GUIMARAS – Pilgrims, both local and foreign, would be able to witness again the lenten play, “Ang Pagtaltal sa Balaan Bukid” in Jordan, Guimaras.
It is the Guimarasnons’ interpretation of the passion and death of Christ. From being a purely religious event, it has evolved into a tourism-cultural attraction, drawing thousands not only from Western Visayas.
Balaan Bukid Shrine was reopened only last year and holding the play was foregone for the third consecutive year.
Pagtaltal sa Bala-an Bukid Foundation, Inc. president Bartolome Togonon said the Good Friday (April 7) stage play runs for three hours, from 12 noon to 3 p.m.
It starts with the triumphant approach of Jesus Christ to Jerusalem, portrayed at the plaza in Jordan’s Barangay Poblacion, and ends with “Pieta” at the highest point of Guimaras at the Balaan Bukid Shrine in Barangay Balcon Melliza.
This year’s “Pagtaltal sa Balaan Bukid” has over 130 actors in period costumes to be played by students, teachers and out-of-school youths.
Devotees would follow as actors walk for more than two kilometers, passing 14 Stations of the Cross before reaching the mountain top.
“Pagtaltal” in Hiligaynon means “to remove”, thus the street drama ends with the removal of the crucified Jesus Christ from the cross and laid in the arms of His grieving mother Mary.
Bartolome said it was difficult for them to gather actors and create costumes.
The foundation has also asked for budgetary support from the local government unit (LGU) of Jordan.
The Guimaras provincial government also provided P425,000 in assistance.
“Pagtaltal sa Bala-an Bukid” is a collaboration between the Guimaras provincial government, the Jordan LGU, and the Iloilo City government.
“Ang tanan gina-imbitar gid namon sa Abril 7 sa pagsaksi sang ‘Pagtaltal sa Bala-an Bukid’,” said Chavez.
The “Pagtaltal Sa Bala-an Bukid” is in its 14th year as a street drama and its 48th year as the Lenten Festival of the municipality of Jordan and the province of Guimaras./PN
