Having lived in Cebu for almost three years now, I have adapted the tradition of celebrating the Sinulog. Tagged as the "Mother of all Festivals in the Philippines", Sinulog is more than just a party on the street or that day of the year when you can sport your henna tattoo or face paint. More than anything, the Sinulog is a celebration of faith. It is the time of the year that the Cebuanos picked in thanksgiving to its protector, the Sto. Nino (the Child Jesus) or simply known to them as Senyor. The Sinulog parade is known all over the country for it's grandeur and energy. It just gets better each year! But the Mass right after the Sinulog procession on the eve of the festival is one thing to watch out for.
The first time I attended the mass was last year when I came with my friends from CLM. It's been the movement's tradition to pray the Rosary at the Pilgrim Grounds while waiting for the procession to return. After the Mass, the Sinulog dance will start. Everyone will be a dancing to the Sinulog tune while raising their replicas of the image of the Sto. Nino. Prayers, raised up to the heavens. Shouting all together "Pit Senyor!" (Hail, O Lord!). I did the dance this year, along with some strangers. I had a lot to thank for and pray for this year. My friends from CLM was a at the Pilgrim Grounds while I stayed at the balcony area. I had a blast. I had goosebumps from time to time plus the fireworks was just amazing. Nowhere in the world will you experience prayer the way Cebuanos does it.
Here's the video that I took with my phone after the Sinulog Mass :
My Sinulog in the past three years:
I partied on the streets with my girlfriends in 2010
Sinulog with my friends from CLM in 2011
The Sinulog in 2011 was the foundation of my friendship with Clarrence, Jhanine, Manoy Vince, Vi-an, Mark, RJ and Nelson. It's been a year guys! Cheers!
I joined the solemn procession and danced after the Mass for Sinulog 2012
I catch up with the with the procession at Fuente Osmena
On our way back to the Basilica as the procession draws to it's end and the Mass would start.
I grew up in a Sto. Nino city just like Cebu. Back in Tacloban, my hometown, the Sto. Nino also serves as our patron and protector. I hope to be with Mom next year for Sinulog she always wanted to come but never found the perfect time to do it. I just hope she can catch up with the long walk and all. But I'm sure she'll love it. 'Till the next Sinulog in 2013 and onwards!
Welcome back to me, by the way.
I missed y'all! xoxo
