Locals threw thousands of colourful candles into a Catholic shrine while making wishes.

Footage shows the devotees crowding outside the religious building housing the Magellan's cross landmark to pray in Cebu, the Philippines, on January 18.

They tossed the wax candles onto the floor as an offering, believing it could grant their prayers.

The pavilion marked the spot where Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan was believed to have planted a cross in 1521.

Resident Rohanie Benesilon said: 'We pray in a whisper to the cross and then throw the candle to make a wish.'

Catholicism was introduced to the Philippines by Spanish missionaries in the 16th century, quickly becoming the country's dominant religion, at a time when Islam looked likely to spread from the south in Indonesia and Malaysia.