Samuel Bilibid crowns Jesus Christ a crown made of sharp bugambella during the Buhing Kalbaryo drama play at the San Nicolas Church ground in celebration of the Good Friday. (CDN PHOTO/JUNJIE MENDOZA)
THEY don’t get paid for two months of rehearsals to mount “Buhing Kalbaryo” but youths who participate in the annual passion play in Cebu City look forward to being part of the city’s biggest Holy Week street drama.
After the presentation on Good Friday, they shared bowls of hot “binignit” at the Guadalupe sports complex.
Mark Rosales, 33, has been part of the Buhing Kalbaryo cast for the last 17 years. He was 16 years old when he joined the passion play’s first edition in 1997 when he played the role of a Roman soldier.
Since then, he has played villains – Judas Iscariot, a Sanhedrin priest, Satan, and this year, a new character called Samuel Bilibid.
He would have liked to be the protagonist but his firm voice does not suit the role.
“That’s why I have always setted on portraying evil roles,” said Rosales.
The character of Samuel Bilibid curses and spits on Jesus Christ as the bloodied Christ carries his cross down V. Rama Avenue to a mck crucifixion outside the Guadalupe church.
Rosales said this was his most challenging role so far. “It is something new and serves as encouragement to those who lost their faith,” Rosales added.
For Raffy Anor, 24, playing the role of Jesus Christ was an honor. It took him almost three months to get his character down pat.
“Nalipay ko na gihatagan ko ug kahigayunan nga ma experience ang pinaka bug-at nga role sa Buhing Kalbaryo.” (I am happy I had the opportunity to play the most important part in the Buhing Kalbaryo.)
He said this was his way of sharing in Christ’s suffering.
With the five-hour play over, the cast looks forward to a beach outing, a reward promised by organizers to celebrate the production’s success.
The young actors also took home Buhing Kalbaryo shirts and the custom-made sandals they used during the play.
“They don’t expect financial compensation. The play is intended to motivate out-of-school youth by using spiritual intervention,” said Jojo Labella, the play’s creative head. /by Rosemarie R. Cananea and Anie Paujana, CNU Interns
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