Faith in crowds: Familiar faces at 2026 Traslación

As millions of barefoot devotees filled the streets of Manila for the 2026 Traslación of the Black Nazarene, the annual procession once again became a powerful expression of faith that cut across status, profession, and celebrity. Amid the sea of believers, several well-known personalities were quietly seen carrying their own panata, blending into the crowd not as stars but as fellow devotees of the Black Nazarene of Quiapo.

Walking the path of devotion

Actor McCoy de Leon was once again present, continuing a devotion he has consistently shown through the years. Deeply moved by the experience, he shared a message of gratitude and surrender:

“NAKAHALIK AKO SA KRUS!!! Hindi kita susukuan Poong Nazareno tulad ng hindi mo pag suko sa akin.”
(“I was able to kiss the cross. I will not give up on you, Poong Nazareno, just as you never gave up on me.”)

For de Leon, the Traslación is not a public appearance but a yearly act of thanksgiving—an intimate moment between devotee and faith.

A song offered despite weakness

Singer Angeline Quinto offered her devotion through music. Despite not feeling well, she still sang at the Quirino Grandstand shortly before the procession began, dedicating her voice to the Nazareno.

“Maligayang Kapistahan, AMA. Viva Señor Jesus Nazareno.”
(“Happy feast day, Father. Viva Señor Jesus Nazareno.”)

Her presence underscored how devotion often demands sacrifice, even in moments of physical weakness.

Love, marriage, and a shared panata

Newlyweds Kiray Celis and Stephen Estopia also took part in the Traslación, marking a new chapter in a devotion they have shared for years.

“Ilang taon deboto ng Poong Jesus Nazareno… anim na taon na magjowa at every year magkasabay na kami pumupunta. At ngayon, kasal na… sabay pa rin pupunta!”
(“We have been devotees of Poong Jesus Nazareno for years. We were together for six years as a couple and attended every year, and now that we are married, we still go together.”)

They ended their message with a prayer of gratitude and hope.

“Salamat sa lahat ng blessings, AMA… Sana po sa susunod na punta namin sa inyo, may baby na po kami.”
(“Thank you for all the blessings, Father. We hope that the next time we come, we will already have a baby.”)

Gratitude, panata, and public witness

Star Music artist Prince Keino Encalan framed his presence as a lifelong vow.

“Panata—Debosyon at Pananampalataya sa Mahal na Poong Hesus Nazareno. Walang hanggang pasasalamat.”
(“A vow—devotion and faith in the beloved Poong Jesus Nazareno. Endless gratitude.”)

Actor Boom Labrusca echoed the same spirit of thanksgiving.

“Maraming, maraming salamat po, Ama… Viva Nuestro Padre Jesus Nazareno! Walang hanggang pasasalamat.”
(“Thank you very much, Father. Viva Nuestro Padre Jesus Nazareno. Endless gratitude.”)

Media figures in the midst of the feast

Broadcast journalists were also visible among the faithful. News anchor Jiggy Manicad greeted fellow devotees with a simple message.

“Viva Poong Jesus Nazareno! Happy Fiesta po!”
(“Viva Poong Jesus Nazareno. Happy fiesta.”)

Meanwhile, Emil Sumangil, reporting from the ground, blended his on-the-field role with personal devotion.

“Hello, mic test! Salamat, Mahal na Poong Nazareno—Kapuso Action Man on the ground!”
(“Hello, mic test. Thank you, beloved Poong Nazareno.”)

A devotion shared by many

Beyond those seen during the procession, several other public figures have openly expressed their devotion to the Black Nazarene through the years. These include Coco Martin, Christopher de Leon, journalist Noli de Castro, actress Dimples Romana, celebrity couple Rodjun Cruz and Dianne Medina, and comedians Ai-Ai delas Alas, Giselle Sanchez, Melai Cantiveros, and Jason Francisco.

In the end, the presence of familiar faces at the 2026 Traslación served as a reminder that devotion to the Black Nazarene transcends fame. In the vast crowd of millions, titles disappear—leaving only faith, prayer, and a shared journey toward hope.