Authorities said around 5,000 devotees gathered early Sunday to participate in a procession for the Feast of Sto. Niño de Tondo in Tondo, Manila.
Manila Police District (MPD) Director Police Brigadier General Arnold Thomas Ibay also reported that there were no untoward incidents in Tondo or in Pandacan, which was also celebrating the Feast of Sto. Niño de Pandacan.
The feast is also celebrated in other regions of the country, including Kalibo, Aklan, and Cebu.
As of 6:55 a.m. on Sunday, the image of Sto. Niño de Tondo had returned to the Archdiocesan Shrine and Parish of Santo Niño, according to a Super Radyo dzBB report.
The procession lasted nearly three hours, passing through the streets within the parish area. In Pandacan, an estimated 18,000 to 20,000 people attended the Buling-Buling Festival on Saturday, Ibay noted.
Ibay said the MPD deployed sufficient personnel to maintain security in both areas of Manila. He also advised those celebrating the feast to drink in moderation to prevent accidents.
The first image of Sto. Niño (Child Jesus) arrived in the Philippines in 1564 from Natividad, Mexico. The annual procession began in 1572, featuring multiple images of Sto. Niño.
The Feast of Sto. Niño de Tondo is held every third Sunday of January.
The Sinulog Festival 2025 in Cebu meanwhile has attracted over 200,000 spectators to its main venue, showcasing more than 44 dancing contingents.
Despite the intense heat, the contingents, along with floats and higantes, marched on, while thousands of spectators lined the parade route, braving the sweltering temperatures.
The atmosphere was vibrant, filled with music, dance, and colorful costumes.
Organizers reported that the event was running smoothly and expected the crowd to grow as the day went on.
“Yes, we are still the mother of all festivals,” said Cebu City Mayor Raymond Garcia.
Other performances include those from Bacolod City’s Masskara Festival, Dumaguete City’s Sandurot Festival, and a contingent from Albay in Bicol.
Security officials reported no major incidents, except for a float that stalled due to engine issues.
With temperatures expected to be more bearable in the afternoon and evening, authorities are anticipating more revelers. The Sinulog Festival coincides with the 460th anniversary celebration of the Santo Niño de Cebu.