TV host and Tutok To Win Partylist Representative Sam Verzosa joined thousands of devotees in the Traslacion procession for the Feast of the Black Nazarene on January 9, marking his 16th year of devotion.
The annual event, which began at Quirino Grandstand and ended at Quiapo Church, is one of the most significant religious traditions in the country.
Verzosa, who has become a member of Hijos del Nazareno, shared his spiritual journey and commitment to the Black Nazarene during the event.
“At tuwing translacion sila po iyong nasa itaas ng Andas. Debosyon ko ‘yan, ipinangako ko iyan, panata ko na iyan. Isa sa paraan ko iyan para makapagdasal nang taimtim at makakonek sa ating Mahal na Nazareno. Isinasama nila ako para sa pagsampa sa Andas,” Verzosa said.
As a member of Hijos del Nazareno, Verzosa helps protect the revered image during the procession and encourages others to strengthen their faith.
“Ang pananampalataya na walang gawa ay patay na pananampalataya. So kailangan isabuhay natin, hindi lang sa isang araw kundi sa buong buhay natin ‘yung pagiging deboto,” he added.
Despite years of participation, Verzosa admitted that the experience remains emotional and profound for him.
“Grabe na sa tuwing nalalapit ako sa Mahal na Poong Nazareno, nararamdaman ko ang presensiya at talagang kahit 16 years na akong namamanata, iba pa rin ‘yung nararamdaman kong kilabot lalo ngayon nakita ko siya nang malapitan,” he shared.
The congressman, who is also running for mayor of Manila, explained the spiritual significance of the Traslacion and responded to critics who question the need for such a physically demanding tradition.
“Pero para sa aming mga deboto mas nararamdaman mo ‘yung presensiya ng Panginoon. Mas ramdam namin kapag nagdarasal kami habang naglulubid. Mas ramdam namin kapag nahahawakan ‘yung krus kasi sobrang hirap niyang gawin,” he explained.
Verzosa recounted how his devotion began after a turning point in his life 16 years ago.
“Sixteen years ago bago ako namanata, down na down ako, araw ng Nazareno noon, nag-iikot-ikot ako sa Maynila nakikita ko may mga naglalakad. May problema ako, may hinahabol akong bayarin, may kailangan akong habuling big project. Ipinagdasal ko,” he said.
@lionheartv @Sam Verzosa recounted how his devotion began after a turning point in his life 16 years ago #SamVerzosa #BlackNazarene #EntertainmentNewsPH #TiktokTainmentPH #NewsPH #BestOfTiktokPH #LionhearTV #RAWRNation
His prayers were answered that same day, changing his life entirely.
“Sinabi ko na tulungan ako at mamamanata ako sa Iyo habambuhay. At alam mo, God works in mysterious ways. Talagang noong araw na iyon for some reasons natupad agad ang idinasal ko. Natupad agad ang mga kailangan ko at na-solve ang mga problema ko,” Verzosa shared. “Simula noong araw na iyon nabago ang buhay ko. Gumanda, umasenso, full 360 degrees, more than that pa nga, eh. Bukod kasi sa mga ipinagdasal ko, sobra-sobra pa ang ibinigay sa akin ng Panginoon.” Verzosa now dedicates his prayers to the welfare of others, particularly for the people of Manila.
“Ngayon para sa lungsod ng Maynila ‘yun ang dasal ko na magkaroon ng improvement sa buhay ng mga kababayan natin,” he concluded.
