The Basilica Minore del Santo Niño de Cebu commemorates the historic finding of the image of the “Balaang Bata” Santo Niño de Cebu through a series of liturgical events, processions, and cultural traditions. Rooted in history and sustained by centuries of devotion, the annual observance of Kaplag gathers thousands of faithful in a shared expression of faith, gratitude, and renewal.

Kaplag traces its origins to April 28, 1565, when Spanish soldier Juan de Camus discovered the image of the Santo Niño in a fire-ravaged village. The image became a powerful symbol of divine providence and marked the beginning of widespread devotion to the Holy Child in the Philippines.

Miguel López de Legazpi and his men venerated the image as a sign of God’s enduring presence. The image was later entrusted to the Augustinian friars, who played a crucial role in nurturing and spreading devotion to the Santo Niño. A chapel was built on the very site of the discovery, now the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño de Cebu. Legazpi then established every 28th day of April as the feast of the Kaplag.

For its 461st commemoration, the first day of the Triduum last April 25, 2026, began with a solemn Eucharistic Celebration. It was presided over by Rev. Fr. Andres D. Rivera, Jr., OSA, together with Augustinian friars Rev. Fr. Albert Benedict Soliman, OSA; Rev. Fr. Jules Van Almerez, OSA, and Rev. Fr. Cyril Jeth Tagalog, OSA. The Mass gathered different chapters of the Cofradía del Santo Niño de Cebu and various religious organizations.

Following the Holy Mass, the image of the Balaang Bata was brought out in a short mobile procession leading to the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral. The faithful accompanied the image in prayer and devotion. The image remained at the cathedral for one day before proceeding to the Archdiocesan Shrine of San Nicolas de Tolentino Parish.

On the second day of the Triduum last April 26, 2026, the pilgrim image of the Balaang Bata entered Barangay Pasil. The image visited the Santo Niño de Cebu Parish and the Archdiocesan Shrine of San Nicolas de Tolentino as part of its continuing journey.

Upon arriving at Santo Niño Parish in Pasil, devotees warmly welcomed the image despite the scorching heat of the sun. A Eucharistic Celebration was held in honor of the Santo Niño de Cebu as the faithful gathered in prayer and devotion.

The image was then brought to the Archdiocesan Shrine of San Nicolas de Tolentino. Devotees accompanied the Santo Niño along the way. Upon arrival, another solemn Eucharistic Celebration was held to welcome the sacred image. The Balaang Bata remained at San Nicolas Parish overnight.

While the image stayed at San Nicolas Parish, the second day of the Triduum culminated with a Eucharistic Celebration at the Santo Niño Pilgrim Center in the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño de Cebu.

Msgr. Vicente Rey Penagunda of the Archdiocese of Cebu presided over the Holy Mass together with Fr. Jose Roldan Tayactac, Fr. Nemie Boy Cataluña, OSA, and Fray CSN S. Pomoy, OSA.

On April 27, 2028, the third day of the Triduum for the Kaplag celebration, the Archdiocesan Shrine of San Nicolas de Tolentino held a send-off Mass in honor of the Holy Child as the faithful commemorated the finding of the image of the Santo Niño. Rev. Fr. Andres D. Rivera, OSA, presided over the Holy Mass together with other Augustinian friars.

Following the celebration, the pilgrim image of the Santo Niño de Cebu made its way back to the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño de Cebu.

The final day of the celebration commemorated the 461st anniversary of the finding of the Santo Niño image on April 28, 2026. A reenactment of the historic discovery was performed by the San Diego Dance Company prior to the Holy Mass, allowing the faithful to relive the moment that shaped Philippine Catholic devotion.

The culminating Eucharistic celebration was presided over by Rev. Fr. Danilo M. Carido, OSA, who emphasized in his homily that Kaplag is not merely a remembrance of the past, but a continuing story of miracle, conversion, and rediscovery of faith.

“We can only be found if we are to be found,” Fr. Carido reflected, reminding the faithful that God continually seeks His people, inviting them to return to His presence.

The celebration concluded with vibrant expressions of devotion, including a traditional Sinulog dance and a Halad Sinulog offered by various chapters of the Cofradía del Santo Niño de Cebu, educational institutions, and cultural groups.

More than a historical commemoration, Kaplag serves as a powerful reminder of faith that endures through time. From its origins in 1565 to its present-day celebration, it continues to inspire devotion, unity, and spiritual renewal among Filipino Catholics.

As the faithful rejoiced in faith, “Viva Pit Señor!”, the 461st Kaplag stood as a living testament to a faith that continues to be rediscovered in every generation./Adrian Campugan (UP Comm Intern)

More photos at Basilica Minore del Santo Niño official Facebook Page.