Behind the Limelight of Sinulog 2018

PHILIPPINES , defined by its breathtaking beaches, endless rice fields teeming with hard working smiling people has offered the world not only with its emerald landscapes but also with its luscious culture that brought faith, unity and fun.

Popularly known as the Pearl of the Orient Seas, Philippines is an archipelago that is apart from the mainland Southeast Asia – not only geographically but also culturally and spiritually. Traces of the Spanish Era are witnessed in splendidly high-spirited festivals / fiestas, centuries-old stone churches and strong Catholicism in some regions. Despite of the various external influences, making it a melting bowl of customs, the country retain its uniqueness; the people are simply Filipinos – confident and proud of it.

These two pictures were taken by my very good friend, Jennifer Napone.

Just in Central Visayas of the country lies Cebu City or commonly known as Sugbo , a highly urbanized city. In the book of Retracing Our Roots – A Journey Into Cebu’s Pre-colonial Past written by Marivir Montebon, Sugbo, that came from the old Cebuano Term for “scorched earth” or “great fire”. The roots of its name is justified everyday and even more on the celebration of the Sinulog Festival in honor of the most venerated Child Jesus - Senior Sto. Niño held on third Sunday of January of each year.

Aside from the merrymaking associated with Sinulog, what is its true meaning for the devotees? Why do they sacrifice their schedule to join the crowded masses and celebration?

In history as published on the Body, Movement, and Culture: Kinesthetic and Visual Symbolism in Philippine Community by Sally Ann Ness, way back on 1565, Spanish expeditors, led by Miguel Lopez de Legazpi came for peaceful colonization however this was rejected and instead brought fire on Cebu that burnt the town putting thousands of homes ablaze. In the said burn, Juan Camus found the image of Santo Niño in a box untouched. Legend says, the survival of the statue is a miracle.

Strange but I have to admit that for my 20 years here in Cebu, I wasn’t able to attend the most sought after celebration. Determined to have a trip of faith, repentance, thanksgiving and hope on Sinulog, I attended it all by myself. People of all walks of life came.

It was a spectacle that worth all of my amazement. The quality of participation gets better year after year. Street business and trade were on its peak. There was never been a dull journey with gush for individual creativity and entrepreneurship. To me, it’s completely inspiring to witness this collaboration from strangers, coexisting, smiling with each other.

I really find this funny, "water for single Php10.oo only"

As I was reaching on my destination, a mass of devotees flooded the parameter of Basilica del Santo Niño. The size of the church together with its quadrangle is already of great area yet people are no longer able to fit in thus occupying the surroundings of the Magellan’s Cross.

Praying alone gives your inner peace and praying with such big community sharing faith and hope gives a profound strength. It was as if everyone was connected and together we are so much stronger with the guidance of Sto. Niño. I was in awe for the child Jesus has brought into such unity.

As the song Batobalani sa Gugma which means “Magnet of Love” in English filled the air I tried to take a look at the expanse of people. Couples, old, young, praising , calling out for His Almighty guidance. The glint in their eyes are such a sight to behold.

The hope reflected in face of lolo is really inspiring.

One of my prayers of for Sto. Niño is to guide me as I decided to take the full swing of my life. It is now or never. All or nothing. Closure for anything mediocre. Nothing in between. I have to be honest to the Most High Santo Niño, this frightens me but this is for the best not only for me but for all people that I would be able to meet.

Going out at the radius of the Basilica was a real struggle. It’s difficult especial of the numbers of head. Nonetheless, it was all so memorable.It feels lighter to have my prayers said to Sto. Niño. What did you felt after the entire Sinulog? Share your experience below!

XoXo,
@springroses