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Monday, November 14, 2005
Mambajao's Santo Intierro
By Chic Reyes Nery
ONE of the stories I mentioned in my last article was about the one that had attracted UP writer Virginia Moreno's attention. That was about how Mambajao had gained its beautiful Santo Intierro, or the Sacred Interred Jesus that is still at the end of the Good Friday procession each year.
The figure of the Dead Jesus was a gift to the town from no less than my great grandfather, Placido Reyes--after he won the Spanish loteria in 1880.
The child to be born that year to Nanay Uris, or Dolores, was a boy they later named Jose Reyes, who, even later, was my grandfather. But I cannot say when Nanay Uris was pregnant. All I can remember is my mother telling me that the winnings of Tatay Sido were brought to the couple's house, on the block leading to the cemetery.
When Tatay Sido learned of his winning the loteria in Spain, he immediately set to sail for Spain, but passing by Manila beforehand. There, he visited the antique shop of Maximo Vicente, which also made sacred figures. He ordered the Jesus figure there, then proceeded to Spain.
We can only guess at how long the back-and-forth trip to Spain took. Perhaps, around sixty days, considering the oceans that must be passed before reaching Spain at that time. But Tatay Sido made it.
When the ship reached the wharf, there were many people waiting there, all in a festive mood. It isn't every day, after all, when a local figure wins a Spanish loteria, and brings home his winnings, all in coins.
Maybe paper money was not yet so much in style then, for the people had prepared carabao-drawn carts in which to load the winnings. Accompanied by the festive crowd, the cartloads of winnings the cartloads of winnings proceeded on the way uphill, toward the house of Tatay Sido and Nanay Uris
My mother also told me that she did not hear of any reports of stealing from the winnings. I suppose that would be natural, for you can fill your pockets with only a limited number of coins. But, for sure, when the carts reached the house and were unloaded, there was a lot of food and drinks for everyone there.
A week later, Tatay Sido got into his ship again, and headed for Manila. When he returned, the people who met him were in a different mood, for he had brought with him his thanksgiving gift for Mambajao--the Santo Intierro.
The perfect beauty and master craftsmanship that the Jesus figure showed breath-taking. Although it was only about four feet in length, the Sacred Wounds, the blood, and the thorns seemed so real. It lay inside a glass coffin which was also beautifully-made. And I believe it was Tatay Sido who had brought with him that particular Spanish perfume which was wiped on Jesus after being kissed by devotees.
Meanwhile, Nanay Uris became pregnant, and gave birth that year to Jose "Papa Pinggoy" Reyes. While he was still in her womb, construction had begun on the house, which, today, is known as the "Centennial House". When the house was finally finished, we do not know. But we're sure it was there that Papa Pinggoy was bred.
It is safe to presume that the following year, the Santo Intierro began its yearly procession on the streets of Mambajao. It was an interesting sight, for, walking before it would be some Judeos dressed in drab gray, punishing themselves with whips.
After each procession, when the Santo Intierro would be returned to its home (beneath the house of Tatay Sido and Nanay Uris), it would be displayed in front of the house, where devotees would file up and kiss the nice-smelling Jesus figure. And the Reyes clan would enter the house for some refreshments.
After Tatay Sido and Nanay Uris died, the display was transferred to the house across the street, which belonged to Tia Pacing, an old maid daughter, who took care of it until her death. My mother took over, and handled the display for many years, using the old house again.
Many years have passed since then, and I no longer know who's taking care of that display. But I am wishing that, when I go back to Camiguin, I will try my best to arrange things so that the Santo Intierro may be transferred to the Centennial House. I believe they belong together--to the Reyes clan.
(November 14, 2005 issue)
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