Over six million pilgrims join 'Alay Lakad' in Antipolo

Throngs of pilgrims joined the annual Alay Lakad at the International Shrine of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage, commonly known as Antipolo Cathedral, April 2, 2026. Screenshot from video by Darylle Sarmiento, ABS-CBN News 

MANILA (UPDATE) — Millions of devotees from Metro Manila and nearby provinces joined Thursday in the annual "Alay Lakad" pilgrimage to the International Shrine of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage in Antipolo City.

An estimated 6,660,155 participants who joined the pilgrimage, the Philippine National Police reported.

Among the early pilgrims was Junie Torre, a longtime instructor for the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) who trains nurses aiming to work abroad.

Torre walked for six hours from Pasig to give thanks for the success of the more than 500 nurses he has helped send overseas.

“It’s a tradition kasi. What we do, me and my kids, babalutin namin yung bill in a coin. Babato namin,” he said, describing how his family offers their petitions at the altar.

“It’s just a prayer of thanks. I always do this to give thanks for all the blessings and ask for the continued blessing for the coming year, to keep us safe [and] healthy,” he added.

In Taytay, Rizal, the influx of pilgrims reached a peak, prompting authorities to barricade major roads and reroute motorists to ensure the safety of those heading to the shrine.

For veteran pilgrims, the journey is an essential act of penitence—a pause to seek guidance and atone for the year's shortcomings.

“Masarap na mahirap... kasi sama-sama. Naisip namin lahat 'yung mga nagagawa naming kasalanan, na nababawasan. At least kahit naliligaw kami ng landas, meron kaming patutunguhan,” said Arnel Guevarra.

YOUNG PILGRIMS

This year's walk also saw a noticeable shift in demographic: a hopeful new generation of pilgrims emerged, proving that the tradition remains alive among the youth.

For young pilgrims, the walk was more about finding meaning through shared experience.

“Masaya po ako, kasama ko po sila eh,” said Riel Borlagdatan.

Sixteen volleyball players from San Juan City, aged 17 to 25, also joined the overnight procession.

For Aisen Crisologo, the walk was a personal plea for her mother, who has been confined for three months due to a recently diagnosed blood-related illness.

“Yun kasi ang purpose ng alay-lakad: i-a-alay mo yung sarili mo… Isasacrifice mo yung sarili mo katulad ng ginawa ni Jesus Christ,” she said.

“Pinagdarasal ko na sana gumaling agad… mahirap din na walang nanay sa tahanan.”

The journey is far from easy. Pilgrims face the threat of heat exhaustion, suffocating crowds, and long queues, making the "Alay Lakad" a test of one's endurance. Yet for many, the struggle is purposeful — a way to reflect the Passion of Christ.

“Kahit mainit po and madaming tao, siksikan, siyempre it’s a sacrifice. Kasi, since Holy Week ngayon, kailangan po natin magtiis for God,” said Klara Fresco.

TOUGH YEAR FOR VENDORS

But while millions flocked to Antipolo, some vendors experienced an unusual slump.

Longtime suman vendor Josie Sumulong, who has sold outside the shrine for more than 30 years, said this year marked her worst Holy Week sales.

“First time talaga nangyari ngayong 2026… Sobrang sobra,” Sumulong said, citing rising prices of gasoline, glutinous rice, and even coconut leaves as factors.

“Mauubos na boses ko, wala pang bumibili… Wala naman kaming magagawa kaysa ma-bankrupt,” she added.

As pilgrims continued to flock to Antipolo Cathedral on Good Friday, the church prepared a series of major liturgical activities for the faithful. The day began with a communal confession, followed at noon by the traditional "Siete Palabras" or Seven Last Words.

The solemn Veneration of the Cross is set at 3 p.m., while the faithful are expected to gather again at 6 p.m. for the procession commemorating the burial of Jesus.

k ngayon, kailangan po natin magtiis for God,” said Klara Fresco.