Hundreds of devotees gathered at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila for the start of the "pagpupugay" (kissing of the image) of the Jesus Nazareno on Tuesday, Jan. 7.
The activity was initially scheduled to start at 12 a.m. on Tuesday but began earlier as devotees began lining up at the venue after the mass at 7 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 6.
By midnight, around 600 people were already at the venue, according to the Manila Police District (MPD).
Many brought religious items such as images of Jesus Nazareno and rosaries, seeking blessings, guidance, and protection.
The long lines at the shrine were reported to be moving swiftly, with marshals ensuring that the flow of people remained orderly.
Hidy, 42, from Novaliches, said she and her husband arrived at the venue at 9 a.m. and completed their visit before 10 a.m. They brought towels with them to wipe the image of Jesus Nazareno, which they planned to take home as a blessing for their children who could not join them.
A number of students were spotted carrying pencils and ballpens, believing that touching these items to the sacred image would bring them good fortune, particularly in their upcoming exams.
Devotees continued to arrive steadily throughout the morning.
Celebrities like Coco Martin, McCoy de Leon, Angeline Quinto, Noli de Castro, Sam Versoza, Giselle Sanchez, and Renee Salud were also seen lining up.
Officials of the Minor Basilica and National Shrine of Jesus Nazareno (Quiapo Church) reminded the attendees to sanitize their hands before and after wiping their towels on the image to ensure their safety.
The pahalik will continue until Thursday, Jan. 9, and is expected to attract hundreds of thousands of devotees who are seeking blessings and also to honor Jesus Nazareno.