VICE President Noli De Castro, a Black Nazarene devotee, shares his thoughts on the annual feast and on this year’s preparations. As in previous years, De Castro says he offers a prayer to the image. Video taken by INQUIRER.net reporter Thea Alberto.

Thousands of devotees of the Black Nazarene attend mass at the Quirino grandstand. Mostly dressed in maroon and yellow, throngs of young and old devotees join the procession, blocking the path of the Black Nazarene as it inches its way to the Quiapo Church. Photos taken by INQUIRER.net reporters Thea Alberto, Izah Morales, Lawrence Casiraya and Marjorie Gorospe.

By Izah Morales
INQUIRER.net

SOMETIMES you just hate the rain especially the nonstop downpour that causes flooding — not to mention wet socks and feet.

In Muntinlupa City, however, no rain can stop the celebration of the Banhayan Festival as residents of barangay Cupang and Buli danced and sang despite the strong rains. I saw people who were barefoot not complaining, as they followed the long route of the parade.

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What started the so-called “Pandangguhan sa Kalye” in Pateros.

INQUIRER.net multimedia reporter Izah Morales finds out in this video interview with Parish Priest Fr. Orlando Cantillon, devotee Beth Adriano, and suman vendor Evangeline Macalipay.

Santa Marta devotees from Pateros dance the “Pandangguhan sa Kalye,” as spectators throw food called “pasubo.”

Local people consider Santa Martha as the patron of duck-raisers or “mag-iitik.” A procession is conducted with people carrying a pagoda with the image of Santa Marta stepping on a crocodile.

Wearing traditional costumes, the feast comes with the singing of kundiman songs while people dance in the street.