If you are one of those who still question the existence or the power of the Almighty, or one of those who have given up hope and couldn’t find answers to their problems in this world . . . ask the millions of people who are expected to join the procession of the Black Nazarene today.

They will surely tell you that God does exist. He is not only powerful and ever merciful but charitable as well to both the sinners and the saints. Thus, the growing devotion to the Jesus Nazareno by people from all walks of life every year because of the miracles or day to day blessings coming from Heaven through the Black Nazarene.

Around six years ago, I used to laugh and call devotees of the Nazareno fanatics and idiots as they wrestled with each other just to try to climb the cart carrying the Nazareno and touch the icon of the Nazarene or elbow one another to be able to touch the rope attached to the cart.

Little did I know then that I would be one of those millions who would throng to Quiapo church every Friday and on the feast of the Jesus Nazareno to thank him for the countless blessings showered to me and my family after praying to that very same icon that devotees would like to touch or wipe with their handkerchiefs or face towels.

I came from the seminary and was taught that icons are not supposed to be worshiped and they are only reminders that Jesus and the saints do exist and lived in this world a long time ago. But how can one explain that after a person talked to that Black Nazarene icon silently, few days or months later, his or her prayers were answered? Prayers such as to save a love one from sure death because of a terminal disease, or passing the board or bar exam after several tries, or finding a job with no or deficient qualifications. Or simply making both ends meet daily.

In 2007, my daughter Erika, who was only three years old then, was diagnosed with Hirschsprung’s disease. It is a disease that has something to do with the intestine that affects one’s regular bowel movement.

A known pediatric surgeon saw my daughter and advised us to prepare her for surgery after seeing the x-ray results. It broke my heart since I couldn’t stand to see my three year old girl go under the knife at a very tender age.

I went to Quiapo that afternoon and prayed before the image of the Black Nazarene. I whispered to him, “Lord, they said you’re powerful and whoever comes to you, you help. Please spare my daughter from surgery or if not, help her to make it through.”

The following day, before the surgery, I ask that same doctor to conduct another x-ray on Erika. Lo and behold!!! The doctor said there was nothing wrong with her intestine anymore. Another specialist was consulted that day and he told us to take our child home.

I returned to Quiapo and promised to thank Him every Friday.

At that same time, I was financially at rock bottom as my former employer forcibly retired hundreds of its employees including myself and several other reporters and news anchors. In short, I was out of work.

Someone then told me to join the procession on the Nazareno’s feast day and ask the Nazareno for the job that I used to have, as a reporter and news anchor. I went and asked Him again to help me land a job on a tv network.

A month later, Manny Pangilinan bought TV 5…and the rest is history.

Before I became a devotee of the Black Nazarene, I was already praying everyday and talked to God before going to sleep and again when I woke up. I thank Him too for the blessings. But my prayers were all answered quickly when I whispered it to Jesus Nazareno.

Now if you’re going to ask me if Jesus Nazareno is for real…HE IS!!!

VIVA EL NUESTRO SEÑOR NAZARENO!

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