Every January, hundreds of thousands of people from various backgrounds gather to see the statue of Jesus Christ. These devotees share how the Nazareno has transformed their lives.

Among the devotees are several well-known celebrities from the entertainment industry. As the image of Jesus Nazareno celebrates its 419th year, these celebrities, each with their unique stories of devotion, provide insight into how the Nazareno has influenced their lives.

Angeline Quinto

Spending her childhood life in the bustling streets of Sampaloc, Manila, Kapamilya actress-singer Angeline Quinto, 35, grew up with the tradition of participating by carrying an image of Jesus Nazareno during the procession to Quiapo Church together with her adoptive mother, Sylvia Quinto, whom she lovingly calls Mama Bob.

“Nag-start siya kasi lumaki po ako sa Sampaloc. Ang Mama Bob ko at yung buong street namin sa Marzan, may imahe po kami na every year dinadala sa Quiapo Church,” Angeline recalled in an interview.

(It started because I grew up in Sampaloc. My Mama Bob and our entire street in Marzan, have an image that is brought to Quiapo Church every year)

Through her devotion and prayers, Angeline won in 2011 on ABS-CBN’s “Star Power: Search for the Next Female Pop Superstar,” marking her beautiful journey through singing.

"Every Friday and Sunday, andoon po ako sa Quiapo nagdadasal. Bago ako sumali sa Star Power, dasal ko talaga magkaroon ng regular na trabaho sa pagkanta. Nag-try lang ako, hindi ko in-expect na magtutuloy-tuloy. Alam ko po na galing sa Kanya,” she shared.

(Every Friday and Sunday, I was there in Quiapo praying. Before I joined Star Power, I really wished to have a regular singing job. I just tried, I didn't expect it to continue. I know it's from Him)

Coco Martin

Coco Martin, 43, also known as the real-life "Batang Quiapo" is another example of the Jesus Nazareno devotee. Since 2007, Coco has been actively participating in the procession of Jesus Nazareno asking for guidance and blessings.

As a testament to his never-ending devotion, Coco was blessed with blessings and recognition when he started to make a name in the Entertainment industry. It can be recalled that during the last Jesus Nazareno celebration, Coco did an actual scene at the parade filming for his series "FPJ's Ang Batang Quiapo." 

"Walang hanggang pasasalamat sa Poong Jesus Nazareno sa lubos na biyaya, pagmamahal, at paggabay sa akin at sa aking pamilya. Higit pa sa hiniling ko ang binigay Niyo sa akin" Coco wrote on his Instagram post.

(Eternal gratitude to the Lord Jesus Nazareno for the complete grace, love, and guidance to me and my family. You gave me more than I asked for)

Sam Versoza

Growing up on the streets of Sampaloc, Sam Versoza is affectionately referred to as "Batang Sampaloc" in his hometown. Since the Feast of the Jesus Nazarene is widely observed annually throughout the City of Manila, it was nothing new to him.

It was in 2009 when he first participated in the procession of the Jesus Nazareno. Since then, Sam worked hard to give his family the life they deserve, and his prayers and wishes were miraculously answered and granted to him.

Sam is known as one of the co-founders of a successful marketing company in the Philippines, he also dabbles in giving back to his community by having community outreach programs. 

As part of his devotion, Sam walked along the streets of Manila barefoot along with the other devotees.

One of his biggest influences for his unwavering faith in the Lord was his late father, Samuel Verzosa Sr. 

McCoy De Leon

Actor Mccoy De Leon, 29, is another devotee of the Jesus Nazareno who actively participates with his family. Being a devotee for a long time, McCoy was also blessed with a good career in showbiz, and building a family with Elise Joson.

As a passed-down tradition, McCoy introduced the tradition to his daughter Felize with the chant, "Viva Nazareno!”

On Instagram, De Leon shared his heartfelt gratitude:

"Nasaan na siya (Poong Nazareno)?

"Yan ang linya lagi para makita mo siya at nung oras na nakita ko siya't mahawakan ulit matapos ng maraming taon, wala ako masabi kundi "Salamat Poong Nazareno". Tanging nasa isip ko lang nung kaharap ko siya ang mga mahal ko sa buhay at ang pamilya ko."

(That's always the line for you to see him and when I saw him and held him again after many years, I couldn't say anything but "Thank you Jesus Nazareno". My only thoughts when I was facing him were my loved ones and my family) 
 

Sa mga kapatid ko na deboto saludo ako sa tindi ng pananampalataya niyo walang nagbabago. Viva Poong Nazareno!

(To my devoted brothers and sisters, I salute the intensity of your faith, nothing changes. Viva Lord Nazarene!) 

Renee Salud

Renee Salud, 77, a seasoned fashion designer, attributes his perseverance and ultimate success in life to his faith in the Jesus Nazareno.

“Parang may feeling ka na nandiyan Siya palagi at ibibigay Niya sa’yo,” Salud said, recalling how he would visit Quiapo Church every Friday to give thanks.

(It's like you have a feeling that He is always there and He will give to you)

Rene also recalled how he used to go to Quiapo Church on his knees as a gesture of faith and devotion.

Giselle Sanchez

Comedienne-host Giselle Sanchez, 49, has been a devotee of Jesus Nazareno for more than 15 years. She recalled in an interview with TV5, Giselle said that she was an accidental devotee at first.

"Parang pumasok ang Holy Spirit sa akin. Nakaramdam ako ng kagalingan,” Giselle said.

(It was like the Holy Spirit entered me. I felt well)

In a 2016 interview, Sanchez said she recovered from an illness after praying to Jesus Nazareno in 2009.

Noli De Castro

Veteran news anchor Noli de Castro, 75, believes that the Jesus Nazareno intentionally guided him on his journey of faith. Since his college days, Noli had a habit of making a quick trip to Quiapo Church and saying his prayers.

Every year during the Traslacion, he actively participated in the procession, carrying the image of the Nazareno and offering prayers for his intentions. 

Although he rarely joins the precession on the past event, Noli has another of showing his devotion and this reporting the live happenings of the parade at the Quiapo Church.