Kapuso actor Yasser Marta posted on Instagram pictures taken from his portrayal of Jesus Christ in a Senakulo in Angeles, Pampanga.
The three-day event titled Siete Palabras 2026 depicted the final hours of Jesus, concluding with his crucifixion and death on the cross.
Taken from the Spanish word cenáculo, the Senakulo is a religious tradition in the country during Holy Week, where actors reenact through a public performance the suffering of Jesus as told in the Bible.
The province of Pampanga is well known for its annual Senakulo performances.
In places like San Pedro Cutud and San Fernando, some devotees even take part in voluntary real-life crucifixions on Good Friday — a controversial practice that draws widespread attention, including from international visitors, but is discouraged by the Catholic Church.
PROUD TO PORTRAY JESUS
In his post, Yasser wrote, "Honored to tell His story. Maraming salamat po [prayer emoji]."
In a previous interview, Yasser revealed that portraying Jesus had been something he had wished to take on since becoming an actor.
“Sa akin, dati pa kasi, bata pa lang ako, sinasabihan akong kamukha ko raw si Jesus Christ,” he shared.
“So ngayon, na talagang naisatupad, it’s a dream come true talaga. Siyempre, Jesus Christ yun, e.
“Kumbaga, iyon na yun, e. Para sa buong mundo. Kaya sobra akong natutuwa. At sana, mabigyan ko ng hustisya talaga.”
Read: Yasser Marta and Robb Guinto now in a relationship
A MUSLIM PORTRAYING JESUS
Some have questioned whether Yasser’s involvement in the Holy Week street play might draw concern from the Muslim community.
Yasser is a Muslim and of Portuguese and Tausug descent.
He also grew up in Saudi Arabia, a predominantly Muslim country and the birthplace of Islam.
“Yung mga Muslim ko ngang mga kapatid, hindi naman din nag-react,” stressed Yasser in a conversation with PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal) before the Holy Week.
“So, parang ako, I’m just doing my job. Mahal ko yung ginagawa ko. Yung pagiging Kristo ay ibibigay ko rin yung buong puso ko doon.”
Read: Pagganap ni Yasser Marta na Kristo, tanggap daw ng mga Muslim