Restored Image, a Cause of Joy

January 6, 2023, was a momentous and memorable day at Upper Ilang. Not only was it the first day of Novena to Sr. Santo Niño for its 48th fiesta, but it also marked the image’s homecoming after almost two months of being away.

The image of Sr. Sto. Niño was sent to Sir Alfredo Roble Daligdig, a well-known “encarnador” in Cebu, for its restoration or the re-encarna of its body and face. Capped off with Italian Acrylic Oil-based paint, indeed the Niño looks very child-like after the works. Its new vestment, sponsored by Mrs. Andromeda Orbita, was done by Mr. Lawrence Vidanes, a Registered Pharmacist who has immense talent in embroidery and Santo vestment making. GSLs and members of GKK Sto. Niño Upper Ilang were hand in hand in welcoming back the image of Sr. Sto. Niño to its home for 48 years. The welcome started with a procession going to the chapel for the short welcome rite before the Holy Mass presided by Rev. Fr. Vincent Rey Duron, SSP.

The devotion to Sto. Nino began through Mrs. Manila who brought the image to the small barangay of Ilang, specifically Upper Ilang. The Image of Santo Niño is believed to be antique. Numerous miracles are attributed to Him, one of which is the sweet fragrance of an unknown scent that filled the whole chapel, and the faithful believed that it was from the image of Sto. Niño. Through the years, the image has been infected by parasites, and its skin tone was fading. By that, the Youth Coordinator, Paul Gastanes, suggested that the image needs to undergo restoration or encarna. This year’s Fiesta Senyor Celebration, the whole community of Upper Ilang and neighborhood streets and barangay will witness the restored image of our patron, Sr. Santo Nino.

Viva Pit Senyor!

(Vivien Bonzon)