MANILA, Philippines — Just like millions of Black Nazarene devotees, actor McCoy de Leon has a story to share after joining this year’s procession.
In an Instragram post, De Leon narrated that he struggled to touch the image of the Black Nazarene.
“Dalawang beses akong nahulog habang umaakyat sa Poon, hanggang sa huling pagkakataon naka harap ko ulit siya. Ang tanging nagawa ko lang ay yumoko magpasalamat sa lahat (I fell twice while struggling to touch the image. In the end, I can only bow and say thank you for everything),” he wrote on Thursday.
He posted photos of his barefoot toes, which was full of mud, during the procession.
De Leon said he was thankful for his family, so he asked the blessed image to take care of his family.
“Maraming salamat po sa lahat lalo sa pamilya ko ikaw na po bahala sa kanila pag wala po ako. At sa mga taong nagpaabot ng dasal sana po madinggin niyo po sila (Thank you for my family, so I leave them up to you. I hope the prayers of other people will also be heard),” the actor said.
He dedicated the handkerchief he used during the procession to his late grandfather.
“Kahit hindi naman kami nag abot naman ng Daddy ko masaya ako dahil patuloy pa rin ang panata namin (You may not be here anymore, but I am happy that our devotion continues),” he said.
“Salamat Daddy dahil ikaw ang nagpasimula sa akin nito. Yaan mo babawi po ako sa susunod magkasama na tayo ulit. Para sayo naman po yung isang bimpo napunas ko sa kamay niya (Thank you, Daddy, because you started this. I will make it up to you when we see each other again. I have dedicated this handkerchief to you),” he added.
This year’s procession lasted 21 hours — from the time the procession started at the Quirino Grandstand until the Black Nazarene carriage was returned to Quiapo Church. /ee