BenCab: Meeting a Fellow Batang Tundo

Believe it or not, despite of being a frequent vacationer in the country's Summer Capital, I haven't been to this place that serves as one of Baguio City's artistic gem. But did you know that before National Artist Benedicto "BenCab" Cabrera move in here, he was one of those kids from Tondo who aspire to be great through the use of his God-given talent?

This was my first visit in this inspiring museum. Though I'm not really a fan of his works before, after meeting him personally and hearing some nice words about him from his staff, I must say that I was a lucky biatch that time to meet the man behind these great artworks personally and heard from his mouth how Tondo made the BenCab he is now.

With a great number of "Bulol" or the Igorot Guardians in every corner of the museum, you'll stop wondering why BenCab's museum is here in Baguio City. Just like the other museums that I've been too, the design in here is so simple, which made every artistic work noticeable and admirable.

Feast of Sto. Nino de Tondo, Shadow of the Sinulog and Ati-atihan Festivals

When it comes to celebrating the Feast of Sto. Nino, we at Tondo, Manila, know very well that we cannot compete with the kind of celebration they have there in Cebu. But despite of that, nothing could actually stop us from celebrating the coming of Sto. Nino to the Filipinos. Subukan nyo, nang makita nyo ang mga Siga ng Tundo! Hahaha!

Happening the same Sunday as Sinulog Festival and Ati-atihan Festival, which is on the third Sunday of January, is Tondo, Manila's Lakbayaw Festival, a festival composed of sing and dance dedicated to Sto. Nino de Tondo. Just like in Cebu, a weekend full of street dancing and chanting of "Viva, Viva Sto. Nino!," the Lakbayaw Festival of Tondo is a mixed of street dancing and solemn procession whereas participating schools in the area dress up and dance to compete on this year Lakbayaw Street Dance Competition.

The Festival is basically new, but it already caught some attention from the country due to its resounding success. I haven't seen any of the Lakbayaw shows yet, but I always make sure that I get to visit the church on the feast day - to give thanks to one who we basically consider as our patron saint - the Sto. Nino.

Feast of Sto. Nino de Tondo 2013: Viva Santo Nino!

From Kalibo to Cebu, from Pandacan to Tondo, I guess, there's really no reason to doubt how many people believe and keep their faith to the young Jesus brought by Spaniards centuries ago. And this year, as I celebrate the Feast of Sto. Nino in my hometown once again, Tondo - after that memorable and wonderful experience I had last year in Ati-atihan Festival of Kalibo, Aklan, I guess, there's still no place like home! Happy fiesta, Sto. Nino de Tondo!

Compared to the provinces from the south, Sto. Nino here in Manila has completely changed its image, but despite of that, the devotion given to the holy child was very evident to the number of people flock to its churches to celebrate his festivity.

And yesterday, together with my aunts who are devotees too of the Sto. Nino, I visited once again the first district of Tondo to see how the celebration was kept alive and how the people of Tondo show their unique way of thanking the miraculous image that started Catholicism in the country.

On my Way to the Altar: A Sto.Niño de Tondo Visit

When ever I have a chance to visit Sto. Niño de Tondo Parish, I always make sure that I will walk my way to the altar, a replica of Sto. Nino de Cebu, which is located at the upper level of the said church where one can see the replica closer and make a wish!

It is just some few steps, but it’ll take you some minutes, depending on the number of visitors who like to knock on the altar behind the bars and make a wish for themselves and for their families.

They say that this Señor Sto. Niño answers one’s wishes, no wonder a lot of his devotees really took time in lining up and following the trail to the altar.

Here are some of the photos that I took on my way to the altar:

Feast of Sto. Niño de Tondo 2011

As the whole country focuses its attention to the Queen City of the South , Cebu, as they celebrate there the Sinulog Festival in respect to the little Jesus – Sto. Niño – here in Metro Manila, we, the people from Tondo, Manila, also give praise and thanks to our little patron who’s been so good to us all these year.

Yes, look here as I share to all of you the Feast of Sto. Niño de Tondo!

Just like in Cebu, every third Sunday of January, people from Manila gather at Sto. Niño de Tondo Parish to celebrate and give thanks for all the blessings and miracles that the little Jesus has given to us. On the streets of Tondo, you’ll see dances and praises of different local bands chanting “Viva, Viva, Sto. Niño!”