Despite Some Hitches: Thousands witness two “crucifixions”
By Wenna A. Berondo and Ferliza C. Contratista
Sunday, March 23, 2008
Thousands of people, including foreigners, gathered on Friday at the Guadalupe Church grounds in Cebu City to witness the reenactment of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, while another group of spectators were at the Cristo Rey Mountain Park in Dalaguete town to watch a distinct but similar event.
The Guadalupe crucifixion, a play entitled 11th Buhing Kalbaryo, had Mark Escuyos who, acting as Jesus Christ, was actually nailed to the cross that brought many in the crowd to tears as they imagined how it was for Christ during his time…
Meanwhile, despite security threats and other alleged negative propaganda, thousands witness the 15th crucifixion of Gilbert Bargayo, this time in barangay Mantalongon, Dalaguete town.
Bargayo, a Waray, was nailed past 3 p.m. to give way to the request of the parish’s religious activities. Dalaguete police chief Reyman Tolentin, who sent two teams to secure the event, estimated the crowd at more than 7,000.
Aside from the police force, an instruction was also given by Dalaguete Mayor Andrade Alcantara for barangay tanods from other barangays to augment security. Alcantara was not seen during or after the event as he was also busy with the Siete Palabras of the municipality.
He however gave instructions for his staff, specially the personnel from the Rural Health Unit, to assist in the first ever “Pasyon sa Mantalongon.”
Cristo Rey Mountain Park administrator Jose Maria Canton said except for a few minor ditches, he did not expect the number of the crowd and the attendance of several local members of the press as well as foreign.
Canton, after taking over as the administrator of the four-hectare Almagro Estate, decided to develop and open the Cristo Rey hill to the public. The Cristo Rey is a 2.5-hectare hill that has life-seize statues of the 14 Stations of the Cross spread in different parts. He said it is such a waste that the place, which was mainly used for family affairs, will not be shared to the public.
But people at the Mantalongon Market, where sellers and traders of vegetables converged, said there would have been more if not for the talks on security threats and the alleged fee that was charged for spectators to witness the event.
According to one vendor there were words of disruption to be done allegedly by Mantalongon barangay captain Ruel Reynes, a cousin of Canton with whom he has an ongoing family feud.
Another vendor also said there would have been many who wanted to see the event but they backed out after being informed that a P50 charge will be collected from the spectators.
Reynes, in an interview with The Freeman after the affair said, the “Pasyon sa Mantalongon” was a disrespect to the barangay and the parish. He said the organizers did not even bother to secure a permit from the barangay for consultation and permission.
Reynes said he felt sidetracked when the organizers sought approval from the municipality directly.
Considering that the “Pasyon sa Mantalongon” was an event showing additional tourism potential for Mantalongon not only the area being known as the “Little Baguio”, Reynes said it is no longer necessary.
“Dili na kinahanglan i-promote ang Mantalongon, ilado na tang daan wala pa na,” Reynes said.
When asked for his plans on the upcoming events at Cristo Rey as planned by Canton to have the “Pasyon” a yearly affair, Reynes said they will certainly protest it but will still have to study their moves first.
“Kanang pagpalansang, dili na maoy naandan sa tradisyon sa mga taga Mantalongon,” Reynes said.
Meanwhile, Bargayo, barely a week after having chicken pox, was delighted he was able to make it, reminding the public once again of Christ’s sufferings on the cross to save mankind. —/BRP
Tags: Cebu, Christianity, Cristo Rey Mountain Park, Crucifixion, Mantalongon, Pasyon sa Mantalongon, Tourism, Traditions, Travel
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