Fueled by faith and volunteerism, ‘Buhing Kalbaryo' returns for 28th year

Local

THE 28th edition of Buhing Kalbaryo, Cebu City’s long-standing Lenten street play depicting the Passion of Jesus Christ, is set to unfold once again on Good Friday, April 18, across the barangays of San Nicolas Proper, Calamba, and Guadalupe.

This is without a single peso in financial assistance from the Cebu City Government.

In a press conference on Friday, April 11, former Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama, who serves as the overall chairman for Buhing Kalbaryo 2025, emphasized that this year’s production will rely solely on volunteerism, community cooperation, and donations from long-time supporters.

Despite drawing thousands of spectators annually and becoming a spiritual, cultural, and tourism highlight during Holy Week, Rama assured that the event would proceed without major institutional funding, showcasing the dedication and unity of the community behind its success.

“From the very beginning, Buhing Kalbaryo has been a movement of faith. Wala gyud mi kwarta gikan sa syudad… Just like Pasko sa V. Rama, we are again witnessing the dedication of barangay workers, volunteers, and cast members who make this possible without asking anything in return,” he said.

Rama said the only forms of “assistance” received from the local government were through logistical help from various departments, such as the provision of plants for stage decoration and traffic assistance. But in terms of funding, he stressed, “Zero. As in zero.”

The event is spearheaded by Barangays San Nicolas Proper, Calamba, and Guadalupe, with participation from Sapangdaku, Kalunasan, and neighboring communities.

“Ang tinood nga bayani ani, ang mga barangay ug ang mga volunteers,” Rama added.

This year’s reenactment will feature a cast of 120 to 150 volunteer actors, slightly fewer than the 200 in 2024. Still, the spirit remains undiminished, said project overseer Malou Rama.

“For me, this is more than a production. It is an offering to Christ,” she said. “What others see as challenges, we take as opportunities to inspire, especially the youth who are involved.”

Artistic Director Almarie June Jacaban hinted at major changes this year.

“The audience can expect a different kind of emotional journey. We’ve changed the opening and the ending. Sa 28 ka tuig, karon ra mausab ang ending,” Jacaban revealed.

Among those taking center stage this year is 29-year-old Hope Cui, who has been part of the Buhing Kalbaryo since 2009. From playing minor roles, she now portrays Mary, the mother of Jesus.

“Sauna, magtan-aw ra ko sa mga magdala sa role. [Karon ako na],” Cui shared. “I gave it my best, memorized my lines with heart,” she said.

Sixteen-year-old Glorianne Garcho, a student and first-time participant, joined to deepen her understanding of Christ’s life.

“Niapil ko kay gusto ko mas masabtan si Jesus. Lisod man sa school usahay, pero naa gyud siya magtabang nako. This is my way of feeling His presence,” she said.

Thousands are expected to witness this year’s street play, which has become both a sacred Lenten tradition and a tourist attraction. From San Nicolas Parish to V. Rama Avenue, actors will dramatize Jesus’s final hours, including His trial, crucifixion, and death on the cross.

Organizers said last year’s event drew over 5,000 spectators, many of whom walked the streets alongside the cast, pausing at 14 Stations of the Cross to reflect and pray.

The finale will once again take place at the Espina Compound in Guadalupe, where the crucifixion scene will be staged.(TGP)