Hermana and Hermano Mayores for the 461st Fiesta Senor. Viva Pit Senor

Today was such an emotional day for our family.  To witness Papa and Mama installed as the 461st Hermana and Hermano Mayores, a blessing we never expected - fills our hearts with deep gratitude as devotees of Señor Santo Niño.

We received the news on Top’s birthday, making it feel like God’s perfect timing.  

And as we stood there, I couldn’t help but remember all the miracles we’ve witnessed through Señor Santo Niño, from Mamas victorious battle with cancer, to my pregnancy, to the countless moments in our lives where His grace carried us.

It’s also a beautiful full circle moment, knowing my grandpa, former Mayor Ernest “Jun” Weigel - Daddy Jun, once held the same honor. I know he’s smiling down from heaven.

Our hearts are so full. Salamat sa tanan Señor

Viva Pit Señor!

Why This Sinulog Honor Means So Much to Our Family?

Every year, Cebu bursts into color, devotion, and pure joy as we celebrate Fiesta Señor and Sinulog. But this year 2026, hits different for our family. This time, we’re not just devotees in the crowd. We were called to serve as Hermano and Hermana Mayores, an honor that still gives me goosebumps every time I say it.

And I want to take you with me through the heart of this journey, why it matters, why it’s overwhelming, and why it feels like God’s quiet whisper saying, “This is your turn.”

A Calling We Never Expected

When we received the news on Top’s birthday, I froze. I remember thinking, “Us? Ngano kami, Lord?”

We weren’t seeking a title. We weren’t preparing for anything this huge. But isn’t that exactly how God works?

He moves quietly, beautifully, and always… purposefully.

In our family, devotion to the Sto. Niño runs deep, crossing generations. My grandfather, former Mayor Ernest “Jun” Weigel, once held this very honor. I grew up seeing especially from my parents what it meant to serve with humility, grace, and joy.

So imagine how full my heart felt knowing we were walking a path he once walked.

It felt like a full circle blessing, one that heaven itself smiled upon.

Why Being Hermano & Hermana Mayores Matters

People often ask:

“Unsa man gyud ang meaning ana?”

“What makes it special?”

Here’s what I’ve learned:

1. It’s a Service, Not a Status

Being Hermano and Hermana is not about prestige.

It’s an act of offering, your time, your energy, your heart, to honor the Sto. Niño and welcome pilgrims with love.

You become a bridge for others’ devotion, a vessel of generosity, and a reminder that faith is lived through action.

2. It Brings Your Family Together

This journey has brought our family into deeper prayer, deeper teamwork, and deeper gratitude.

We found ourselves talking more about miracles, blessings, and the ways God has carried us through storms we don’t always share publicly.

Even the kids feel it, Top, especially. He loves wearing clothes like Sto Niño. Born on a Friday, Sto. Niño’s day, and arriving only after his own miracle during labor… it feels like this entire chapter connects back to him.

3. It Grounds You in Purpose

Serving the Basilica reminds you why we celebrate Sinulog in the first place. It’s not just costumes and street parties (though my siblings love those too! I love the photography aspect and the dance).

It’s about a Child King who protects, heals, and guides.

You begin to see the festival through new eyes, clearer, gentler, and more anchored in faith.

4. It’s a Chance to Give Back

Being Hermano and Hermana Mayores is not just symbolic.

It’s a chance to help, offer support, uplift communities, and share blessings in ways big and small.

It’s the most beautiful kind of responsibility, one that fills you more than it drains you.

Our Sinulog, Our Story

As a mom, as a daughter, and as someone who has witnessed miracle after miracle, this moment feels like God’s sweet reminder:

“I see you.

I have carried you.

Now serve Me with joy.”

From Mommy’s cancer journey…

to my pregnancy miracle when Top’s heartbeat stabilized as “Bato Balani sa Gugma” played…

to the blessings that continue to unfold…

Our hearts brim with gratitude.

And to serve as 461st Hermano & Hermana Mayores is our little family’s humble “thank You” to the Sto. Niño who has been with us every step.

Viva Pit Señor!

This Sinulog season isn’t just a festival for us, it’s a chapter in our family’s faith story.

And I’m so excited to share every moment, every color, every prayer, and every blessing with all of you.

To everyone reading this, may the Sto. Niño bless your homes, your families, your journeys, and the miracles you’re still praying for.

Viva Pit Señor!

Viva Señor Santo Niño!

#sinulog2026 #basilicaminoredelstonino #hermanaandhermano mayor