Sinulog in my mind

After the Manileños showed their way of glorifying Señor Nazareno, Sinulog is the response of the Cebuanos, hailing from the Queen City of the South, in praising Señor Sto. Niño.

Both titles of Jesus Christ, which trace their roots from the Spanish era, mark the intense devotion and religious fervor of the Filipinos since Christianity reached the country in 16th century.

This Sunday, all roads lead to Cebu for the nth celebration of Sinulog.

Unfortunately, I will not be there once it happens.

Fortunately, I've got tons of photos which I took last year when I myself was in Cebu to be part of the revelry. I had goose bumps all over, overwhelmed with how this devotion to the Holy Child has been part of the culture and religiosity of the Cebuanos.

The highlight of the celebration of course is the Sinulog Mass concelebrated by as many priests available and attended by an ocean of people. I've got a couple of footages:

To prepare ourselves for the experience, we even had a session in the novitiate in order to learn the right stride and rhythm of the Sinulog dance.

I hope to be able to make it the next time around. Viva Pit Senyor!

Sinulog fever

I'm sick these days. I caught up the Sinulog fever. And as I wait for a Word file to show itself, these thoughts lingered in me.

1.) This weekend will be very busy. Cebu will be the noisiest and most colorful city not only in the Philippines, I bet, but in the entire planet.

2.) Our singing class two nights was something different. We only learnt one song: Gozo sa Sto. Nino. It's a popular hymn in honor of the Sto. Nino. Fr. Nioret posted a musical piece of the song in the bulletin board of the cultural group. Fr. Wilbert came up with a copy of the lyrics.

4.) Last night, we had dance lessons. Ate Jenny came over to teach us the basic steps of Sinulog. I will post the photos/videos soon.

3.) Fr. Chito will join us for the Sinulog this Sunday. He asked Fr. Wilbert to buy for him a ticket. Fr. Richard, I heard, was also here three years ago for the Sinulog. But we're not expecting him this year.

4.) Last Thursday after lunch, Migs called my attention as he stood in the door of the novitiate house. I was in the gazebo. He wanted to show me the statue of the Sto. Nino given to us by Fr. Nioret.

5.) We woke up at 3 AM today. And in a couple of minutes from now, we’ll go to the city once more. We’ll join the procession. I pray for a good weather.