Faith

My Photo scholarship 2011 entry

Philippines | Monday, November 7, 2011 | 4 photos

For over 300 years, the Basilica del Sto.Niño in Cebu,Philippines houses the miraculous image of the Sto.Niño. The image was first brought to the Philippines by the explorer Ferdinand Magellan as a gift to Queen Juana and King Humabon, during their baptism in 1521. I chose the church as my entry not only due to its because of its rich history, but also because of how faith in the Sto.Niño has always been a part of my life, not counting that on some occasions my birthday falls on the same day as the festival.

It was also my mom’s faith in the Sto.Niño that I was born, I have an eight and ten year gap between my older brother and sister, respectively. My parents earnestly wanted to have a third child. However, as they were getting old and having difficulties conceiving, they were close to losing hope. My mother recalls, that she prayed to the Sto.Niño to bless her with that evasive third child. After a few months, I came to this world and coincidentally I was born right at the time the image of the Sto. Nino was in procession for the feast day.


The faith of the Filipino people in the Sto. Nino is one fascinating aspect of my culture. Like my culture, I know that other cultures also have something in them, which makes each of them unique. It is my wish to photograph, experience and, most of all understand these distinguishing features of other cultures. This photography scholarship is an opportunity for me to get started in that. With my love for adventure and hunger for learning, I am sure that, if considered, I will greatly have an enjoyable and valuable experience.