First of all, I want to start off by apologizing. It’s been a long time since I posted anything new and I can’t express enough my gratitude for your patience with me while I’ve been on hiatus. As the days of my life approach, I feel like relocating and needing to organize. But today, I’m so excited to be back with you and share something special with you all.
As I set forth into the new year of blogging so to speak, I think I will milepost some milestones throughout my life, moments that I have related not just in my own life but also in the lives of those that I have touched and who have touched me. So, wherever life takes us — be it personal development, new and exciting projects, or the small and everyday pleasures — I will walk with you through the experience. I hope you will still appreciate me and support me in any form.
The Sinulog Festival this year, hits differently. A year back, I wished for this to happen: my family would go to Cebu and we would enjoy the Sinulog Festival together. We were never enough to make these trips possible, money was always a problem,but all thanks to Hive because he was the number one reason why we have the to celebrate it together and most especially prayers to Señor Santo Niño. We finally have celebrate it together for how many years.
(Journey to Cebu)
Just after dawn we woke up with our heart filled with joy and thankfulness. After preparing, we hopped in the bus for a three-hour trip to Cebu. We could feel the energy in the air as we approached the city, which was buzzing with excitement for one of the Philippines’ biggest festivals.
My parents purchased traditional Sinulog shirts as souvenirs for the long-awaited festival when we arrived. The colourful shirts, beads, face paints and decorations made the scene festive.
After we rested for two hours in my apartment we joined The Solemn Foot procession with thousands of people. It was an unforgettable day.
It was hot while walking from Fuente Osmeña to the Basilica , however it was a great and wonderful moment for me and my family.
Thousands of devotees walked side by side, singing prayers and songs for Señor Santo Niño. Tears welling in my eyes, I thanked Señor Santo Niño for answering our prayers and for bringing my family closer together. However, I was downhearted. After the procession, my family returned to the province since my father was on duty during the actual date of Sinulog. I was so excited to celebrate with them on the actual day but I am still very grateful that we got to celebrate it together. For us, it was not only a blast, it was a spiritual experience.
On the day of Sinulog itself, I gathered and went with my friends to celebrate. Don’t forget: We walked miles in circles, watching street dances and colorful moving figure and big floats with Philippines actors and actresses. Yet in addition to the fun, we also witnessed chaotic scenes, including a near stampede because of the overwhelming size of the crowd.
But the best part of the day was witnessing the awesome fireworks display in Ayala Center Cebu and hearing some of our favorite singing performers live. The best way to end an incredible experience.
I will always remember my first Sinulog because it will genuinely remain as one of the most special experience in my life. It wasn't just a celebration, it was a memory of family, faith and friendship that I will always treasure.
Here's A Quick Background About the Sinulog Festival
Sinulog Festival (is celebrated in third Sunday in January):One of the biggest religious and cultural festivals in any part of the world, Sinulog Festival takes place in Cebu City, Philippines every third Sunday of January in honour of Señor Santo Niño, the depiction of Child Jesus. Named “Sinulog,” from the Cebuano word “sulog,” meaning “like water current movement,” for the dance steps most used during the festival.
The Sinulog started as a simple religious ritual to honor the Santo Niño, which was brought by the Spaniards who came to Cebu in 1521. Over the years the festival transformed into a colorful event filling the streets, attracting millions of devotees and tourists from all over the world. What you wouldn’t want to miss though, are the huge parades with participants dressed in complex costumes dancing as they play to the rhythm of the drums and the native songs.
To devotees, Sinulog is more than one of the biggest cultural events in the country; it is a celebration of faith and gratitude to Señor Santo Niño for blessings received and prayers answered.
Looking Ahead, It was everything I wanted and more this year’s Sinulog. This made it all the more special, however: the joy of celebrating with my family, the spiritual fulfilment of giving thanks and the vibrant culture of the city.
In front of the image of Señor Santo Niño, I prayed that our blessings continue and that our celebrations of Sinulog together will be even more for the years to come. I would like to thank Señor Santo Niño for fulfilling our wishes and giving us the strength to make this dream a reality.
Here’s to more Sinulog, strengthened faith, and family togetherness. Viva Señor Santo Niño!