ORGANIZERS of this year's "Buhing Kalbaryo" are now starting their preparation for its 26th year presentation during the Holy Week observance.
Elmer "Jojo" Labella, the overall creative and artistic director of Buhing Kalbaryo, said Friday, Feb. 10, 2023, that they will introduce new scenes and add more music to this year's play.
The Buhing Kalbaryo, a yearly presentation organized by the Cebu City Government, reenacts the traditional "Way of the Cross" from Jesus' being condemned to die to His crucifixion and death on Mt. Calvary. It is staged every Good Friday, which this year falls on April 7.
Labella said the venue will still be the same but the organizers are working out to have the last scene, which includes the crucifixion, be held at the Archdiocesan Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Barangay Guadalupe.
Last year, the program started at the Archdiocesan Shrine of San Nicolas de Tolentino in Barangay Pasil but the finale was held in a vacant lot on V. Rama Ave.
Among the scenes that will be added and improved is the baptism of Jesus Christ, the raising of St. Lazarus from the dead, and scenes depicting St. Mary Magdalene.
Labella also highlighted that more songs will be incorporated into the play, not just musical scoring but also songs that will be performed by the cast.
According to Labella, the staging of the Buhing Kalbaryo in 2022 incurred an estimated cost of P600,000 to P700,000.
Labella said their sources of funds for this year's staging are mainly from sponsorships and solicitations, but he said they are hoping that the City Government will also give financial assistance.
Labella said they will be finalizing the organizational structure, production assignments and casting on Feb. 16. The Buhing Kalbaryo was first initiated by Mayor Michael Rama way back in 1997.
