MANILA, Philippines — Millions of Nazarene devotees take the trains, buses, jeeps, taxis, tricycles, and motorcycles crisscrossing mainly the busy Quiapo district every January for the week-long celebration of the Feast of Jesus Nazareno.
But for some middle-aged men, taking part in the grand event—not just as dedicated devotees but simply as Catholic faithful—is worth pedaling many kilometers through the hustle and bustle of the noisy streets.
Quezon City resident Art Trinidad, 58, met up with four biking friends to attend the 5 p.m. Fiesta Mass on Wednesday at the Minor Basilica and National Shrine of Jesus Nazareno, or Quiapo Church.
“Every year, yung bisperas, pumupunta [ako] talaga rito,” Trinidad told INQUIRER.net. “Mas convenient sa amin [na pumunta sa bisperas] kasi at our age, medyo mahirap ng makipagsiksikan dito sa Quiapo.”
(Every year, during the eve of the feast, I really come here. It’s much more convenient for us to be here at this time because, at our age, it’s rather hard to jostle through the crowd here in Quiapo.)
A retiree who sometimes engages in business, Trinidad took up cycling to be more active during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In fact, he was fresh off a year-end trip, biking over 200 kilometers in the heights of Baguio City.
He chose to take his bicycle to hear the Nazarene Feast Holy Mass this year, saying, “Iniisip ko nga minsan mag-motor o mag-kotse, but I think yung bicycle is yung most okay.”
(I sometimes think of going by motorcycle or car, but I think the bicycle is the most okay.)
When asked about what his prayers are, Trinidad answered, “As usual, pasasalamat, saka paghingi ng tawad. I can’t say na deboto ako ng Nazareno. Pero as a Catholic, it’s a usual. Parang parte ng pagiging Katoliko.”
(As usual, gratitude and seeking forgiveness. I can’t say I’m a Nazareno devotee. But as a Catholic, it’s usual. It’s like part of being a Catholic.)
Although not a devotee himself, 47-year-old Dio Angeles tagged along for the ride with Trinidad.
Angeles biked from his home in Mandaluyong City to meet with the group in España, Manila.
Together, they pedaled all the way to hear mass at the Minor Basilica and National Shrine of Jesus Nazareno in Quiapo.
“Sinama ako ng kaibigan ko. ‘Di ba ma-traffic, maraming tao? [Eto ang] the best way na makapunta ng Quiapo na wala kang inaalalang sasakyan,” Angeles said.
(My friend here had me join him. There’s a lot of traffic and people, right? This is the best way to get to Quiapo without worrying about a car.)
He was referring to cycling.
Angeles was interviewed by INQUIRER.net along Quezon Boulevard beside Quiapo Church.
He took up cycling in recent years for his health, challenging himself to reach several Rizal towns on his bike.
On Thursday, he and his bicycle cut through the city streets to fulfill a new quest—to join and finish a Nazarene procession.
“Hindi naman ako deboto pero gusto ko talagang ma-experience,” Angeles said.
(I’m not a devotee, but I want to experience it.)
He frequently attended mass in Mandaluyong City.
“First time ko [sa Pista ng Hesus Nazareno]. First time ko ring magsimba dito sa Quiapo,” he said.
(This is my first time at the Feast of Jesus Nazareno. This is also my first time to hear mass here in Quiapo.)
On his prayer intentions, Angeles simply said, “Para sa kalusugan ng pamilya, sa hanapbuhay, peace and order.”
(For the health of my family, for my livelihood, peace and order.)
READ: Fiesta Masses begin in lead up to Traslacion 2025
The Fiesta Masses for the Feast of Jesus Nazareno began at the Quiapo Church at 3 p.m. on Wednesday and will run hourly until 11 p.m. on Thursday.
READ: Nazarene feast: What devotees need to know for Traslacion 2025
While the masses continue at the Quiapo Church, the Traslación – the traditional procession of the image of Jesus Nazareno – began after the Nazarene image left the Quirino Grandstand at 4:41 a.m. on Thursday.
As of this writing, the Andas – the carriage carrying Jesus Nazareno’s image – is plying along Padre Burgos Street on its way back to Quiapo Church.