One explanation is perhaps a little extraordinary in the present time but it is nevertheless compelling. The tale states that the Sto Nino was already a native Cebuano (Mindanao) idol long before the Spaniards came to the Philippines. The story says that the image was a mere "agipo" (firebrand) that was fished out of the sea by a native fisherman, The natives later discovered that it has magical attributes. It could produce rains during a drought, protect farms from pestilence and bring good harvests. It was then that this "agipo" became a pagan idol - a god to be worshiped. Subsequently, in Miguel Lopez de Legaspi's time, it became the revered Sto. Nino dressed in European royal crown and finery.

Folklores such as this show us a link between the Filipino's pagan past and their Christian present. The legends offer a perspective on how the folk-mind works. The native's mind is not comfortable with a god that is abstract but believes in a god that can rise out of the sea and perform miracles such as the "agipo." Thus, the natives transformed this miraculous image into something tangible, giving it a human form and a name - the Sto. Nino.

So come January, take a closer look into the soul of the Filipino culture by joining the Ati-Atihan, Dinagyang or the Sinulog. Take part in this tradition of religious festivities where Filipinos demonstrate their Catholic faith by expressing devotion to the Sto. Nino the way their ancestors did - praising and dancing in the streets.