Manila, Sept. 20 -- An estimated 1.2 million devotees gathered in Naga City for the fluvial procession of El Divino Rostro and Nuestra Senora de Penafrancia on Saturday, despite the activity held at nighttime for the first time due to low tide.

Devotees, pilgrims and visitors waited along the route to witness the annual religious tradition.

Among them was 60-year-old Lito Almazar, who has been a devotee of "Ina" for 50 years.

Almazar said he continues to travel from Canaman to Naga City every year, some 14 kilometers separating the two Camarines Sur towns.

"I come here every year to watch Ina's procession. I am happy that I can always come to Naga to visit Ina and see her," he said, adding that his devotion includes praying for a lon...