A candidate for Binibining Pilipinas received criticism from the Catholic Church and from the netizens after she wear a costume similar to the Sto. Niño de Cebu.
The said candidate, Joy Dacuron went viral on social media after photos of her wearing the costume made by Markie Cadag, Chino Ledesma Christopherson and Mark Santiago received criticisms from the devotees of Sto. Niño.
In a statement, Cebu Auxiliary Bishop Ruben Labajo said that they were not informed by Dacuron’s camp about their plan to use the costume of Sto. Niño for the beauty pageant.
He then reminded Dacuron and the netizens that they should respect the religious symbol.
Dacuron’s camp clarified that they didn’t mean to disrespect Sto. Niño and they only wanted to express their faith.
Meanwhile, in a video posted by Cadag, it can be seen that the costume being worn by Dacuron was already different than the outfit she was wearing previously.
Santo Niño de Cebú is the oldest Christian artifact in the Philippines and one of the most beloved religious symbols in the Philippines.
Every third Sunday in January, millions of devotees are celebrating Sinulog to celebrate the festival of the Santo Niño.