As Pasig City celebrates the 23rd Bambino Grand Festival, devotees were urged by a Pasig barangay chairman to embrace what Sto. Niño or the Child Jesus represents: innocence, hope, and compassion.
According to Barangay San Antonio (BSA) Chairman Raymond Lising, Sto. Niño’s enduring spirit of innocence, hope, and compassion should serve as an inspiration among Pasigueños amid the festive Bambino celebration.
“As we celebrate the Feast of Sto. Niño, let us embrace the enduring spirit of innocence, hope, and compassion of the Señor Sto. Niño,” Lising said in a statement released on Sunday, January 21, 2024.
Pasig’s annual Bambino Festival, which is included in the calendar of activities of the Department of Tourism (DOT), gives honor to the Sto. Niño or the Child Jesus. To note, Bambino means “a baby or young child.”
“Just as the Sto. Niño symbolizes purity and divine love, may we, as a community, strive to nurture understanding, kindness, and unity,” the barangay leader added.
Moreover, Lising told devotees to let Sto. Niño encourage everyone to approach one another with humility in the midst of difficulties and acknowledge the sanctity within each individual.
“Together, may we build a future that reflects the virtues of Sto. Niño–a future filled with grace, understanding, and shared prosperity for all,” he expressed.
The BSA chairman believes that the festival is an opportunity for Pasigueños to come together as a community, fostering unity and solidarity.
“In our shared devotion to the Child Jesus, we find strength and support for one another. Let us use this time to build stronger bonds and bridging gaps,” he stated.
On Sunday, January 21, a Holy Mass was held at Immaculate Conception Cathedral around 1 p.m. Images brought by attendees were blessed.
After the mass, the participants from the 30 barangays of Pasig City joined the Bambino Grand Parade, marching along the parade route carrying their images of Sto. Niño. Here, the delegation of BSA outstood the other participants, having around 200 delegates and a float decorated with orchids. There were also cultural dancers clad in colorful costumes.
According to Pasig’s Traffic Parking Management Office (TPMO) estimate, around 7,000 devotees participated in the 23rd Bambino Grand Festival.
Meanwhile, as part of this year’s festivities, Pasig’s Bambino Exhibit, showcasing various images of the Sto. Niño or the Child Jesus, will be open to the public on the 2nd floor of SM City East Ortigas from January 29 to February 11, operating from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
For the latest happenings in the Philippines that make the world stop and make the world go, visit Traffic Digest‘s News Section.