Cebu Governor Pam Baricuatro on Sunday defended Senator Imee Marcos for wearing a sleeveless dress at the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño, saying she forgot to inform Marcos of the dress code inside the church.

“To my fellow Cebuanos: let’s not be quick to judge. Let’s embody the Sinulog spirit—kindness and generosity to everyone. To our guests: you are welcome here, and we appreciate your respect for our traditions,” Baricuatro stated in a post that included a photo of her with the senator.

“Allow me to share a photo of us earlier in the day during our meeting & she proudly informed me that ‘modagkot ako mamaya’ my mistake also as I forgot to warn her to not wear a sleeveless outfit,” she added.

The Basilica Minore del Santo Niño in Cebu City earlier reminded devotees and visitors to dress appropriately when visiting the church.

A media liaison officer for the Basilica said on Saturday that those visiting must honor the home of the Holy Child “with the dignity it deserves.”

Thousands visit the Basilica during the Fiesta Señor, the religious component of the Sinulog Festival, especially those attending the daily Novena Masses.

Basilica Minore del Santo Niño

The Basilica Minore del Santo Niño in Cebu City, Philippines, is the country’s oldest Roman Catholic church, built on the site where Ferdinand Magellan’s expedition presented the image of the Santo Niño (Child Jesus) to Queen Juana in 1521. The current stone church was constructed starting in 1735 and now houses the revered centuries-old statue, making it a central pilgrimage site that celebrates the introduction of Christianity to the Philippines.

Cebu City

Cebu City is a major urban center in the Philippines and the country’s oldest city, established as the first Spanish settlement in 1565. Its history is marked by the arrival of Ferdinand Magellan in 1521, who planted a cross (now housed in the Basilica del Santo Niño) and initiated the introduction of Christianity to the archipelago. Today, it is a bustling economic hub that blends modern development with historic Spanish colonial landmarks like Fort San Pedro and Magellan’s Cross.

Fiesta Señor

The **Fiesta Señor** is the annual religious festival in Cebu City, Philippines, honoring the Santo Niño (Child Jesus). Its history dates back to 1521 when the image was given as a baptismal gift by Ferdinand Magellan to Rajah Humabon’s wife, and the modern celebration centers around the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño, home to the original statue. The highlight is the grand **Sinulog** street dance procession, a vibrant fusion of devotion and cultural performance that draws millions of devotees and tourists each January.

Sinulog Festival

The Sinulog Festival is an annual cultural and religious celebration held every third Sunday of January in Cebu City, Philippines, honoring the Santo Niño (Child Jesus). Its history dates back to 1521 when the image was given as a baptismal gift by Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan to Queen Juana, with the festival’s name derived from the Cebuano word “sulog” (like water current) describing the participants’ flowing, dance-prayer movements. Today, it has evolved into a vibrant, week-long spectacle of colorful street parades, traditional music, and fervent devotion, drawing millions of participants and tourists.

Novena Masses

The Novena Masses are a Catholic devotional practice involving nine consecutive days of prayer, traditionally seeking intercession from saints like the Virgin Mary or specific apostles. Originating from the nine days the Apostles spent in prayer between Christ’s Ascension and Pentecost, this tradition has been adapted into novena cycles for various spiritual intentions throughout the year. Today, it remains a popular form of petitionary and preparatory prayer in many parishes worldwide.