Meet the Oldest Bodyguard of the Nazareno

(SPOT.ph) The Hijos del Nazareno is a group that could only exist in Quiapo. Dating all the way back to 1939, it was formed for a singular purpose: to guard the Holy Image of the Black Nazarene during processions. They are the men you see accompanying the statue as it makes its way through Manila's streets, surrounded by throngs of people who wish to be blessed by the poon. Up there on the traveling platform, or perhaps even on the ground, you might spot a figure with white hair and a mustache to match. This is Eugenio A. Jongco, the oldest among the Nazareno's bodyguards.

When we catch up with Jongco at the Basilica, he stands with certainty in front of several replicas of the Nazareno. When he talks about what life is like in service, there's a hint of well-deserved pride in his voice. 

How Eugenio Jongco Got His Start With the Nazarenos

At 77 years old, Jongco is something of an institution among the Hijos. How could he not be? He's been a part of the Basilica since 1954—when even the Hijos del Nazareno was a relatively young group—first serving as an acolyte. He started when he was around eight. His father and grandfather both served at the church. It was only natural that he would serve, too.

The Jongcos lived in Raon back then, those days when the battle was between Wanton King and Ma Mon Luk. He recalls the old food stalls at Quinta Market, and laments at how the food now doesn't compare. He points to a nearby bank, telling us it was once an Alaska Soda Fountain. Now a widower, Jongco lives with his son and the latter's family in Bagong Silangan, Quezon City. But it's easy to see his heart has never left Quiapo.

Jongco was around 15 when he first guarded the Nazareno during a procession. "Wala pa 'yung gulong-gulong [of the platform], kaya bumabagsak 'yung Nazareno, talagang lumalagabog sa lupa at nagkakagulo mga deboto," recalls the devotee. Since then, the Traslacion would become a regular form of devotion for Jongco, and he would join practically every procession since.

As a senior acolyte back in the day, Jongco spent afternoons cooking hostia with his peers using special irons at the basilica. Now they simply purchase the sacramental bread. When he started working, he would make sure to join the morning church services before heading out. The basilica was a big part of his growing up years; same with his friends. "Cute pa lang [kami] hangga't naglakihan kami [nandito pa din]." Jongco worked in a bottling company before moving to Manila Times where he became a photographer.

How Quiapo's Traslacion has changed

Throughout the years, Jongco's devotion to the Nazareno remained steady.

He's seen a lot happen at the processions, he tells us, and no, they weren't all good. There were fainting spells, people getting hurt, heated arguments, even death. With the return of the Traslacion after three years this January, there was a certain apprehension. "Magiging iba ang takbuhan dahil sa sobrang sabik ng tao."

But Jongco knows better than to worry too much. "Sabi naman ng Diyos, ingatan mo sarili mo, iingatan kita," he says. Still, with the millions of people that converge in the streets of Manila during the January event, hoping to catch a glimpse of the statue, maybe wipe a body part with a handkerchief, Jongco believes safety remains important. He reminds the people of Manila that they have the rest of the year to come to church for the Nazareno's blessing. "Sana yung araw na pangkalahatan, ipaubaya mo na [sa hindi taga-dito]. Lalo na yung mga hindi na makalakad, mga may edad na, hayaan mo na silang makita ng maayos [ang Nazareno]," Jongco says. "Kung talagang deboto tayo, pakita natin na deboto tayo hindi sa salita kung hindi sa gawa." 

From having the holy statue on a platform with no wheels to the Hijos now transporting a Nazareno encased in glass, Jongco has been witness to the changes in the annual procession. What hasn't changed is the people's devotion—and Jongco's own.

What's the best part about being an Hijo? "Nakakatulong ka sa parokya, nakakapagsilbi," he tells us. What rewards he may get in return, that's not in his mind. Instead, he's simply thankful. "Maraming pagsubok," he tells us, speaking from experience, but everytime something bad happens, "may tulong na dumarating na hindi mo inaasahan." He doesn't expect to reap rewards in this life anyway. "Mas masakit 'yung umasa ka, tapos 'pag hindi dumating, nagkakaroon ka ng pagtampo."

Last year, Jongco was able to travel to the Holy Land, thanks to a program for the Nazareno. It was sort of a full circle moment for the senior deboto, visiting the spots where Jesus—whose statue he's guarded practically his whole life—once walked. We ask if he will continue spending his time in church, despite his advanced age and with all the places he's been, the things he's seen and done. With a sure smile he replies: "Nandito ang boss ko eh. 'Pag sinabi nyang dyan ka, dyan ka lang talaga."

Photos by Jilson Tiu.