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Pahalik 2025: A history of faith and devotion

by Bryan Gadingan

Recently updated on January 29, 2025 04:33 pm

THE Feast of the Black Nazarene is a highly regarded religious and cultural celebration in the country, held on January 9th in the heart of Manila. One of the traditions practiced is the ‘Pahalik sa Nazareno’. 

The Pahalik, which means “to kiss” or “to touch” in Filipino, is an act of devotion in which millions of devotees gather at the Quirino Grandstand in Ermita, Manila, to touch or kiss the life-sized statue of the Black Nazarene.

Behind this belief that they carry with them lies a complete faith that this practice will bring them healing, blessings, and deliverance from their suffering for the challenging year that passed, and the years ahead. 

This yearly celebration has become one of the most important religious observances in the Philippines, distinguished by not just fervor but also the deep-seated faith that Filipinos have in the power of the Nazarene.

The History of Pahalik

The Black Nazarene, a dark-skinned statue of Jesus Christ holding a cross, was brought to the Philippines from Mexico in 1606. Its origins and worship have been essential to Filipino Catholic identity for generations. 

The revered statue, which was thought to have miraculous powers, is kept in the Minor Basilica and National Shrine of Jesus Nazareno, or widely known as Quiapo Church, in Manila all year. 

Every year during the Feast of the Black Nazarene, believers work tirelessly to participate in a variety of religious rites, with the Pahalik being one of the most anticipated due to the symbolic acts of devotion.

Although there is no official record of when the practice began in the country, it has been broadly acknowledged that the tradition expanded and attracted more believers throughout the 18th and 19th centuries. 

In the beginning, just a few people devotedly engaged in the ritual, but by the late nineteenth century, as the belief spread throughout the country, it had become a widespread custom among Filipinos. 

These followers began to believe that touching or making physical contact with it would bring them closer to God, assist them in fulfilling wishes, or secure divine intervention for illnesses and other life issues.

The procession accompanying the Pahalik has increased dramatically over the years, as more and more people attend the religious event to participate in the community display of religion. 

A Timeless Belief 

Despite current obstacles like congested places, extreme heat, and potential risks, the Pahalik continues to attract millions of Filipinos, including people from the provinces, who visit the image. 

For some, the experience is profoundly altering given that they feel that simply participating in this religious event will bring them closer to spiritual fulfillment and the possibility of divine intervention.

Last year, republicasia was fortunate to attend the final day of Pahalik and meet a few devotees who have been following this practice for many years. One of them is Evelyn Mendoza, who is 68 years old.

“Tuwing birthday ko yan, January 8, pa-birthday ko sa sarili ko. Taon-taon ‘yan walang paltos,” said Mendoza, who enthusiastically shared how she celebrates and starts her birthday annually with Pahalik.

Given that she has been a single parent for over half of her life, she stated that her prayer is only for the protection, health, and peace of mind of herself and her family. In which, according to her, was granted.

“As a single mom, ‘yung peace of mind, small and big nandyan lang siya. Never namin naranasan ‘yung maghirap, hindi ko naranasan ‘yung hirap na hirap na walang makain,” she went on to explain.

Mendoza’s story is only one of many incredible stories that Traslacion has discovered over time. Despite her age, she remains loyal to the beliefs and traditions she observes on a yearly basis. 

Ready for Pahalik 2025 

Meanwhile, Quiapo Church’s spokesperson, Fr. Robert Arellano confirmed that the Pahalik preparations are complete. This year’s annual event featuring the image of Jesus Nazareno will begin on Tuesday, January 7.

“Actually, nakahanda na ang ating ‘Pahalik’,” Arellano said in an interview with a media. “Pero hindi pa natin inilalabas ang mahal na Poong Hesus Nazareno.”

“[Ito ay] sa kadahilanang, una, we need to give way for the mass sa January 6. Pero simula pagputok ng January 7, ay naroroon na ang mahal na Poong Jesus Nazareno [sa Quirino Grandstand],” he added.

Arellano also encouraged devotees to follow the Traslacion 2025 guidelines, particularly to refrain from bringing bags unless absolutely necessary, in order to avoid long lines and strict security measures.

“Huwag na pong magdala ng mga bag hangga’t kinakailangan kasi nga po mahigpit ang ating security. Kapag ikaw ay may dalang bag, you need to undergo the scanning process,” he added.

The Pahalik custom has developed dramatically over time, therefore we anticipate that more devotees will attend this year. Bringing more stories about how this practice transformed the lives of millions of Filipinos.

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