P500T for Buhing Kalbaryo

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu City Council allocated more than half a million pesos this year to defray the expenses of the annual passion play of “Buhing Kalbaryo” (Live Calvary) in time for the Lenten season.

 Buhing Kalbaryo project director George Chu requested the amount of P502,150 to fund the annual reenactment of the crucifixion of Jesus of Nazarene. The amount will be charged on the funds for City Sponsored Activities. 

 On its 17th year, the Buhing Kalbaryo will be staged three times, first at Fort San Pedro on April 9 to 13 from 7 to 9 p.m., second during the Palm Sunday Walk starting from V. Rama Avenue to Guadalupe Church on April 13 at 6 in the morning and during the Buhing Kalbaryo finale presentation on Good Friday at San Nicolas Parish grounds heading to the Guadalupe Church on April 18 at 10:30 a.m.

 In previous years, the Buhing Kalbaryo was only showcased on Good Friday.

 On April 20, there will be an Easter Presentation at Guadalupe Church at 6:00 a.m. and the traditional “Sugat” at 2:00 a.m. to be directed by Aljin Abaquita.

 This is a “pet project” of the Buhing-Pasko Association Inc. which will be participated by around 200 out-of-school-youths who will be playing vital roles depicting the life and sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

 The Buhing Kalbaryo is directed by Werner Lorenzo, Clefren Dumaguit, Mark Rosales, Joel Gallardo, Neal Echavez and Marciani Fuentes.

 Yesterday, a glimpse of the Buhing Kalbaryo was portrayed before the Cebu City officials and the media.

 Some of the actors for the major roles of the passion play are Simeon Romarate, head of the Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office, who will portray Pontius Pilate and former Councilman of Barangay San Nicolas Proper Lyntoni Sable as Claudia Procula, wife of Pilate.

 After witnessing the preview of the production, Mayor Michael Rama said “high-tech na sila,” referring to the advanced technology used for their stage, production design, among others.

Elmer “Jojo” Labella, overall creative director of Buhing Kalbaryo, said that the public will expect another new production of Buhing Kalbaryo this year with all the elements of the stage presentation, script, effects and techniques of the theatrical show.  (FREEMAN)