The people of Bobon have a deep sense of religiosity particularly observed in one of the religious activities of the community. Adopting the titular name, `Most Holy Name of Jesus` in 1697, Bobon as a parish, has manifested its reverence and love for Senior Sto. Nino for the countless blessings granted through the townspeople’s intercessions.

Bobon’s particular connection with the Black Image of the Niño can be traced back to the colonial era. At a time when the parish was made to choose between the two images of the Child Jesus, i.e., the “white Santo Niño” or the Santo Niño de Praga (Holy Infant of Prague), and the “black Santo Niño”, akin to that of Sto. Nino de Cebu, the town’s special preference and fervent devotion to the latter spells out a sense of connection and mystery that made a bolder statement of naming the image as “Agta”, (an expression used to refer to a dark-skinned person or commonly understood as `Pili` or black-skinned). From there, Bobon found its distinct link to this ardent devotion to the Black Sto. Nino.

The religious fervor that began in years past formally had given birth to the Agta festivity that enkindled faith. Annually, from of 1980, Bobon joined hands in anticipation of great the revelry starting off with the 9-day novena masses which culminates with the Pontifical Mass, a fitting tribute to the Divine Maker.

Carried through the years, since the adoption of the name Agta Festival, immediately ensuing the Pontifical Mass, a “Sinulog” alongside with tribal dance is performed by devout Catholics. It is right after mass until after lunch when image is readied for the fluvial procession at 3:00PM after which the procession on and around the town closes the event. These are two simultaneous religious activities in the Marian Park symbolic of the fervent faith of the Sto. Nino devotees.

In another observance of a religious tradition usually associated with the Agta Festival, a “Sakay-sakay” or fluvial procession led by the Black Sto. Nino is carried by a “Balsa Mayor” or the lead boat of the participating boats along the stretch of the “Sag-od” river. This fluvial procession is believed to invoke the Black Image’s blessings for the fisher folk in the area. Indeed, these practices enhance the town’s identity and contribute to the community’s rich religious culture and history.

The Bobon Agta Festival, so named during the sponsorship of the elementary batch of Dr. Jaime Sanico has become a way of life for the people of Bobon—an intangible cultural heritage of the town.

Perhaps Sto Nino is one of the most well-known religious relics in the country because of its regalia—the red cape, immaculate white inner garments, and a gold crown, an orb and a scepter. Devotees would in fact line up to offer the Nino a new set of clothes as an expression of their faith and thanksgiving. True enough, because according to Tianko (2020) this regalia is symbolic of the following: the red cape represents the death, passion and martyrdom of Jesus Christ while the white robe symbolizes the resurrection of Jesus.

Thus, since Bobon Agta Festival is solely for the Black Image, the red, gold, and white motif (combination of all) are the dominant colors in and of the costumes of performers. And to play up the color of the icon, the skin of the performers is also colored black, that of the Black Image.

Up to 1980 there were no tribal performances—just mass, sinulog, sakay-sakay and procession. In 1980, when Architect Guido Escober’s family was the Hermano, Mr. Bello who is from Aklan introduced the Ati-atihan. On the other hand, Agta were children, men and women patrolling the shores during the “sakay-sakay” which stance scared onlooker children away.

In 1980 up to now, the tribal dance competition become a mainstay in the celebration making the Bobon Agta Festival popular in the province.

Finally, the icon is the symbol of collective faith of the people of Bobon. In fact, Bobon is the only town in Northern Samar that celebrates twice the feast of Sto. Nino. One in August as its Patron, and in January as the Black Sto. Nino—the Protector.

Note: Special thanks go to the informants who shared their experiences and stories about Bobon Agta; Mr. Nathan Almendo for the religious information, specifically about the Sto. Nino; Dr. Lydia P.E. Dela Rosa for editing and adding more information in the narrative.