Every year, millions of Filipino devotees gather for the Feast of Jesus Nazareno, marked by the Traslacion—a massive procession where the faithful brave dense crowds, barefoot journeys, and hours of sacrifice to express their devotion and offer prayers.
Among the devotees are some of the country’s well-known personalities, who openly share how their faith in Jesus Nazareno has deeply influenced their lives, careers, and personal journeys.
Coco Martin
Action star Coco Martin grew up visiting Quiapo Church with his grandmother, which sparked his devotion to Jesus Nazareno at a young age.
The actor recalls a life-changing moment in 2007 when he was able to touch the face of the Nazareno—an experience he believes coincided with the steady rise of his showbiz career.
Despite his fame, Coco continues to attend Mass at Quiapo Church discreetly, often staying outside or along the sides to avoid drawing attention.
Ai Ai Delas Alas
Known as the “Queen of Comedy,” Ai Ai Delas Alas has long been a devoted follower of Jesus Nazareno.
In 2020, she joined the Traslacion and even performed for fellow devotees at the Quirino Grandstand. Before her performance, she shared a message about trusting the Lord, emphasizing patience and faith in God’s “perfect time.”
Ai Ai frequently expresses her devotion by sharing religious reflections and inspirational quotes on social media.
Angeline Quinto
Singer Angeline Quinto became a devotee of Jesus Nazareno at just eight years old.
She credits her faith for helping her achieve her dream of a stable singing career, which eventually led her to win Star Power: Search for the Next Female Pop Superstar.
In 2024, Angeline further strengthened her spiritual journey when she married Nonrev Daquina at Quiapo Church.
Noli De Castro
Veteran news anchor Noli de Castro’s devotion began during his college years, when his family lived along Arlegui Street in Quiapo, near the Minor Basilica and National Shrine of Jesus Nazareno.
Living close to the church, he regularly joined the annual procession and made it a habit to stop by Quiapo Church to pray after work.
Though he rarely joins the procession today, Noli continues to show his devotion by reporting live coverage of the Traslacion and related events.
McCoy De Leon
Actor McCoy de Leon has made it a yearly tradition to participate in the Feast of Jesus Nazareno.
In recent years, he expressed gratitude for the chance to once again see and touch the Nazareno after the pandemic caused delays and restrictions on the procession.
Giselle Sanchez
Comedienne and host Giselle Sanchez has been a devotee of Jesus Nazareno for more than 16 years.
In 2008, she was diagnosed with temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD), a painful condition affecting the jaw.
Giselle shared that she prayed fervently to the Nazareno for healing so she could continue working—and believes her prayers were answered.
Sam Versoza
Businessman Sam Versoza grew up in Sampaloc, where his late father, Samuel Versoza Sr., instilled in him a deep and unwavering faith in the Lord.
He first joined the Traslacion in 2009 and has consistently participated in the procession since then. Sam believes that his hard work, paired with faith, led to the success of his business ventures.
Now a co-founder of a successful marketing company, Sam also gives back through various community outreach programs.
Renee Salud
Renowned fashion designer Renee Salud started his devotion while he was in college, as he is from a province and studies Interior Design at one of the universities in Manila.
He knows that there is a limited chance that he will finish college because of poverty, and surrender his journey to the Nazareno. Now he credits his perseverance and success to his devotion.
He shared that he regularly visited Quiapo Church every Friday, often kneeling in prayer as a sign of humility, faith, and gratitude.
Eddie Baddeo
Renowned fashion designer Eddie Baddeo turned to his faith in Jesus Nazareno during a difficult period in his life, after battling depression in the early 2000s.
His devotion deepened over the years, leading him to experience the rare honor of riding the andas on five separate occasions—an extraordinary feat given the immense number of devotees who take part in the procession.
In 2011, Eddie was entrusted with sewing the Nazareno’s garment for the Traslacion. As a personal expression of gratitude and faith, he adorned the attire with Swarovski crystals.
Bayani Agbayani
Comedian Bayani Agbayani’s devotion stems from his mother’s strong faith in Jesus Nazareno.
After the death of Bayani’s father, his mother, Erlina, prayed to the Nazareno for the strength to raise her six children.
Today, Bayani makes it a point to join the procession whenever possible to give thanks for the blessings his family has received.
Christopher De Leon
Veteran actor Christopher de Leon is also a devout Catholic and a long-time devotee of the Jesus Nazareno.
He firmly believes that the success of his career and the well-being of his family are guided by divine providence.
