Mayor Emi Calixto-Rubiano and family (Photo by Jean Fernando)
Around 30,000 to 40,000 devotees participated in the Fiesta del Sto. Niño Grand Procession in Pasay City on Sunday, Jan. 26.
Mayor Emi Calixto-Rubiano with Cong. Antonino Calixto (Photo by Jean Fernando)
Pasay City Mayor Emi Calixto-Rubiano, who served as Hermana Mayores, said the procession featured thousands of Child Jesus statues carried by devotees from various cities, towns, and parishes across Metro Manila.
She said around 100 floats participated in the procession, turning the city’s streets into a sea of colors from the Star City open grounds to the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC).
Each Child Jesus was dressed in intricate clothing and flowers, showcasing the unique traditions and artistry of its respective community.
The mayor said the air buzzed with excitement, prayers, and the rhythmic beats of drums and other musical instruments, creating an atmosphere of joyous celebration and shared faith as devotees expressed their gratitude and devotion to the Sto. Niño.
Rubiano said families, individuals, and church groups joined, with many traveling far to take part in the important religious event.
“With this year’s theme ‘O Bunying Sto. Nino Pag-asa ng Naglalakbay’ comforts us in whatever circumstances of life we may be, kasama natin ang Sto. Nino na nagbibigay pag-asa at kasama natin araw-araw (The Sto. Niño is with us, bringing hope and guiding us every day)," she said.
She stated that Pasay City will always be the home of Sto. Niño, a place of living faith, vibrant hope, and ardent love.
