MANILA – The Philippines’ “crucifixion superstar” will be nailed to a wooden cross for the 32nd time during the “Maleldo 2018: Way of the Cross” on Good Friday at Barangay San Pedro Cutud, San Fernando, Pampanga.
Ruben Enaje, 57, told Panay News he will continue with his penitence this year to thank Jesus Christ for saving him from a near-fatal fall from a three-story building in 1985.
“Utang ko ang buhay ko sa Panginoon kaya tuwing Good Friday talaga ay nagpapapako ako sa krus,” said Enaje. “Himala pa din talaga na nalusutan ko iyong pangyayari na iyon.”
Enaje originally pledged to perform the ritual for nine years starting 1985 as thanksgiving after surviving a fall from the third floor of a building in Tarlac City where he was painting a billboard.
He extended the tradition for nine more years in 1993 for the cure of his daughter, Ejay, then suffering from asthma. The third nine-year vow was for the healing of his wife, Juanita, who grew a lump in her jaw.
“Sa totoo lang, sa edad kong ito, parang hindi ko na kaya iyong sakit ng pagpapapako sa krus. Matagal ko nang gustong magretiro kaso wala pang nahahanap na papalit sa akin,” Enaje said.
Tourism officer Ching Pangilinan said there are 15 “Kristos” or Christs to be crucified on Good Friday – nine in Barangay San Pedro Cutud, the rest in Santa Lucia and San Juan.
The reenactment of Christ’s crucifixion, which started in 1955, is now on its 60th year and has been traditionally held in Angeles City and Santo Tomas in Pampanga, and in Bulacan./PN
