CALABANGA, CAMARINES SUR—In the heart of this first-class municipality by the coast, a testament to faith stands strong. 

The wooden figure Amang Hinulid and the passion play “An Pasyon ni Kristo” have become integral parts of Calabanga’s identity, drawing tens of thousands of pilgrims each year and making the sacred tradition a source of pride for the community.

Local devotees brave the scorching heat in negotiating the 13-kilometer “Alay Lakad” from Naga City to Calabanga from Maundy Thursday to Good Friday, to venerate Amang Hinulid and seek divine favor and healing. 

The wooden figure is believed to be sacred. Visitors wipe its feet, hands and face with handkerchiefs and apply these, as well as the water used to bathe the image, on their aching body parts for healing. 

Geraldine Dollero, 57, one of the caretakers of Amang Hinulid, said their faith in the image has helped them in many ways. 

“If the devotees didn’t have faith in Ama and that they will receive what they’re asking for, they probably won’t come back. And also, the people around here, the businesses, they’re also greatly helped,” Dollero said. 

“When people come here, the community benefits daily. The influx of visitors is really helpful in all their needs, not just spiritual ones,” she said, explaining that, for example, the vendors are boosted by higher sales. 

The legend surrounding Amang Hinulid began in the 1800s. There are no documents in the archives to testify to its exact origin, but it is said to have been brought to Calabanga by a sculptor from Spain.

“An Pasyon ni Kristo” is a three-day street production that reenacts Jesus’ life, struggles, and resurrection. Thirty years since it started, the event has been passed on to generations of local performers, artists, and spectators.  

Ramon Paulo Pabico has portrayed Jesus for the past three years, and is playing the role for the last time. “It’s different and it’s deeper,” he said of his final performance. “It’s about helping people see what God’s love really means.” 

The first day on Holy Thursday depicts scenes of Jesus’ Last Supper with the apostles. The Good Friday performance involves his passion and crucifixion, and lasts for three hours. The play resumes on Easter Sunday with Jesus’ resurrection.  

The play turns the streets of Calabanga into sacred ground. More than a theatrical production, it has brought the community together, attracting some 30,000 spectators every year.

Its cast of 221 volunteers is carefully chosen through auditions and interviews. The performers dedicate six months to rehearsals and performances. Local tailoring shops provide the costumes. 

“An Pasyon ni Kristo” and Amang Hinulid are more than just traditions. They display Calabanga’s rich cultural heritage and its deep connection to faith.

Antonette Alzaga, 22, a fourth-year journalism student at Bicol University College of Arts and Letters in Legazpi City, is the content editor of Budyong Online and an intern at CoverStory.