TAGBILARAN CITY—Growing up, Gerwin Yudelmo was surrounded by stories of faith and devotion centered on the Sto. Niño de Cebu.
His deep connection to the Child Jesus began at home. Yudelmo’s mother, Gilie, 57, has long served as caretaker of the Sto. Niño Chapel in Sitio Sto. Niño, Barangay Poblacion, Inabanga—about 71 kilometers from Tagbilaran City. From an early age, he was taught to seek the Sto. Niño’s guidance in moments of both joy and hardship.
“I heard many good things about the Sto. Niño, and we were always told to pray for His guidance,” shares Yudelmo, now a 34-year-old call center agent.
For him, devotion is woven into everyday life.
“In everything that happens in our lives—sorrows and happiness—He is part of us. He is always there,” he says in Cebuano.
There were moments when his faith took on a deeply personal form. Yudelmo recalls dreaming of the Sto. Niño appearing without clothes—something he believed was a sign that the image enshrined in their chapel needed a new dress.
For devotees like him, such dreams are gentle reminders of care, attention and reverence.
Community fiesta
Together with his younger brother Jevo, 28, Yudelmo helps organize activities for the Sto. Niño fiesta in their community, held a week after the grand Sinulog celebration in Cebu.
Whenever possible, they attend Sinulog, even bringing their own image of the Sto. Niño to Cebu to be blessed at the Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño.
When Yudelmo later worked in Cebu, his visits to the basilica became more frequent. The Sto. Niño, he says, became his source of strength, especially during difficult times.
A week before Sinulog each year, he also quietly shares his blessings with people gathered outside the basilica, practicing charity as part of his devotion.
More than miracles or tradition, Yudelmo credits the Sto. Niño for teaching him values that shape his daily life—humility, patience and forgiveness.
“He taught me not to harbor anger toward others, to be like a child who easily lets go and makes peace,” he tells the Inquirer.
Devotion to the Sto. Niño continues to grow across Bohol, with fiestas held in towns such as Cortes, Valencia, Anda, Getafe and Ubay.
Many Boholanos regularly travel to Cebu—just about two hours away by fast craft—to take part in Sinulog and deepen their faith.
Just like in the past years, Cebu City will again burst with color and energy during the Sinulog Festival this month, drawing devotees like Yudelmo. Held on the third Sunday of the month, the event honors the Feast of Señor Sto. Niño de Cebu and is recognized as the country’s biggest and most spectacular festival.
Although the Sto. Niño is not the city’s official patron saint, the Holy Child holds deep cultural and religious significance for Cebuanos and devotees from across the globe.
Expression of faith
With centuries-old traditions blending spirituality and festivity, Sinulog has become more than a celebration—it is a living expression of faith, identity and devotion.
City officials assured the public that Cebu City is fully prepared to host the expected influx of devotees and festival-goers for the Fiesta Señor and Sinulog 2026 that culminates this month.
Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival Sr. says comprehensive security and emergency measures are in place to ensure a safe and orderly celebration.
“Just come here and celebrate with us. The city government, the PNP and all other uniformed personnel are here to make sure Sinulog will be safe,” Archival states.
According to the mayor, the city expects four to five million devotees and revelers to participate in this year’s Fiesta Señor and Sinulog. To manage the crowd, a total of 6,557 personnel from various agencies will be deployed throughout the festivities.
No threat
Archival also stresses that there will be no signal shutdown during the Sinulog Grand Parade on Jan. 18 to ensure uninterrupted communication and public safety.
“There will be no signal shutdown. So far, there is no threat,” he says, adding that the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency would only recommend such a measure if necessary.
A total of 37 contingents have confirmed their participation in the Sinulog 2026 Grand Parade and Ritual Showdown, reflecting strong local and national representation.
Out-of-town contingents include Cotabato Province’s Kalivungan Festival of Amas in Kidapawan City; Zamboanga City High School–Main; Bais City; Tabaco College in Albay; Antipolo City; Muntinlupa City; Talon-Talon National High School and Maria Clara L. Lobregat National High School of Zamboanga City; Malita, Davao Occidental; Tagbilaran City; Zamboanga Sibugay; and Las Piñas City.
Cebu City will be represented by contingents from Lumad Basakanon, Basak Pardo, Barrio Luz, Guadalupe, Banilad, Binaliw, Mabolo, Tribu Kinaiyahan of San Nicolas Proper, Inayawan, San Roque, Tejero, Kasambagan, Babag, San Nicolas Proper, UP Cebu, Labangon and Talamban.
Also joining are contingents from Cebu Province and nearby cities, including Toledo City, Carcar City, Alcoy, Mandaue City, Carmen and Dumanjug, as well as guest performers from Danao City and the MassKara Festival of Bacolod City.
For Yudelmo, however, the Sto. Niño is found not only in grand celebrations or pilgrimages, but also in quiet acts of kindness and a childlike heart that learns to forgive. —LEO UDTOHAN, WITH A REPORT FROM NESTLE SEMILLA-DAKAY