FOR the first time since designer Ben Farrales founded the Congregacion del Santissimo Nombre del Niño Jesus 30 years ago, the number of Sto. Niño icons registered and displayed last Jan. 15 at the PNB Financial Center on Macapagal ave. in Pasay City rose to over 700.
Sto. Niños of all sizes and clad in different costumes ?a seafarer, policeman, fisherman, boy scout, a kid listening to an iPod, etc.?were paraded during the Mass and formal opening of the display.
Blessings
This year?s theme, ?Bukal ng Kasaganaan (bountiful harvest),? hinges on the enormous blessings given to the world through this youthful intercessor. The Mass was officiated by the Most Reverend Bishop Camilo D. Gregorio and Fr. Erwin dela Cruz.
The 2009 hermanos and hermanas were assisted by officers of the congregation, led by Ricky Miranda (chairman) and Mel Chionglo (president). Chito Ilagan was chairman of the Comite de Festejos, with Germs Malabanan as co-chairman.
On Sunday, Jan. 25, at 3 p.m., the grand assembly of lovingly bedecked carriages will commence at Philtrade and pass along Roxas blvd. on its way to the Luneta Grandstand.
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Join the Amazing Batanes Photo Safari on Feb. 20-23, March 13-16 and 27-30 and April 3-6. E-mail mandynavasero@yahoo.com (or call 899-1767) or nicetrvl@i-manila.com.ph (526-6363). The Holy Week Bohol Photo and Dive Safari is on April 8-11.
