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Continue to Arevalo District. Visit the Sto. Niño de Arevalo Parish. Enshrined in this parish is the third
oldest Sto. Niño image in the country, after the Sto. Niños of Cebu (1565) and Tondo (1572). Another
distinct feature of the church is its altar, which is supported by Solomonic or helical columns inspired by
the St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. The altar centerpiece is a large wooden cross with the image of the
crucified Christ and to the right is a replica of the Sto. Niño icon encased in glass and flanked on both
sides by angels made from wood.

Brief History

The Arevalo Church, the home of

the Image of Sto Nino De Arevalo,
is placed at the middle of Plaza
Villa. This is a unique feature
considering almost all churches are
separated from their plazas. It is of
modern design since some parts of
the church were destroyed either
by fire or by earthquakes. The
image of Sto. Nino is found at the
right side of the main altar,
encased in glass and is flanked by
angels made of wood at both
sides. A convent with Spanish
colonial style is at the side of the
church and serves as the priests’ residence, activity hall for church organizations, and administrative
office.

Sto. Nino de Arevalo Church is home to 3rd oldest Sto Nino image in the Philippines.

Located in Villa Arevalo, a district south of Iloilo City known as "Flower Capital of Iloilo" and famous for
local firecrackers and fireworks. It’s important attraction is Villa Beach which boasts of open air
restaurants and bar along the coastline.

Originally founded as La Villa Rica de Arevalo by Governor Ronquillo de Ptnalosa in the 16th century,
Villa Arevalo (in short) was one of only few settlements given the name 'villa' by Spanish Royalty which
makes its villagers privileged and exempted from forced labor. It was the capital of the province until
1616 when - due to repeated raids by Moro pirates and Dutch - the seat of government was relocated to
what is now the Iloilo City proper.

The image of Sto Nino de Arevalo was said to be brought by the Augustinians upon the establishment of
La Villa Rica de Arevalo (today’s Villa Arevalo) as a Spanish settlement and as the capital of Oton
province in 1581. The missionaries believe that the image of the Child Jesus is instrumental in spreading
the message of God’s love for His people, especially the poor and needy. This belief originated at the
time when the Spanish discovered the Image of Sto Nino de Cebu (miraculously survived a fire
unscratched), decades after the explorer Ferdinand Magellan gave it to Humamay (Juana) as a baptismal
gift. Ever since then, the missionaries propagated the strong devotion to the image as evidenced by its
presence in almost all towns in the country until today. The Augustinians realized that the welcoming
and embracing arms of the images makes it easier for the natives to relate to the Child Jesus.

The Sto Nino de Arevalo is an image made of wood, and may have been consecrated at the same time
the new pueblo of Arevalo was established. It had survived many crises like the transfer of people to
Punta de Iloilo, Dutch and Moro raids, fires and earthquakes strong enough to topple His belfries and
church.

Miraculous Image

The image of Sto Nino De Arevalo has much deeper meaning for His devotees. Testimonies of miracles
are well known to the people of the parish like sick people recovering from terminal diseases like cancer
or serious injuries, childless couples having offspring, or saving the town from famine or lack of rain.

There was also a story people claim that the Sto Nino defended the town from a Moro raid. The people,
upon seeing a flotilla of Moro pirates coming, placed the image at the coast. According to the story, the
pirates where stopped by a boy with a red cloak.

Even the survival of the image is considered miraculous. During World War II, the American troops
burned down the municipal hall and the convent of Arevalo fearing that the Japanese may use them as
their garrisons. The residents saw the fire consuming the convent but were bewildered that the fire was
suddenly put out.

Another story involves the strong earthquake of 1948 in Panay. The earthquake, having a magnitude of
8.3, almost destroyed the church of Arevalo. Upon seeing their altar destroyed by the quake, they were
surprised to see the Sto Nino stood still on top of flail pedestal.

Arevalo Church: Home of the 1581 Sto Nino de Arevalo

The Arevalo Church, the home of the Image of Sto Nino De Arevalo, is placed at the middle of Plaza Villa.
This is a unique feature considering almost all churches are separated from their plazas. It is of modern
design since some part of the church were destroyed either by fire or by earthquakes. The altar is
supported by Solomonic or helical columns which took inspiration from that at St. Peter’s Basilica in
Rome. A large wooden cross with the image of the crucified Christ serves as the center piece of the altar.
The image of Sto. Nino is found at the right side of the main altar, encased in glass and is flanked by
angels made of wood at both sides. The church is a popular for weddings as well.