For Lorily N. Agustin, faith is best lived and celebrated with family. The 50-year-old Office Manager at the Property Management Division of Dream Group recently attended the Feast of the Sto. Niño at the Sacred Heart Church, together with her husband, Carlo Jose Agustin, and their eight-year-old daughter, Regina Caily Agustin. The Agustin family was among nearly 2,000 devotees who gathered for one of the most anticipated religious celebrations of the Filipino Catholic community in Bahrain.
Worshippers brought their Santo Niño images to the Mass, where they were blessed as a sign of faith and devotion. The gathering reflected both the strong faith of the Filipino community and its vibrant presence in Manama, bringing together families and friends in prayer, thanksgiving, and shared devotion.
The celebration opened with a Holy Mass presided over by Fr. Anthony Almazan, OFM Cap., Spiritual Director of Katolikong Pinoy sa Bahrain, and was attended by parishioners along with Philippine Ambassador Gines Jaime Ricardo D. Gallaga and his spouse, Madam Moira G. Gallaga. Their presence highlighted the occasion’s importance as both a spiritual and cultural pillar for Filipinos overseas. The community expressed its gratitude to the Ambassador and Mrs. Gallaga for their continued support of Filipino Catholic initiatives, reaffirming their commitment to the welfare of overseas Filipinos in the Kingdom of Bahrain.
After the Mass, devotees demonstrated their devotion through vibrant parades, lively dances, and heartfelt prayers, filling the celebration with bright costumes, smiling faces, and a shared sense of hope and joy. People of all ages participated actively, making the event a truly inclusive gathering that fostered both faith and fellowship within the community.
The Hermano and Hermana for this year are Mr. King and Ms. Gabie, together with Ms. Cielo Teresita Layson and Ms. Lolita Cruz. The Katolikong Pinoy sa Bahrain (KPSB) extended its heartfelt gratitude to them, as well as to all donors and supporters whose generosity made this year’s celebration possible. The community also acknowledged the invaluable service of previous Hermano and Hermanas—Mr. Marlon and Mrs. Ednalin Gumarang (represented by Mr. Herman and Mrs. Alma Valenzona), Mr. Renne Subido and Mrs. Puralyn Fiel, Engr. Vic John Potot, Ms. Edel Alviz, and Ms. Margie Cristobal, along with all 2025 supporters. Their devotion and service to the Senior Sto. Niño continue to serve as an enduring source of inspiration for the community.
The panel of judges for the Ati-Atihan, Dinagyang, and Sinulog Street Dance competitions included Michael C. Belano, Khadlyn Ramos, Ricardo Advincula, Cecilia V. Ancheta, and Vice Consul Charlie Florian T. Prenicolas of the Philippine Embassy Manama. Lumad Bisdakon, a group of 27 members, emerged as the champion in all the street dance categories, followed closely by the Philippine School Bahrain (PSB) cultural group and the All Guardian Bahrain Dance Group.
The participating cultural groups offered their talents as a form of prayer while preserving and celebrating Filipino cultural heritage. Cecilia V. Ancheta, a freelance journalist and member of the panel of judges, remarked that all the performances were impressive, effectively depicting the transition from pagan traditions to Christianity as reflected in their presentations.
Meanwhile, Vieyda Louse Rosillon, 23, from Cebu City, representing the Lumad Bisdakanon, was crowned Grand Sto. Niño Queen 2026. Her poise, confidence, and strong cultural presentation distinguished her from the other candidates, earning the admiration of both the judges and the audience.
The performance of Lumad Bisdakanon, highlighted by colorful and meaningful props, earned them first place in the competition. The group credited their victory to the full support of their president, Randy Ayuste, in the creation of their props, as well as to the dedication and patience of their choreographer, Jopay Misa, who has been training them throughout their performances.
Liza Cruz, an Executive Secretary at Kayan Real Estate Co. and one of the performers of the group, said that Jopay’s patience and tireless efforts, combined with the members’ determination and intensive training from January 3 to January 22, ultimately paid off, earning the group the top prize in the competition.
