In an exclusive interview with ABS-CBN News' Marie Lozano, the 24-year-old singer recalled turning to the Black Nazarene when her mother was gravely ill.
"Nag 50-50 siya. Hindi ko alam kung mabubuhay pa talaga siya. Kaya everyday akong pumupunta sa kanya [Black Nazarene] noon. 'Yun lang yung dinasal ko tapos biglang naging okay si mama," she shared.
Narrating a time she took part in the Black Nazarene feast in Quiapo, Manila, Quinto said, "Nagulat na lang ako nakasampa talaga ako [sa float]. Tapos noong una, kinakabahan ako dahil nakita kong parating na lahat nung tao na kasama nung Nazareno. Pero sabi ko, hindi. Nandito na ako. Gusto ko naman talaga ito gawin."
"Nahalikan ko po 'yung kamay niya," she said.
Asked to recall how she felt when she touched the Black Nazarene, Quinto was at a loss for words.
"Sobrang nakakaiyak lalo na pag nandoon ka sa taas tapos nakikita mo 'yung mga tao na nagkakandarapa makaakyat tapos ikaw 'yung nandoon. Parang hindi ko alam kung anong mararamdaman ko kung hindi thank you lang," she said.
Since then, Quinto said she has had a lot to be thankful for to the Black Nazarene, especially when it comes to her career.
"Sa totoo lang, ang hiniling ko lang noon ay magkaroon ng isang trabaho na regular sa pamamagitan ng pagkanta ko. Hindi ko po hiniling na kung baga na makanalo sa mga contests," she said.
Quinto was referring to her win in ABS-CBN's "Star Power" in 2011, which paved the way for her to become one of the most decorated and best-selling female artists in the country.
"Kaya talagang naniniwala ako na kahit anong hilingin mo sa kanya, hindi man ngayong dumating, basta marunong ka lang mahintay, darating at darating," she said.
This year, to express her gratitude for the Black Nazarene, Quinto said that she will once again brave the millions-strong crowd to touch the image.
"This year, pag ma-contact ko ulit 'yung grupo na tumulong sa akin, sasampa ulit ako," she said.
source: www.abs-cbnnews.com
