Joselito Malig

Article (news)

Jessie Cruzat

ABS-CBN News

MANILA — “Pagsamba, hindi pagsampa.”The Catholic Church has urged devotees to embrace the true essence of faith as preparations begin for the Nazareno 2026.In a press briefing on Monday, Rev. Fr. Robert Arellano, spokesperson for Nazareno 2026, emphasized the importance of understanding genuine devotion and faith.“At ang aming layunin, lagi nating sinasabi, palalimin ang debosyon kay Jesus Nazareno, hindi sa rebulto. Pagsamba, hindi pagsampa. Ito yung malawakang panawagan namin taon-taon. Dahil kung inyong mapapansin, nagkakaroon ng maraming pagbabago taon-taon para sa ikabubuti ng bawat isa,” Arellano said.The official lineup of activities will run from December 31 until the feast day on January 9.Events include a thanksgiving procession on December 31, barangay visitations from January 2 to 6, the blessing of replicas of the Nuestro Padre Nazareno and the Estandarte on January 3, and the traditional “Pabihis sa Poong Nazareno” on January 7.The venerational “pahalik” at the Quirino Grandstand will also begin on January 7.“Bukas pa rin po ang ating pahalik pero kagaya ng sinabi po natin, kailangan po tayong mag-ingat. So kailangan natin gumamit ng mga hand sanitizer, kailangan maglinis ng ating mga kamay at kung sakaling tayo may mga nararamdaman na, ay huwag na tayong tumuloy sa mga activity area dahil ito ay mapanganib,” Arellano added.<div>TRASLACION ON JANUARY 9</div>The traditional Traslacion—from the Quirino Grandstand back to the Minor Basilica and National Shrine of Jesus Nazareno in Quiapo—will take place at dawn on January 9.Last year’s procession lasted nearly 21 hours. Church officials say the pace this year will largely depend on the movement of the andas (carriage).Although climbing onto the andas remains prohibited, church leaders admit the practice persists.“Pero minsan, kahit anong paghahanda natin, hindi natin makontrol because of the external factors. Kagaya ng mga taong pupunta, mga deboto na bagamat tayo ay taon-taong nananawagan na huwag sumampa, patuloy pa rin sumasampa, ito yung nagiging balakid sa pagtagal,” Arellano explained.<div>MINOR CHANGES TO ANDAS</div>This year’s andas has been upgraded from three wheels to four for improved balance and mobility.It now uses a steering wheel from a vehicle instead of a boat-like rudder.“Dati ho, ang ginagamit natin ay parang timon ng bangka. Ngayon ho, ito ay gagamit ng manibela… mas matibay yung ating chassis system at yung maneuvering ng andas ngayon,” said Alex Irasga, Technical Adviser to the Minor Basilica and National Shrine of Jesus Nazareno.“Kaya ho, yung manibela na ito ay para lamang tumulong na huwag tayong laging mabalahaw sa mga banketa ng kalsada.”The carriage now includes metal and glass enclosures similar to the Pope mobile, along with lighting, a sound system, CCTV, and ventilation to prevent fogging.Members of the Hijos will guide the andas from underneath during the procession.<div>EXPECTED ROUTE FOR NAZARENO 2026</div>The Traslacion will once again follow the route after the pandemic.It will pass through Luneta, Plaza Del Carmen, and Plaza Miranda, as well as (7) seven bridges including Ayala, Palanca, Arlegui, Carcer, Raon Extension, Guzman, and Hidalgo.The Minor Basilica released its official route map as of November 17, 2025.1.    Quirino Grandstand2.    Left to Katigbak Drive3.    Right to Padre Burgos Street through Finance Road4.    Straight to Ayala Bridge5.    Turn left to Palanca St.6.    Right to Quezon Boulevard7.     Right to Arlegui Street8.    Right to Fraternal Street9.     Right to Vergara Street10.     Left to Duque de Alba Street11.     Left to Castillejos St.12.     Left to Farnecio St.13.     Right to Arlegui St14.     Left to Nepomuceno St.15.     Left to Concepcion Aguila St.16.     Right to Carcer St.17.     Right to Hidalgo through Plaza del Carmen18.     Left to Bilibid Viejo through Gil Puyat19.     Left to J.P. de Guzman St.20.     Right to Hidalgo St.21.     Left to Quezon Blvd.22.     Right to Palanca St. through under Quezon Bridge23.     Right to Villalobos through Plaza Miranda going to Quiapo Church<div>MANILA LGU IS ALL SET</div>Manila Mayor Isko Moreno confirmed that the city is fully prepared for the celebrations, noting ongoing coordination with church officials and various national agencies to ensure safety and order.The mayor has also ordered a temporary ban on street vendors around Quiapo Church from January 7 to 9 to accommodate the expected surge of devotees.“On [January] 7, 8, 9, wala pong papayagan na magtitinda lahat ng nasa vicinity ng Simbahan ng Quiapo… Very specific, itong kapistahan… pagkapistahan ng Quiapo, na talagang kailangan nilang itiklop lamesa,” Moreno said.The Manila LGU is working with the Manila Police District on security deployment and force multipliers, with millions of devotees expected to flock to the area.In 2025, the feast drew an estimated eight million devotees. Both church leaders and the city government expect a similar or even a larger crowd for Nazareno 2026.

The Catholic Church has urged devotees to embrace the true essence of faith as preparations begin for the Nazareno 2026.

The Catholic Church has urged devotees to embrace the true essence of faith as preparations begin for the Nazareno 2026.

‘Pagsamba, hindi pagsampa’: Church reminds devotees ahead of Nazareno 2026

News

Entertainment

Lifestyle

Sports

Metro.Style

More

Traffic

Manila

Horoscope

Nation

‘Pagsamba, hindi pagsampa’: Church reminds devotees ahead of Nazareno 2026

Jessie Cruzat,

ABS-CBN News

Published Nov 17, 2025 10:31 PM PHT

Read More:

Nazareno 2026

press briefing

Manila

Catholic Church

Quiapo

Jesus Nazareno

Andas

ABS-CBN is the leading media and entertainment company in the Philippines, offering quality content across TV, radio, digital, and film. Committed to public service and promoting Filipino values, ABS-CBN continues to inspire and connect audiences worldwide.

Corporate

Investors

Governance

International Distribution

Corporate

Governance

Investors

International Distribution

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

AI Policy

Terms of Service

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.