A GRADUATING criminology student is set to undertake the solemn role of Jesus Christ in the upcoming “Buhing Kalbaryo,” a religious reenactment staged in Cebu City this Good Friday, April 18, 2025.
John Michael Cinco, who will embody the central figure of the Passion of Christ, shared in an interview last Friday, April 11, the challenges of balancing his academic responsibilities with the demands of participating in the religious reenactment.
“Karon nga year wala ko mag-expect nga akoy ma-Jesus kay basin dili ko kafocus. Karon, sa skuylahan, kay graduating man ko, kung unsay ihatag nila ako ra’ng dawaton,” Cinco said, expressing his initial hesitation due to his focus on his studies.
(This year, I wasn’t expecting to be chosen as Jesus because I thought I might not be able to focus. Now that I’m graduating, whatever they give me, I will accept.)
He acknowledged the need to juggle his academic life with this significant extracurricular commitment, stating that he ultimately accepted the role offered to him.
This year marks the 28th iteration of the “Buhing Kalbaryo,” a Good Friday tradition initiated by the family of dismissed Cebu City mayor Michael Rama.
The event will commence at the Cebu City Children’s Park in Barangay Pasil and will proceed along V. Rama Ave., culminating at the Espina Compound in Barangay Guadalupe.
For Cinco, this portrayal of Jesus will be his third time taking on the iconic role. He admitted his surprise at being chosen again this year, given his current academic workload. To manage both his studies and his spiritual involvement, Cinco shared that he relies on prayer.
His participation in spiritual activities can be traced back to his childhood, starting as an angel in Easter celebrations before becoming a regular witness to the “Buhing Kalbaryo” at the age of 14.
He expressed gratitude for his family’s unwavering support in his spiritual endeavors, noting their presence as spectators during the event.
Dismissed mayor Rama will serve as the overall chairman for this year’s “Buhing Kalbaryo,” with his wife Malou as the project overseer. Rudy Aviles will act as the project consultant.
During a press conference on Friday, the event’s director hinted at notable changes in the opening and closing sequences of the reenactment.
“Ang opening mao ang pagkabata ni Jesus. Ang among end karon, namatay gihapon siya but in a different way. So, atngan ninyo ang tanan,” the director teased, urging the public to witness the new elements.
(The opening will depict the childhood of Jesus. Our ending will still be his death, but in a different way. So, everyone should watch out for it.) /JPS