences alike.

The mayor urged residents to continue observing health protocols like wearing a mask as they participate in Holy Week activities like the “Buhing Kalbaryo” and those organized by the Church.

He has since said that protection against COVID-19 is a “shared responsibility” now that the city starts to live a new normal to reopen its economy back further.

He also asked believers to spend the Holy Week reflecting on the passion of Jesus.

“Kwaresma… dapat dili ta muhatag og problema. Pinakaimportante paghinoklog ug pagsubay paghinomdom sa pasyon sa atong  Ginoo… Sugod na pagbendita sa lukay…ugma, Holy Thursday, then Good Friday, hangtud sa Easter Sunday… Let’s all be spiritually-filled, of course, di gihapon nato kalimtan ang minimum public health protocols,” he said.

Jehova’s witness

Meanwhile, members of Jehovah’s Witness will carry out a hybrid memorial of Jesus’ death on April 15.

The observance will take place at their Kingdom Hall in Cebu City and will be streamed to other members worldwide.

All congregations of Jehovah’s Witness around the world will resume holding in-person meetings this month except in areas where local government restrictions do not permit them to do so.

Witnesses in the Philippines also suspended their public ministry on March 15, 2020 at the start of the pandemic.

They have not decided on resumption of public ministry but their “alternative” ministry continues.  – Sanden J. Anadia, JMO (FREEMAN)