A day in Quiapo

I’ve attended a mass in Quiapo Church for several times already but I am not considering myself as a devotee to the Black Nazarene. Friday is said to be the “Quiapo Day”. People are always in a hurry to hear the mass at least before they go to work or school. So better expect the congestion of vehicles along the Quiapo area especially during the first Friday of the month.

Inside the church, you’ll see different types of people praying and begging for graces. They kneel towards the altar with their rosaries on their hands. They offer a sacrifice for the miraculous Black Nazarene so that it will grant their wishes. I’ve noticed their behavior inside this sanctuary. So the mass started. Beyond the tremendous heat and noise inside, I prefer to take a glance on this people rather than to hear the teachings of the priest unintentionally. The crowd is too annoying for me to have a solemn communication with God. And I am also busy how to refresh myself as if all my sweat glands have excreted all the liquids inside me. At last, everything is done. Now, I have to deal on how can I get out from inside.

There are a lot of fancy things that you will see along the side walk. You can find various herbal medicines, from leaves to tree barks and as well as the “healing oils” place in a bottle which reminds of some witch craft practices. Along with them are the colorful candles which signify different meanings. The black one looks odd but it means to transform our enemies to comrade. Cool! But speaking of the magic and sorcery, you can also find a lot of tarot card reader or I should say fortune teller in Quaipo. These women were bound to tell you your destiny. In a way, I am not against with their beliefs and in the first place they are just doing their job. But what confuses me is that, they are doing this along the pathway of the church. So, if an individual go to church and prays to God then afterwards they will consult their fortune based on the card readings, then what the point of believing to God? Can my point there? Anyway, it’s been an old practice here. That is just my opinion.

While I was waiting for a jeep outside, a young girl surprisingly embraces me and gave me a brown scapular. I already knew what will she asked me next. Of course, the payment! I refuse her offer about the brown scapular. Were starting to have an argument about it and how I wish a jeepney would arrive soon so I can escape this nosey kid. But then, I have to settle this for once, I have to pay and I hope she will not ask for a higher price because I only have enough money for my fare that day. How ridiculous! “ate, that is just 20 pesos, sige na, gagabayan ka nyan san ka man magpunta.” ( Ma’am, it was just 20 bucks, and for sure it will guide you wherever you will be.) I handed her the money and then she is gone out of nowhere. I put the scapular inside my pocket, luckily she only asked for 20 pesos other will insists for a higher price. After a long wait, a jeepney came and I am bound for my next destination, home.

That night, I almost forgot about the scapular until my cousin asks for some coins. I reached inside the pocket of my jeans to search for some money and I grab the scapular inside. I look at it and wonder if the child is telling the truth about. “It will guide you wherever you will go”. I’ve been hearing that verse over and over again, as if the kid is just standing near me. I took the scapular and place it on the purse where my rosary is. It would be a bit awkward to believe in what had the kid say regarding the scapular. And it doesn’t matter what else we believe in as long as were doing anything to harm others. Well, it has been a long day in Quiapo.

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