The first two centuries of the Spanish colonial era saw an intermittent stream of religious images arriving in the Philippines from Spain, Mexico, and other countries. These were promptly enshrined in churches and gradually attracted devotees.
In Cebu, the image of the Child Jesus housed in the Basilica Minore del Sto. Nino is believed to be the same one given by Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan to Rajah Humabon’s wife during her baptism. Cebu’s churches and parish museums host quite a number of these religious images. They can be found on niches in the main and side altars or pediments and in museum collections.