The Augustinian friars of the Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño de Cebu also released their official statement.
PHOTO: Instagram/joydacoronbb34

Culture can be showcased in many ways, and beauty pageants’ national costume segment has been that outlet for creativity. But due to how open it is to interpretation, certain takes can be the subject of ire and controversy. One Binibining Pilipinas 2023 candidate from Cebu has seen this negative side, when her Sto. Niño-inspired costume drew flak from netizens and members of the Catholic church.

Days before the official coronation, the pageant’s official Facebook page published the roster of national costumes of this year’s candidates. One of these included the Cebu province representative Joy Dacoron, who donned red and gold vestments similar to the image of Santo Niño de Cebu.

PHOTO BY INSTAGRAM/JOYDACORONBB34

The particular post has since been taken down on Binibining Pilipinas’ page, due to an influx of netizens’ comments who dubbed the costume as “blasphemous.” However, Joy’s personal snaps of the costume can still be found on her social media channels.

PHOTO BY BINIBINING PILIPINAS

Covered by a red cape detailed with gold filigree, the costume designed by Chino Ledesma Christopherson took direct inspiration from the Santo Niño de Cebu, the oldest Christian artifact in the Philippines given by Ferdinand Magellan to Rajah Humabon in 1521. Similar to the original image, Joy wore a golden crown while holding onto a scepter and orb.

PHOTO BY INSTAGRAM/JOYDACORONBB34

In an Instagram post, Joy explained that the Sto. Niño was her “source of inspiration and strength,” much like most Cebuano faithful.

“When I lost my father to an accident last year, I questioned God, ‘Ngano man, Lord? (Why, Lord?)’. The Sto. Nino paved the way for me to shed off my doubts and made me realize that everything happens for a reason. In gratitude, I am sharing this faith to the national stage.”

She continued: “Thus, with pride and deep respect for our heritage, I wear this costume that signifies faith and gratefulness. Viva! Pit Senyor!”

According to the post, Joy had received permission from the Archdiocese of Cebu for the shoot. But in a message to reporters, Cebu Auxiliary Bishop Ruben Labajo clarified that the candidate only sought permission to feature the churches in the background.

PHOTO BY INSTAGRAM/JOYDACORONBB34

“I have no idea that they will promote the vestments of the Holy Child as national costume, and especially the Augustinian priests also do not know about it,” the bishop said.

On May 17, the Augustinian friars of the Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño de Cebu also released a statement regarding the incident.

PHOTO BY FACEBOOK/BASILICA MINORE DEL SANTO NIÑO DE CEBU

“The wearing of Sto. Niño vestment to children is one of the expressions of faith by parents in order to help them understand and grow their faith to the Child Jesus,” they wrote.

“Despite the many expressions of faith and devotion towards the Sto. Niño, it is also important to keep in mind the appropriateness of our actions. As Cebuano Catholics, the Sto. Niño has a profound religious and cultural importance to us. Let us approach and treat the Sto. Niño with reverence and respect in order to avoid conflict and misunderstanding.”