After three years, pilgrims, both local and foreign, would be able to witness again the Guimarasnons’ interpretation of the passion and death of Christ.
This Good Friday, April 7, pilgrims will witness the “Ang Pagtaltal sa Balaan Bukid”.
It is a street play that runs for three hours, from 12 noon to 3 p.m., and starts from the Smallest Plaza and ends at the Balaan Bukid Shrine in Barangay Balcon Melliza, Jordan, Guimaras.
It has evolved into a tourism-cultural attraction, drawing thousands not only from Western Visayas.
“We are now ready, especially sa production of the drama nga ginalagas sang aton pilgrimages,” Pagtaltal sa Bala-an Bukid Foundation, Inc. president Bartolome Togonon told Panay News.
Pilgrims could expect more intense and poignant scenes with the introduction of the new production director, Vicente B. Maravilla, a secondary school teacher at Jordan National High School and one of the members of the board of the foundation.
New mini-scenes are introduced, and there will be changes to some venues to make them more accessible to pilgrims, added Togonon.
What to expect?
Maravilla identified the following venues and corresponding dramas to witness:
* Smallest Plaza – the triumphant approach to Jerusalem, Jesus goes to the temple, the plot against Jesus, the betrayal by Judas, Jesus’ Anointment at Bethany, and the Last Supper
* St. John the Baptist Church – Jesus prays in Gethsemane and the arrest of Jesus
* Jordan Municipal Ground – Jesus before the Council, St. Peter denies Jesus, Jesus before Pilate, Jesus before Herod, the Scourging at the Pilar, and the Agitation
* Entrance of Roro wharf – the woman of Jerusalem, and offering of water to Jesus
* Barangay Hoskyn Gym – St. Simon of Cyrene helps, and Jesus carries the cross
* Barangay Hoskyn Food Court Area – St. Veronica offers a kerchief to Jesus
* Lunok – the repentance of Judas
* Balaan Bukid – the Crucifixion of Jesus and the Pieta
“Ang amon production is, from scene 1, diri maga-start sa Smallest Plaza, then going to church. Ang daku nga time nga i-spend namon sa play ara sa municipal hall ground. May mini-scenes lang kami agud indi man bala daku ang gap or distance from municipal ground to Balaan Bukid,” said Maravilla.
The 131-strong casts are from all walks of life, including professionals, learners, and out-of-school youth, among others.
The cast, most of whom are veterans of the play, began their practice in February 2023.
Over 50,000 devotees expected
Before the pandemic, around 40,000 to 50,000 devotees, both local and foreign, visited the Balaan Bukid Shrine and witnessed the Lenten drama.
But this year, after the pandemic hiatus, Togonon expects a higher number.
With this, the local government of Jordan, headed by Mayor Cresente Chavez Jr., and the provincial government, headed by Gov. JC Rahman, coordinated with the pump boat operators and the Iloilo City Government to put in place measures to avoid the crowding at Parola Wharf and ensure the safety of pilgrims.
The provincial government also extended over P400,000 to the foundation.
Playing the role
Did you know that the actor who plays the role of Jesus Christ is from San Miguel, Iloilo?
Felimon Sobosa, 45, is now residing in Barangay Balcon Melliza, Jordan, after marrying a native of the town.
Sobosa has been playing the role of Jesus Christ for seven years.
According to Sobosa, joining the street drama “Ang Pagtaltal sa Baalan Bukid” is his vow, and his family has been very supportive of it.
“Wala ko naga-untat sa pag-intra kay daw wala man ako napabay-an sang Ginoo. Daw nabugayan ako kag ang akon pamilya sang mayo nga lawas kag wala man niya kami ginpabay-an sa amon pagpangabuhi,” Sobosa told Panay News.
Sobosa also exercises regularly to condition his body before the play.
“Nakaluy-an man ako kay tapos sang bakol daw waay naman, pamatyag ko daw mag-an man lang,” said Sobosa.
Aside from Sobosa, another cast member, Bernice Alfaras of Barangay Balcon Melliza, Jordan, plays the important role of Judas./PN
