It is considered an honor to have the statue of the Santo Nino, evident by the long waiting list to host a novena. The group tonight consists mostly of middle-aged and older Filipinos. There are young children in attendance tonight, but only because their parents insist they be a part of the gathering. The only person in her 20s is Gail Bautista, 23. She kneels next to her mother as they both lead some part of the prayer.
Women have a tendency to lead prayer while the men manage to linger in the background.
A few of take this opportunity to do a little socializing. Faint laughter and Tagalog being mumbled by men can be heard during brief pauses in the prayer. Gail exits the room after praying and goes to the kitchen to help her father make final preparations for the meal. The second most important part of the evening is eating. The praying is only a precursor to the meal about to be enjoyed.