Tonton ng Sto Niño de Romblon: Opening the Biniray Festival in Romblon

The Tonton ng Sto Niño de Romblon

The idyll coastal poblacion in Romblon Island, Romblon becomes festive beginning the 2nd Friday of January as revelers flock at the 400-year-old St Joseph Cathedral. Devotees gather in front of the church to observe the spiritual practice of the Tonton ng Sto Niño de Romblon. The Tonton, a Romblomanon word meaning to lower the image of the Sto Niño down the pedestal. This practice ushers the official opening of Biniray Festival which lasts for a week.

Devotees gather by St Joseph Cathedral
Devotees gather by St Joseph Cathedral

Señor Sto Niño de Romblon

The Señor Sto Niño de Romblon is considered one of the treasures of Romblon province. It was believed to be the replica carved from the original image of Sto Niño de Cebu commissioned by the Augustinian Friar in 1582. The replica was ready to be shipped to Madrid but the galleon was stopped by a Typhoon when the ship stopped in Romblon. After a holy mass, the image could not be moved from its place. Believing it had found its home, the galleon left the Sto Niño.

The image of Sto Niño de Romblon
The image of Sto Niño de Romblon

Since then, the people believed that the Sto Niño de Romblom made some miracles possible, which included covering the island with thick clouds to avoid being spotted by bombers in WWII. Typhoons changing course to avoid the island. Some personal favors from individuals like healing and favors.

For a while, the images were stolen and lost but were miraculously recovered after 22 years.

Inside the cathedral
Inside the cathedral

Saint Joseph Cathedral

The cathedral where the Sto Niño de Romblon is housed is also worth noting. The Saint Joseph Cathedral was one of the 26 colonial churches declared as a National Cultural treasure in 2001. It is considered as the oldest Roman Catholic Church in Romblon.

Parading the Senor Sto Niño
Parading the Senor Sto Niño

The Tonton

The mass leading to the Tonton usually starts at 3 PM. The crowd already congregated by the church when we came. We waited until the mass finished. At first, we were positioned by the choir loft. But I decided to move outside to get a different vantage point. It was already getting dark, which would be hard for photography. I thank one of our hosts Benjie of Seaport Restaurant for accompanying me on some good vantage points.

When the Señor Sto Niño finally came out, everything happened so fast. The crowd flooded and followed the procession as it went around the plaza. Benjie suggested we go back inside the church to watch out for its return.

Devotees close to the Sto Niño
Devotees close to the Sto Niño

I noticed one of the side altars was filled with different images of the Sto Niño. Some devotees would bring their images to be left here and be blessed.

When the Sto Niño de Romblon returned, the energy in the room shifted. I could see the people, had different kinds of excitement and deep devotion. As a non-catholic, it was a very interesting practice to observe. I could feel the energy flowing and the atmosphere in the air. Fascinating.

This is the start of the Biniray Festival which will continue for the next seven days.

More photos of the Tonton at the Facebook Page.

Devotees with their own images of Sto Niño
Devotees with their own images of Sto Niño
Sto Niño images in the church
Sto Niño images in the church
The image returning at the cathedral
The image returning at the cathedral
Devotees bringing the Sto Niño back in it's pedestal
Devotees bringing the Sto Niño back in it’s pedestal