Marine corps cadets start formation at the Basilica Minore del Santo Nino de Cebu, waiting for the foot procession of El Capitan General to Malacanang sa Sugbo.

Friars from the Augustinian Order and the Navy prepare to board the BRP Emilio Aguinaldo with the image of the Child Jesus of Cebu; reviving an age-old tradition lost more than 100 years ago after Spanish forces left the Philippines. The Senor Santo Nino carries the title El Capitan General, Lord Admiral of the Sea, symbolized in His golden red sash.

The Philippine Navy has become the official carrier of the Senior Santo Nino de Cebu in His pilgrimages called “Duaw Santo Nino” to the different dioceses and churches. The photo shows naval gun boat BRP Emilio Aguinaldo ferrying the Child Jesus along Mactan Channel.

Naval cadets carry the revered image of the Santo Nino de Cebu toward BRP Emilio Aguinaldo for a passing honors to be held at the Mactan Channel on April 28, 2011 in recognition of the His rank as El Capitan General, a title given to the Child Jesus by king Philip of Spain 500 years ago.

The Kaplag (Discovery) Festival is a little known religious celebration held in Cebu every 28th of April commemorating the discovery of the image of the Child Jesus (Santo Nino de Cebu) 44 years after it was gifted by Ferdinand Magellan to Rajah Humabon, King of Cebu. Photo shows re-enactment of Kaplag. In the last two years, the Philippine Navy has taken active role in the celebration.