Every January, hundreds of thousands of people from various backgrounds gather to see the ebony statue of Jesus Nazareno.
Among the devotees are several well-known personalities from the entertainment industry. As the image of Jesus Nazareno celebrates its 419th year, these celebrities, each with their unique stories of devotion, provide insight into how the Nazareno has influenced their lives.
Noli De Castro
Former vice president and veteran news anchor Noli de Castro, 75, believes that the Jesus Nazareno intentionally guided him in his journey of faith. Since his college days, Mr. De Castro had a habit of making a quick trip to Quiapo Church and saying his prayers.
For many years, during the Traslacion, he actively participated in the procession, carrying the image of the Nazareno and offering prayers for his intentions.
Although he has not joined the procession in recent years, Noli shows his devotion through his reporting of the live happenings of the parade at the Quiapo Church.
Angeline Quinto
Spending her childhood in the bustling streets of Sampaloc, Manila, Kapamilya actress-singer Angeline Quinto, 35, grew up with the tradition of participating by carrying an image of Jesus Nazareno during the procession to Quiapo Church together with her adoptive mother, Sylvia Quinto, whom she lovingly calls Mama Bob.
“Nag-start siya kasi lumaki po ako sa Sampaloc. Ang Mama Bob ko at yung buong street namin sa Marzan, may imahe po kami na every year dinadala sa Quiapo Church (It started because I grew up in Sampaloc. My Mama Bob and our entire street in Marzan, have an image that is brought to Quiapo Church every year),” Angeline recalled in an interview.
Angeline won in 2011 on ABS-CBN’s “Star Power: Search for the Next Female Pop Superstar,” marking the beginnings of her beautiful journey through singing.
“Every Friday and Sunday, andoon po ako sa Quiapo nagdadasal. Bago ako sumali sa Star Power, dasal ko talaga magkaroon ng regular na trabaho sa pagkanta. Nag-try lang ako, hindi ko in-expect na magtutuloy-tuloy. Alam ko po na galing sa Kanya (Every Friday and Sunday, I would be in Quiapo praying. Before I joined Star Power, I really wished to have a regular singing job. I just tried, I didn’t expect it to continue. I know it’s from Him),” she said.
Coco Martin
Coco Martin, 43, also known as “Batang Quiapo” is another example of a Jesus Nazareno devotee. Since 2007, Coco has participated in the procession of Jesus Nazareno, asking for guidance and blessings.
As a testament to his deep devotion, Coco received blessings and recognition when he started to make a name in the entertainment industry. It can be recalled that during the last Jesus Nazareno celebration, Coco did an actual scene at the parade filming for his series “FPJ’s Ang Batang Quiapo.”
“Walang hanggang pasasalamat sa Poong Jesus Nazareno sa lubos na biyaya, pagmamahal, at paggabay sa akin at sa aking pamilya. Higit pa sa hiniling ko ang binigay Niyo sa akin (Eternal gratitude to the Lord Jesus Nazareno for the grace, love, and guidance for me and my family. You gave me more than I asked for),” Coco wrote in an Instagram post.
Sam Versoza
Growing up on the streets of Sampaloc, Sam Versoza is affectionately referred to as “Batang Sampaloc” in his hometown. Since the Feast of the Jesus Nazarene is widely observed annually throughout the City of Manila, it is not new to him.
It was in 2009 when he first participated in the procession of the Jesus Nazareno. Since then, Sam worked hard to give his family the life they deserve.
Sam is known as one of the co-founders of a successful marketing company in the Philippines, he also gives back to his community through various outreach programs.
As part of the devotion, Sam walks the streets of Manila barefoot along with the other devotees during Traslacion.
One of the biggest influences for his unwavering faith in the Lord was his late father, Samuel Verzosa Sr.
McCoy De Leon
Actor Mccoy De Leon, 29, is another devotee of the Jesus Nazareno who actively participates with his family. His devotion has been credited for his being blessed with a good career in showbiz, and building a family with Elise Joson.
McCoy introduced the tradition to his daughter Felize with the chant, “Viva Nazareno!”
On Instagram, De Leon shared his gratitude:
“Nasaan na siya (Poong Nazareno)?
“Yan ang linya lagi para makita mo siya at nung oras na nakita ko siya’t mahawakan ulit matapos ng maraming taon, wala ako masabi kundi ‘Salamat Poong Nazareno.’ Tanging nasa isip ko lang nung kaharap ko siya ang mga mahal ko sa buhay at ang pamilya ko (That’s the line you say to see Him and when I saw Him and held Him again after many years, I couldn’t say anything but ‘Thank you Jesus Nazareno.’ My only thoughts while I was facing him were my loved ones and my family).”
“Sa mga kapatid ko na deboto saludo ako sa tindi ng pananampalataya niyo, walang nagbabago. Viva Poong Nazareno (To my devoted brothers and sisters, I salute the intensity of your faith, nothing has changed. Viva Lord Nazarene)!”
Renee Salud
Renee Salud, 77, a well-known fashion designer, attributes his perseverance and ultimate success in life to his faith in the Jesus Nazareno.
“Parang may feeling ka na nandiyan Siya palagi at ibibigay Niya sa’yo,” Salud said, recalling how he would visit Quiapo Church every Friday to give thanks (You have this feeling that He is always there and He will give you what you ask).”
Rene also recalled how he used to go to Quiapo Church on his knees as a gesture of faith and devotion.
Giselle Sanchez
Comedienne-host Giselle Sanchez, 49, has been a devotee of Jesus Nazareno for more than 15 years. In an interview with TV5, Giselle said that she was an accidental devotee at first.
“Parang pumasok ang Holy Spirit sa akin. Nakaramdam ako ng kagalingan (It was like the Holy Spirit came to me. I felt well),” Giselle said.
In a 2016 interview, Sanchez said she recovered from an illness after praying to Jesus Nazareno in 2009.