Moreover, the Philippine School Bahrain proudly celebrates the achievements of its students; the PSB Elementary Dance Troupe, which earned First Runner-Up in the dance competition, and Ms. Wendy Recto, who was crowned Festival Queen First Runner-Up in the same vibrant celebration. The troupe’s choreography was led by Ms. Christine M. Pascasio, assisted by Grade 2 teacher, Ms. Salve F. Nicomedes.
Shierly Aguinalde-Chua, the mother of one of the performers from Philippine School Bahrain, was present during the presentation of her son, Caleb, 11 years old, who is currently in Grade 6. She proudly watched his performance alongside her two other sons, Jared 15 and Yotam. 14. For Shierly and her family, the Feast of the Sto. Niño is a celebration of gratitude and hope. “It is a time when we reflect on the many blessings we have received and renew our devotion to the Holy Child Jesus,” she shared. Despite the challenges of living overseas, the annual celebration strengthens their faith and reassures them that God continues to guide and protect their family wherever they may be.
Married to JB who is currently based in Canada, Shierly spent 18 years in Bahrain and remains an active member of the Filipino faith community. She is a dedicated member of the El Shaddai Group in Bahrain and currently works as a shop manager in one of the country’s major retail industries.
In a message of thanksgiving, the Katolikong Pinoy sa Bahrain, through its coordinator Ulyzes dela Cruz, expressed profound gratitude to all individuals and groups who contributed to the success of this year’s celebration. Special recognition was accorded to the Parish Priest and Rector of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Fr. Francis, together with the Assistant Priests, for their unwavering spiritual guidance and pastoral support. The organization also gave gratitude and appreciation to the Carmelite Nuns, whose quiet prayers and constant presence continue to strengthen and uplift the Filipino community during major religious festivities.
Special thanks were also extended to those who served in the Feast Mass, including the choir, lectors, altar servers, ushers, and lay ministers, whose dedication helped create a solemn and meaningful liturgical celebration. The community also recognized the presence of the little Niños and Niñas, whose participation reflected the innocence and humility of the Child Jesus.
The Katolikong Pinoy sa Bahrain together with the core groups and members from Sacred Heart Church Manama and the Cathedral of Our Lady of Arabia, were commended for their tireless efforts in planning, coordination, and logistics. Appreciation was also given to the First Aid Responders from the Philippine Bahrain Caregiver Society (PBCS) and Awali Training and Development Center (ATDC).
Various organizations and event marshals from civic and volunteer groups including the Bahrain Noble Region Eagles Club, Bahrain Gitnang Silangan Kaanib Region 2, Bahrain Eagles Club (Bahrain Black Gold Sapatiha), Bahrain Sandigan Elite Eagles Club, AKHRO Bahrain Council, AKHRO Juffair Chapter, Triskelion International, and The GUARDIANS, contributed to ensuring the safety and orderly flow of the program, helping maintain peace and smooth operations throughout the event.
As the Filipino Catholic community in Bahrain continues to grow, celebrations such as the Feast of the Sto. Niño serve as vital expressions of faith that strengthen cultural identity, foster unity, and provide a deep sense of home for Filipinos abroad. The Katolikong Pinoy sa Bahrain encouraged the parishioners to carry with them the humility and love of the Child Jesus, wishing everyone a safe, joyful, and blessed continuation of the Feast of the Sto. Niño.
For Lorily and her family, it serves as a reminder that faith, when shared with loved ones, evolves into a legacy that surpasses geographical boundaries.
Ultimately, as the Agustins left the church beneath a sky full of stars, with Regina holding her small candle like a cherished artifact, the message was unmistakable: in every prayer, every communal meal, and every child instructed to kneel in respect, the light of Sto. Niño persists not only in Bahrain but also in the hearts of those who carry it onward.Nearly 2,000 devotees attend Sto. Niño Mass and festivities in Manama
