As morning slowly settles over the city, the streets come alive in waves of red and gold as devotees make their way toward the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño de Cebu for the opening day of the Novena Mass of the 461st Fiesta Señor. Amid the soft murmur of prayers and bowed heads, three young girls blend quietly into the moving crowd.

Francheska, Rhorynfi, and Mary, Grade 9 students from Cebu City National Science High School, chose to attend the first day of the Novena Mass together. Dressed in their school uniforms, they stood out gently among the sea of devotees with their pressed collars and swinging ID laces marking them as students.

Their presence felt deeply rooted, as if they had always belonged to this sacred morning ritual.

Every step they took towards the Basilica carried hopes and prayers that offered comfort, shaped by stories, habits, and traditions passed down by their parents, reminding the audience of faith's role in providing hope during difficult times.

For Rhorynfi, the Santo Niño stands as a personal symbol of hope, deeply intertwined with her family's story.

She recalled a time marked by fear and uncertainty, when her mother never stopped praying. Faced with complications during childbirth that led to Rhorynfi being born earlier than expected, her mother turned to the Santo Niño daily, holding tightly to the belief in healing.

"She would go to Santo Niño every day until I got better," Rhorynfi shared.

Day after day, the prayers continued—until her condition finally stabilized. That devotion stayed with her, as did her mother's quiet reassurance.

In moments when hope feels fragile, faith endures. "Even in times nga feel nimo wala na'y hope," she said, "just turn to Santo Niño."

For her, belief does not need to be loud. It is steady. It remains. Francheska grew up learning the same lesson. Faith was introduced early in her life—constant, simple, and reassuring. She was taught where to turn when life feels heavy, and who to speak to when words become difficult to say.

"If you have problems, you can go to Santo Niño and pray," she shared.

Some worries feel too overwhelming, too personal, or too difficult to explain. For Francheska, the Santo Niño becomes a quiet listener. "If your problems are extremely big, and you can't share [them] with your parents or your friends, you can share [them] with Santo Niño."

Mary shared the same belief, having grown up watching faith lived out at home through prayer and devotion. Her sentiments echoed those of her friends, as did her reason for being there.

Surrounded by strangers, the three remained unmistakably themselves—students in uniform, daughters shaped by their parents' prayers, friends bound by shared time and belief. Still young, yet firmly grounded. Still learning, yet already certain of where to return.

Together, their friendship and faith grew deeper, guided and sustained by a shared devotion to the Santo Niño—a testament to the enduring power of the three F's: friendship, family, and faith./Anly Faye Dublin (CNU Volunteer)

From the bustling city of Toledo, Editha and Raymundo, both 67, have long believed in the power of faith and answered prayers. Their story began with a simple yet heartfelt wish—to have a daughter.

Though they were blessed with five sons, the couple continued to pray for a child they had long hoped for.

“Sauna, kanang kami managtiayon kay ang among anak lima ka lalaki, dayon sige gyud ko’g pangandoy og babae,” Editha recalled.

When she became pregnant for the sixth time and was finally blessed with a daughter, Editha knew it was no coincidence; it was an answered prayer through the Santo Niño.

“Akong pag-ampo Niya natagaan ko og babae na anak, hantod karon nag-deboto jud gihapon mi Niya sukad sa among pagkaminyo,” she emphasized.

From then on, every Friday became sacred. The couple made it a lifelong commitment to pray the Holy Rosary and faithfully recite the novena of the Santo Niño—a promise of thanksgiving they continue to honor to this day.

But the answered prayer did not end there. Editha believes their devotion carried their family through the years. All six of their children finished their studies, an achievement she attributes not only to perseverance but also to divine guidance.

“Akong mga anak sad nakalampos na sa pag skwela tungod sa among [debosyon] ni Santo Niño,” she shared.

Today, their children are all grown—disciplined, grounded in strong values, and with families of their own. One son serves as a police officer, while their only daughter is now a teacher.

Editha does not pray for wealth or grand miracles. For her, good health, respectful children, and a peaceful home are more than enough.

“Kontento na kaayo ko sa mga blessings na Iyang gihatag sa amoa,”

she said.
Respect remains the foundation of their household—a living testament, she believes, that their prayers were not only heard but lovingly answered.

Although they are originally from Toledo City, Editha and Raymundo make it a point to visit Cebu City at least once during the Fiesta Señor, and whenever they have the chance.

Sharing the same steadfast faith, Raymundo believes that prayers offered with sincerity will always be answered.

“Salig lang, sa pag-sige lang namo og [ampo] ni Santo Niño ari sa Cebu, matuman man,” he shared./Giane Pilapil (CNU Volunteer)

While thousands come daily to the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño de Cebu to pray for miracles, Patricio O. Balberona, fondly known as Pat to his colleagues, offers one through quiet service: his time, his strength, and his unwavering faith.

At 73, his devotion continues to inspire those around him. For the past 24 years, he has served the Holy Church not as a paid guard but as the Head of the Basilica Pilgrim Assistant Volunteers (BPAV), proving that devotion does not fade with age but grows deeper with purpose.

His role is similar to that of security personnel, ensuring order and offering guidance to the thousands of devotees who visit the Basilica each day. Balberona leads 220 volunteers, a responsibility he carries with humility, patience, and care.

To him, leadership is never about authority. True service means expecting nothing in return. His devotion was shaped by a moment suspended between life and death.

In the year 2000, a sudden incident brought him to the brink when he was stabbed. As he was wheeled into the operating room, Balberona recalls seeing the face of the Holy Child, Señor Santo Niño.

In that moment, he entrusted his life to God and made a promise. If he were spared, he would dedicate his life to serving the Santo Niño.

"Kung Iya kung buhion, muserbisyo ko niya," he said.

By God's grace, he survived, and he kept his vow.

The following year, he walked into the Basilica with no connections and no position, carrying only a willing heart. He simply asked how he could help.

That single question marked the beginning of a lifetime of service. To Balberona, age is not a limitation but a blessing.

Service gives him joy, and faith keeps him steady. He believes the Santo Niño never turns away sincere prayers. Answers may not come immediately, but grace always finds its way.

"Si Señor Santo Niño di gyud na mudili. Kung naa kay pangayuon, dili diha diha dayon, pero mahibong na lang ka, ma-feel nimo."

Beyond the Basilica, Balberona is a devoted father of four, two daughters and two sons.

One of his sons now serves alongside him as a BPAV volunteer, continuing a legacy shaped by faith, sacrifice, and love.

As the celebration approaches, Balberona's prayer remains simple. He asks for strength, good health, and the chance to continue serving the Holy Child.

His life reminds us that devotion is not measured by age, but by love./Angela Sarabosing (CNU Volunteer)