Reenactment in Tuburan: Bargayo’s 27th year of sacrifice

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TUBURAN, Cebu, Philippines – – There is no stopping Gilbert Bargayo, 59, from carrying out his annual penitential promise during the Lenten season.

Bargayo, who will be crucified for the 27th time this 2019, will face another excruciating journey today, April 19, 2019, as he will be crucified in the town of Tuburan, 92 kilometers northwest of Cebu City.

Here are some of the scenes unfolding in the town of Tuburan:

Before 6 a.m.

The stage, where Bargayo will be crucified for the reenactment of Jesus Christ’s passion and death, was already set before 6 a.m.

10 a.m. 

A few minutes after 10 a.m., Bargayo commenced the carrying of the cross to all 14 stations surrounding Saint Anthony de Padua Parish Church in Barangay Poblacion, Tuburan Town.

11 a.m.

At past 11 a.m., Bargayo’s clothing, which is made of thin white fabric, was already torn from the whipping done by men, who played the roles of the Roman guards.

1 p.m.

As of 1 p.m., two men, who play the roles of the unnamed thieves who were crucified with Jesus Christ on Mount Calvary, were already hanging on their respective crosses.

This happened while invited guests give their reflection on the Seven Last Words during the staging of Jesus Christ’s Passion and Death.

The reenactment will be capped by the “crucifixion” of Bargayo, who plays the role of Jesus. / celr