MANILA, Philippines--From being a drug and sex addict, Edilberto Soleta believes he found his way back with the help of the miraculous Black Nazarene.

For Danilo Nacional, the miracle of the image saved his son who had been badly hit during a vehicular accident.

It was also through the Black Nazarene's grace, says Rick Manansala, a 25-year devotee, that he was able to send all his four children to school.

They are but among millions of other devotees who made sure that every year, they would be able to touch the miraculous Black Nazarene--whatever it takes.

"Kahit napakahirap dahil sa sobrang siksikan at lagi kang parang madidisgrasya, kayang gawin [I won’t be deterred, even with the difficulties due to crowding and the danger of accidents]," Nacional, 46, a devotee of the Black Nazarene for 11 years told INQUIRER.net in an interview.

The life-sized Black Nazarene has been tagged miraculous after it survived great deals of tragedy: the big fires that destroyed Quiapo Church in 1791 and 1929, the big earthquakes of 1645 and 1863, and the destructive Bombing of Manila in 1945 during World War II.

Many devotees join the procession barefoot as a means of sacrifice while others even tread literally a sea of people just so their handkerchiefs could touch the Black Nazarene.

"Noon napakarami kong bisyo, halos hindi ko na mabilang pero nakapagbagong-buhay ako dahil sa tulong ng Poong Nazareno [I used to have many vices, too numerous to count, but I was able to change my life with the help of the blessed Nazarene]," Soleta, who joined the vigil at Quirino Granstand Thursday night, said in an interview.

Soleta, 60, related that he had been reckless for most of his life--from having concubines and marrying two women, being a drunkard, and even getting hooked on illegal drugs.

And worse, Soleta said he even ordered one his wives to abort their child because they had no money to sustain the growing family. Years later, with the help of a Catholic charismatic group in Malabon, Soleta came to know the Black Nazarene and changed for the better.

"Nagawa ko 'yun (abortion) dahil hindi pa ako malapit sa Diyos. Ngayon pinagsisihan ko na lahat. Iniwan ako ng mga asawa ko, lumayo ang mga anak ko pero nanalig ang pananampalataya ko [I allowed the abortion because I was not close to God then. I have regretted that. My wives left me and my children shunned me but I maintained my faith]," said Soleta, a devotee for almost 10 years.

"Hindi kumpleto ang taon ko kapag hindi ako nakahawak sa tali ng prosesyun [I won’t be satisfied throughout the year unless I have touched the rope in the procession]," he added, referring to the rope that guards the Black Nazarene statue.

Aside from God's forgiveness, Soleta now wishes to see his four children.

Manansala, a peculiar attraction in the Black Nazarene feast because he looks like Vice President Noli De Castro who is also a devotee, said the miraculous statue helped him get past difficult days.

A fishball vendor, Manansala could not believe he was able to send his four children to school, of which one is already a nurse while the other two are computer technicians.

"Siguro ngayong taon ay wala na akong hiling dahil naibigay na niya lahat sa akin. Ang pag-aaral ng aking mga anak, nabigay na niya [I won’t probably ask anything this year because I have received all I’ve asked. The schooling of my children had already been given.]," said Manansala in an interview.

However, Manansala said he would remain a devotee because he wants to thank the Black Nazarene for all the blessings it has given him for over two decades now.

In 2008, authorities noted that about three million devotees flocked to Quiapo Church to touch or see the Black Nazarene. Two people were reportedly killed during the procession because of the stampede while scores were injured.

This prompted Church officials to change the procession route from the traditional start at Quiapo Church to the Quirino Granstand in Luneta.

The transfer of the miraculous image to the church will now begin at the Luneta and will end at Quiapo church.

The planned route shall be from the Quirino Grandstand, passing through Burgos St., left at Taft Ave, McArthur Bridge, going to Rizal Ave, right at Claro M. Recto, right again at Legarda, right at Arlegui St., left at Quezon Blvd, right at Palanca St., right again at Villalobos towards Plaza Miranda.

And despite the hardships that came with joining the procession, devotees keep on coming. It could be a family tradition or it could simply be answering a calling.

"Huwag tayong susuko, kung ano man ang ating hiling makikinig siya [Let us not give up; whatever our wishes, they will be heard]," said Soleta.