Why Quiapo holds a special place in these celebrities' hearts

The Black Nazarene of Quiapo has been a source of faith and miracles for countless Filipino devotees, including well-known personalities in the entertainment and fashion industries. As the Black Nazarene procession marks its 419th year, these celebrities share stories of devotion and the unexpected blessings they have received through their faith.

Angeline Quinto

Singer Angeline Quinto grew up in the bustling streets of Sampaloc, Manila, where devotion to the Black Nazarene was a family tradition.

“Nag-start siya kasi lumaki po ako sa Sampaloc. Ang Mama Bob ko at yung buong street namin sa Marzan, may imahe po kami na every year dinadala sa Quiapo Church,” Quinto recalled in an interview.

For Quinto, her devotion led to one of the most significant milestones of her life — winning ABS-CBN’s Star Power in 2011.

“Every Friday and Sunday, andoon po ako sa Quiapo nagdadasal. Bago ako sumali sa Star Power, dasal ko talaga magkaroon ng regular na trabaho sa pagkanta. Nag-try lang ako, hindi ko in-expect na magtutuloy-tuloy. Alam ko po na galing sa Kanya,” she shared.

Rene Salud

Veteran fashion designer Rene Salud credits his faith in the Black Nazarene for his determination and eventual success in life.

“Parang may feeling ka na nandiyan Siya palagi at ibibigay Niya sa’yo,” Salud said, recalling how he would visit Quiapo Church every Friday to give thanks.

Salud also shared how he walked on his knees as a gesture of faith and gratitude: “Hindi pwedeng hindi ka dadaan sa likod para humalik.”

McCoy De Leon

Actor McCoy De Leon is another celebrity devotee who actively participates in the annual Traslacion with his family.

On Instagram, De Leon shared his heartfelt gratitude:

“Maraming salamat po sa lahat, lalo na sa pamilya ko. Ikaw na po bahala sa kanila pag wala po ako. Hindi maiinda ang sakit sa katawan at pagod para masilayan Siya.”

He also expressed appreciation for the strangers who helped him during the procession, saying, “Dito nagpapatunay na kahit hindi magkadugo, magkakaisa para sa pananampalataya.”

Coco Martin

Actor Coco Martin, known as the “real-life Batang Quiapo,” shared his own miracle story tied to his devotion to the Black Nazarene.

Before achieving fame, Martin turned to the Black Nazarene for guidance and blessings. On Instagram, he wrote:

“Walang hanggang pasasalamat sa Poong Jesus Nazareno sa lubos na biyaya, pagmamahal, at paggabay sa akin at sa aking pamilya. Higit pa sa hiniling ko ang binigay Niyo sa akin.”

As a way of giving back, Martin continues to honor his devotion to the Black Nazarene and credits his success to this unwavering faith.

This year, Quiapo Church has released the schedule of activities for the festival on their social media:

Quiapo

31 December 2024 | Walk of Thanksgiving
— 12:00 midnight (assembly begins on 30 December)

1 to 6 January 2025 | Barangay Visitation
— Basic Ecclesial Community - Quiapo District

2 January 2025 | Thursday
— 1:30 p.m. - Nuestro Padre Jesus Nazareno Replica & Standarte Blessing

3 January 2025 | 1st Friday of the Year
SCHEDULE OF MASSES:
Morning: 4:00, 5:00, 6:00, 7:00, 8:00, 9:00, 10:00, 11:00
Afternoon: 12:15, 2:00, 3:00, 4:00, 5:00, 6:00, 7:00, 8:00

8 January 2025 | Wednesday
SCHEDULE OF MASSES:
Morning: 5:00, 6:00, 7:00, 8:00, 9:00, 10:00, 12:15
Fiesta Masses (Afternoon): 3:00, 4:00, 5:00, 6:00, 7:00, 8:00, 9:00, 10:00, 11:00

9 January 2025 | Thursday
SCHEDULE OF MASSES:
Morning: 12:00 midnight, 1:00, 2:00, 3:00, 4:00, 5:00, 6:00, 7:00, 8:00, 9:00, 10:00, 11:00
Afternoon: 12:00, 1:00, 2:00, 3:00, 4:00, 5:00
Evening: 6:00, 7:00, 8:00, 9:00, 10:00, 11:00

Quirino Grandstand

6 January 2025 | Monday
6:00 p.m. - Mass for the Volunteers

7 to 9 January 2025 | PAHALIK

8 January 2025 | Wednesday
3:00 p.m. - Band Parade
5:00 p.m. - Panalangin sa Takipsilim (Vigil and Program)

9 January 2025 | Thursday
12:00 midnight - MISA MAYOR
Presider: H.E. Jose F. Cardinal Advincula, Jr. (Archbishop of Manila)
1:00 a.m. - Continuation of Vigil and Program

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