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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Metro Manila devider Manila ramps up preparations for traditional 'Pahalik' at Quirino Grandstand

Manila ramps up preparations for traditional 'Pahalik' at Quirino Grandstand

Published Jan 5, 2026 02:08 pm
Workers from the Manila local government build the stage where the image of Jesus Nazareno will be placed for the annual “Pahalik" at the Quirino Grandstand on Monday, Jan. 5. The preparations are part of heightened arrangements to accommodate thousands of devotees expected to gather for the religious celebration and procession from Jan. 7 to 9. (Photo by Mark Balmores)
Workers from the Manila local government build the stage where the image of Jesus Nazareno will be placed for the annual “Pahalik" at the Quirino Grandstand on Monday, Jan. 5. The preparations are part of heightened arrangements to accommodate thousands of devotees expected to gather for the religious celebration and procession from Jan. 7 to 9. (Photo by Mark Balmores)
The city government of Manila, together with other concerned agencies, is ramping up its preparations for the traditional "Pahalik" to be held at the Quirino Grandstand starting Wednesday night, Jan. 7, as part of the celebration of the Feast of the Black Nazarene.
Manila Mayor Francisco "Isko Moreno" Domagoso said five huge tents are being built by the local government unit's Department of Engineering and Public Works inside the grandstand to accommodate thousands of devotees who will attend the annual Pahalik tradition.
"Bukod dito ay nakahanda na rin ang Manila Police District (MPD) na umagapay sa pagpapanatili ng kaayusan sa vicinity ng Quirino Grandstand, Quiapo, at Department of Public Services upang malinis ang lugar. Mag-iingat po ang ating mga deboto na dadayo ngayon habang ang inyong pamahalaang lungsod ay nakahanda na umagapay sa inyo (In addition, the Manila Police District is also ready to assist in maintaining order in the vicinity of Quirino Grandstand, Quiapo, and the Department of Public Services to clean the area. Our devotees who will be visiting today should be careful while your city government is ready to assist you)," Domagoso said on Monday, Jan. 5.
The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has also begun erecting a covered walkway for visitors, as well as medical tents across Quirino Grandstand, to assist devotees who will need urgent medical attention during the event.
The traditional Pahalik (kissing) is usually done a day or a few days before the start of the Trasclacion procession at the Quirino Grandstand, where devotees wait for hours to touch the image of the Nazareno.
During Pahalik, visitors wipe cloths -- ranging from handkerchiefs or small towels -- on the image, believing that the cloth can absorb the powers of the holy image, particularly its curative abilities.
The tradition was temporarily renamed "Pagpupugay" (paying tribute) when the devotees were only allowed to look at the image due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Its name was reverted to "Pahalik" after the pandemic.

Related Tags

PAHALIK JESUS NAZARENO TRASLACION 2026 QUIAPO CHURCH QUIRINO GRANDSTAND MANILA CITY METRO NEWS ISKO MORENO DOMAGOSO MMDA
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