As the nation pauses for Holy Week, a time for reflection and spiritual contemplation, some Filipino celebrities share their ways of observing this sacred period. Their experiences, ranging from heartfelt family moments to deep-rooted traditions, offer a glimpse into the diverse ways faith is practiced and cherished.

These glimpses into their Holy Week observances showcase the diverse yet deeply personal ways individuals connect with their faith during this significant time of the year. Their stories remind us of the importance of reflection, gratitude and cherished traditions.

Coco Martin: A decade of gratitude to the Black Nazarene

For actor Coco Martin, his devotion to the Black Nazarene is a deeply personal journey spanning over a decade. He openly credits the iconic Catholic figure for his success, recalling a time when he earnestly prayed for any job. “Personally kung tinanong mo ako, kung nasaan man ako ngayon, siguro utang na loob ko lahat sa Nazareno (If you ask me where I am now, I would say I owe it all to the Nazarene),” Coco shared last December.

His connection began in 2007 during the filming of Dante Mendoza’s indie film Tirador, a project set against the backdrop of Holy Week and elections in Quiapo, the home of the Black Nazarene. Coco has often spoken about this pivotal time, acknowledging the blessings that followed. “Noong 2007 nu’ng nahawakan ko siya. Sa pelikula namin ni direk Dante na Tirador. Doon nag-start ng lahat ng kung anuman ito (It was in 2007 when I was first touched the image. It was for the film we did under director Dante called Tirador. That was the start of whatever this is),” he recounted.

He vividly remembers praying for a simple opportunity: “Sabi ko dati, nagsisimba kami ng lola ko, sinasabi ko lagi, ‘Mahal na Nazareno, bigyan niyo lang ako ng trabaho. Kahit ano. Kahit hindi ako matulog’ (Before, when I went to hear mass with my grandmother, I always prayed, ‘Beloved Nazarene, please help me find a job, any job, even one where I won’t sleep),” Coco revealed.

Having experienced rejections and short-term contracts before his breakthrough, including stints as a waiter, janitor, dishwasher and even an overseas worker, his prayers held deep sincerity.

Reflecting on the impact of that encounter, Coco shared, “Ngayon 2025 na. Mula noon hindi na ako natulog. Kasi nga sabi ko, grabe ‘yung biyayang pinagkaloob niya sa akin. Sobra sobra (After I touched the Nazarene in 2007, after that, after promising never to sleep if I found work, now it’s 2025. I have not rested since that time. Because, as I have said, He has blessed me so much. So much).”

True to his devotion, Coco was recently spotted at the “pahalik” (kissing of the feet of the Black Nazarene) in Quiapo, joining fellow celebrity devotees like Angeline Quinto and McCoy de Leon, driven by devotion, gratitude and inspiration.