Eugenio Jongco, or “Lolo Boy”, was only 15-years-old when he first served as a volunteer in the annual Feast of Jesus Nazareno. At 78, he is now the oldest Hijos del Nazareno.
“Panata ko na hanggang kaya ng katawan ko, magsisilbi ako,” he said in Jonathan Andal’s report in 24 Oras on Thursday.
(I vowed to serve in the feast as long as I am physically able.)
Lolo Boy shared that he was then the lone hijo accompanying the image of the Jesus of Nazareth in the carriage, which was still being carried by devotees.
According to the Quiapo Church website, “the brotherhood of the Hijos Del Nazareno-Central was established in 1939. The primary duty and responsibility of the HDN-Central is to ensure the safety of the Holy Image of the Black Nazarene before, during and after the procession.”
After six decades, Lolo Boy is still part of the traditional Traslacion, or the procession of the image of Jesus Nazareno from Quirino Grandstand to Quiapo Church, but he’s no longer within the sea of devotees.
He is now in the frontline guiding the sacristans, organizing the flocks of devotees, and calling out rowdy individuals.
“Ang debosyon ng tao ngayon parang may katuwaan. Tulad ngayon, nagpu-prusisyon pero parang nagsisigawan,” he said when asked on his observations in the recent Traslacions.
(Some devotees are taking this lightly. Just like now, while there’s a procession, you can hear some shouting.)
His grandson, CJ, has followed his steps as a Hijos del Nazareno and has been helping him every year.
“Proud po ako sa lolo dahil kinikilala po siya sa Poong Hesus Nazareno…Gusto ko pong maging katulad ng lolo ko,” he said.
(I’m proud of my grandpa because he is well-known here in the Jesus Nazarene community… I want to be like him.)
But with decades of volunteering in the annual feast, has Lolo Boy experienced any miracles? He answered with a smile: “Hindii ba milagro na rin yung matutulog ka ng gabi, kinabukasan nakakasiguro ka bang didilat pa yung mga mata mo?”
(I think it’s a miracle to be able to sleep and still wake up the following day.)
Millions of devotees flock to Quiapo Church every January 9 to honor the Jesus Nazareno in hopes of getting their prayers answered or receiving miracles. This year is no different.
“Hindi sinasamba ang rebulto pero yung rebultong ‘yan nagpapakilala [na] minsan nandito sa lupa ‘yan, kasama ng tao,” said Lolo Boy.
(We don’t worship the statue, but it’s a reminder that He once lived with the people here on earth.) —Vince Angelo Ferreras/RF, GMA Integrated News
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