Director vows better ‘Buhing Kalbaryo’ staging next year

The writer and director of the "Buhing Kalbaryo" wants to improve it in next year’s staging by giving more focus on the Way of the Cross and the crucifixion to show the real meaning of Christ’s suffering and death.

Al Evangelio said while the number of people who witnessed the crucifixion was overwhelming, he was saddened that only a few joined the Way of the Cross.

"Buhing Kalbaryo" is a Lenten presentation that depicts the life and passion of Jesus Christ.

From the Cebu City Hall, only Vice Mayor Michael Rama, "Buhing Kalbaryo" 2007 chairman, and Councilor Eduardo Rama Jr. joined the Way of the Cross together with first lady Margarita "Margot" Osmeña. They were among some 300 faithful, including the performers for the play, who braved the heat of the sun to join in the three-kilometer procession.

"To preserve the real meaning of Christ’s suffering, we will give more focus on the Way of the Cross and crucifixion next year. Angay nato hatagan og focus ang penetensya," Evangelio said.

Now on its 10th year, "Buhing Kalbaryo," which was staged on Good Friday, started at 11:30 a.m. at the Cebu City Sports Center with the depiction of the life of Jesus. The part of the play, the Way of the Cross, was held along V. Rama Avenue and ended at the Guadalupe Church where the crucifixion occurred.

Satisfied with the spectacular performance of the members of Teatro Guadalupe, Evangelio said he prefers the same cast to play in the next year’s presentation.

He said it would be less painful for the three actors who were nailed on the cross because the doctor said the area on their palms where the nails pierced through have become fibrous no blood vessel are threatened.

Last year, Gilbert Bargayo was nailed on the cross when he acted the role of Jesus Christ in Evangelio’s play. But Evangelio said this year’s event was the first time that all three actors were actually nailed to the cross as a form of sacrifice.

Bargayo was supposed to play the same role this year but he refused because of lack of preparation. As a contribution, he made the specialized stainless nails that were used to nail the three actors.

Actors Mark Escuyos, who played the role of Jesus, Clefren Dumaguit and Jeffrey Dave, who acted as Hestas and Dimas, volunteered to be nailed as a sacrifice. They, along with some 200 young men and women, are members of Teatro Guadalupe, which Evangelio founded.

Evangelio said 80 percent of the group is composed of out-of-school youths, who underwent rigid training for more than a month. — Wenna A. Berondo/LPM