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Every Holy week, theater productions from different cities across the country gather for their performance of the annual cenaculo, which depicts the life, suffering and sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

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Actors playing Jesus Christ highlights importance of devotion

MJ Felipe

ABS-CBN News

MANILA -- Every Holy week, theater productions from different cities across the country gather for their performance of the annual cenaculo, which depicts the life, suffering and sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Film and theater actor Roeder Camanag has been playing the role of Jesus Christ for 26 years in his hometown, Cavite City. <div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/17114347922291711430220203434075082_708665371339405_5079720491811449738_n.jpg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="Roeder Camanag as Jesus Christ"/>Roeder Camanag as Jesus Christ“My family nag-start silang mamanata, it used to be a typical senakulo sa street. Namanata sila for 11 years. I’ve been a part of this since I was 10 years old. Tapos after 11 years, nag-stop na rin then my brother and I decided to continue it. From street theater, we decided to turn it into a musical,” he said.</div>(My family started this devotion. It used to be a typical cenaculo in the streets. I’ve been a part of this since I was 10 years old. After 11 years, they stopped but my brother and I decided to continue this annual tradition. From street theater, we decided to turn it into a musical) Camanag said he considers this a calling, and his motivation in portraying the role changes every year. “Every time I do it, I find a new layer. Iba-iba &#x27;yung discovery at realizations, the passion of the Christ, mas nagiging deeper &#x27;yung meaning,” said Camanag. (Every time I do it, I find a new layer. It’s a different discovery and realization - the passion of Christ. The meaning gets deeper.) Another actor, Laurent Mercado, has been portraying Jesus Christ for 13 years straight. Even during the pandemic lockdown, Mercado and their production, Tanghalang Mandaluyong, never ceased in their annual ‘cenaculo’ presentation. Mercado, 34, said he never saw the role as difficult. All he wanted was to showcase his acting skills in front of an audience.  <div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/17114348911911711430525006434129642_1827858214361327_8977307412600364041_n.jpg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="Laurent Mercado"/>Laurent Mercado</div>“Hindi ko naiisip dati &#x27;yung hirap, gusto ko lang umarte. Gusto ko lang mag-perform. Nung una nagwi-wig pa ako, tapos &#x27;yung mga ilang years na pinahaba ko na at every Holy Week, nagpapatubo ng balbas.”(I never entertained the thought that it’s going to be hard. All I wanted to do was to act. I wanted to perform. I used to wear wigs. But after many years, I have learned to grow my hair every Holy week, even my beard.)Apart from performing on stage, Mercado also gave life to the role of ‘Bro’ in the 2020 ABS-CBN series &quot;Huwag Kang Mangamba&quot; with Andrea Brillantes, Francine Diaz, Kyle Echarri and Seth Fedelin. Both Camanag&#x27;s and Mercado’s productions cast young actors to portray different roles. In the advent of new technology, social media and other distractions, they were very delighted to see young people participating in this annual Filipino tradition for free. Camanag added that these kids would even make their own costumes. “Always amazing kasi nakikita mo &#x27;yung passion ng mga bata and you also learn from them for some reason. Their energy, their enthusiasm is so inspiring,” he said. Whether young or old, through musical form or the traditional street performance, Mercado believes that they are all driven with one mission. “Gusto ko lang makita ng mga tao &#x27;yung pagmamahal, &#x27;yung mga miracles, &#x27;yung love and sacrifices ni Jesus Christ. &#x27;Yun lang talaga ang gusto namin every year.”(All I wanted is for the people to see the love, the miracles, the love and sacrifices of Jesus Christ. That’s all we want every year.) <div> </div>

Every Holy week, theater productions from different cities across the country gather for their performance of the annual cenaculo, which depicts the life, suffering and sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

Actors playing Jesus Christ highlight importance of their devotion

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Actors playing Jesus Christ highlight importance of their devotion

MJ Felipe,

ABS-CBN News

Published March 26, 2024 02:44 PM PHT

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Updated March 26, 2024 02:49 PM PHT

Read More:

Jesus Christ

Holy Week

Roeder Camanag

Laurent Mercado

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