Where fame falls silent: Public figures join the faithful at 2026 ‘Traslacion’

Long before dawn, the streets of Manila once again filled with prayer, sacrifice and quiet resolve as millions of devotees gathered for the 2026 Traslación of the Black Nazarene of Quiapo. Amid the throng were familiar faces from film, music and broadcast media — individuals who, for one day, stepped away from the spotlight to walk the same path of devotion as everyone else.

Devotion renewed, year after year

Actor McCoy de Leon was seen again among the devotees, continuing a personal tradition of thanksgiving. His presence at the procession reflected a vow he has kept through the years — an expression of faith rooted not in public display, but in perseverance. In a message shared afterward, he spoke of gratitude and steadfast trust in the Nazareno, affirming that his devotion remains unshaken.

An offering through song

Despite feeling unwell, singer Angeline Quinto chose to honor the feast in the way she knows best — through music. She sang at the Quirino Grandstand shortly before the procession began, offering her voice as a prayer. Her simple greeting to fellow devotees captured the spirit of the day: joy, humility and praise for the Señor Nazareno.

A shared Panata, now as one

Fresh from their wedding, Kiray Celis and her husband Stephen Estopia joined the Traslación together, marking a milestone not just in their marriage, but in a devotion they have practiced side by side for years. Their journey — once as partners, now as spouses — stood as a testament to faith carried through different seasons of life, accompanied by prayers for future blessings.

Gratitude as a lifelong vow

For Star Music artist Prince Keino Encalan, attending the Traslación was an act of panata — an enduring promise shaped by devotion and thanksgiving. Actor Boom Labrusca echoed the same sentiment, expressing thanks to the Nazareno and acknowledging the spiritual guidance of Quiapo Church’s clergy as he took part in the sacred event.

Faith on the front lines

Journalists covering the feast also embraced the moment as devotees. Broadcaster Jiggy Manicad greeted the faithful with a warm fiesta message, while Emil Sumangil balanced his role as a reporter on the ground with a personal note of gratitude to the Nazareno — faith and profession meeting in the same space.

A devotion beyond the day

The Traslación has long drawn public figures who quietly return year after year, including Coco Martin, Christopher de Leon, Noli de Castro, Dimples Romana, Rodjun Cruz and Dianne Medina, as well as Ai-Ai delas Alas, Giselle Sanchez, Melai Cantiveros and Jason Francisco.

In the end, the 2026 Traslación reminded everyone — celebrity or not — that devotion has no hierarchy. In the presence of the Black Nazarene, recognition fades, leaving only prayer, sacrifice, and a shared hope carried through the crowded streets of faith.