Have you seen the movie, Passion of the Christ?
Buhing Kalbaryo is the reenactment of the passion, death and burial of Jesus Christ.
It is a project of Buhing Kalbaryo Foundation Inc. in cooperation with the Cebu City Government, Guadalupe Parish Church, and the Barangay Councils of San Nicolas, Calamba, and Guadalupe.
It is Cebu's Good Friday tradition that is being held in the churches and on the streets of barangays San Nicolas Proper, Calamba, and Guadalupe, Cebu City. Buhing Kalbaryo began in 1998 through the initiative of Vice Mayor Michael Rama, a councilor that time.
The play's cast consists of about 200 volunteer-actors from the different Cebu City barangays.
"Life in Calvary" in English, Buhing Kalbaryo is a Cebu festival held every during lent. It is Cebu's Holy Week celebration where the life of Jesus Christ is reenacted, including His Triumphant Entry into Jerusalem. There are dramas presented on the streets about Jesus Christ's passion from his arrest until his resurrection. Buhing Kalbaryo Festival ends with an Easter Mass.
Buhing Kalbaryo is staged every Good Friday. The play starts at 10:30am with the entry of Jesus Christ in Jerusalem to be staged at the San Nicolas parish grounds. It is now on its 15th year.
Did you know that last 2007, two actors presented their selves to be actually nailed (without anesthesia) instead of just tying them on the cross?
According to Al Evangelio, writer and director of the 2007 Lenten presentation, this will be the first time that the actual nailing of two people will happen. Actors Clefren Dumaguit (Hestas) and Jeffrey Dave (Dimas) volunteered to do the act, which they believed is a supreme sacrifice. Both actors will be nailed to the cross alongside actor Mark Escuyos who will portray Jesus Christ.
How to Get There:
From Manila, you can fly to Cebu (estimated cost of Php3,000++, round trip, 45 minutes - 1 hour and 15 minutes). And from the Cebu Airport, you will need to hire a cab (minimum price of Php400.00, 20-30 minutes) to go to the actual city and to your destination.
Dos and Don'ts:
Buhing Kalbaryo spectators should bring water, hats, and umbrellas and to use sunblock since the play is between 10:30 a.m. and end at 3 p.m.
Parents should always keep an eye at their children. They are encouraged not to let their children join the 4.5km procession.
Also bring extra clothes to change after the procession or a hand-towel to dry your self from the scorching sun.
If you are a backpacker tourist, it is better that you place all your belongings, bags or backpack at your front to prevent getting snatched or pick-pocketed.
Always remember that this festival is solemn. Don't make any fun of the procession and reenactment of the life of Jesus Christ. As an audience, this is the best time to reflect.
Where to Stay:
Metropolis Court Hotel
V. Rama Ave., Guadalupe, Cebu City
Tel. No. (032) 255-3681, (032) 255-7541 to 48, Fax No. (032) 231-5060
Gen. Manager: Crespin Mendoza
Metropolis is a standard class hotel in Cebu City. It has 131 fully air-conditioned rooms with 24-hour room service. Rooms have colored TV with remote control, bathtub, hot and cold water, safety deposit box. The hotel has a swimming pool and Jacuzzi, mini bar, 6 food and beverage outlets, laundry and dry cleaning.
Holiday Plaza Hotel
F. Ramos Street, Cebu City
holiday@holidayplazacebu.com
Holiday Plaza Hotel is 30 minutes away or 10 kilometers near the Mactan International Airport. It is near Mactan Island's white sand beaches. It is also in close proximity to shopping malls, restaurants, commercial establishments and churches.
A total of 129 rooms that is fully air-conditioned with mini-bar, satellite TV, radio, hairdryer, television, direct dial telephone, Internet access and bathroom. For the hard days work, you can relax at their spa and wellness center. Rates could go as low as Php2,300-Php3,000++ for double occupancy inclusive of complimentary cocktails and breakfast with free newspapers.
