i know it is already February and that Sinulog was just last January but let me share you something about it.
First, let us tackle on what is really Sinulog and how it came to be.
"Sinulog is a dance ritual in honor of the miraculous image of the Santo Nino. The dance moves to the sound of the drums and this resembles the current (Sinulog) of what was then known as Cebu’s Pahina River. Thus, in Cebuano, they say it’s Sinulog."
Historical accounts say that before Portuguese navigator Ferdinand Magellan came to Cebu on April 7, 1521 to plant the cross on its shore and claim the country for the King of Spain, Sinulog was already danced by the natives in honor of their wooden idols and anitos. Then Magellan came and introduced Christianity. He gave the Santo Nino (image of the Child Jesus) as baptismal gift to Hara Amihan, wife of Cebu’s Rajah Humabon who was later named Queen Juana. At that time, not only the rulers were baptized but also about 800 of their subjects. Unfortunately, however, shortly after the conversion, Magellan went into a reckless adventure by fighting the reigning ruler of Mactan, Rajah Lapulapu, with only a handful of men. He died in the encounter. That was on April 27, 1521...... more of the history is actually here: Sinulog History. All the credits for all the information used is actually in that site.
I know that Sinulog really is a very big and grand festival but i usually just stay at home and enjoy my "me" time by reading a book, surfing the net all day, or even sleep all day. Most of the time, i surf the net but there are also times that i do my assignments, homeworks and project on that day. I also actually don't care about those TV personalities and celebrities who are there sitting and waving in their respective floats. BUT i would definitely be there if the celebrities are from HOLLYWOOD like Johnny Depp, Keira Knightley but i think that's impossible. I don't go out because of the crowd, the dirty streets, the smell of the people and no ways of transportation. Those are my main reasons for not going out on a lively festival.
Prior to the day before the festival, there is actually the procession. Now, this is something I wouldn't miss for the world. Me and my mom join every year bringing our Sñr. Santo Niño image and our rosaries. I was actually overjoyed knowing that we wouldn't be able to join the crowd control that is actually a requirement for our NSTP because i will be able to join my mom in the procession. But the procession last time was a bit of a disaster because it was raining really, REALLY hard but it did not stop the people from continuing the procession.
To the Cebuanos: Haven't you ever wondered why Cebu is not always being hit by strong storms,. typhoons and other natural disasters and that Cebu is a prospering province?? They say it's because of our FAITH. Because we have this Sinulog, that we return what we have indebted to our God and I actually believe this. Though i don't have a very great faith like the others but i have Faith in HIM and i hope that you do also.
In God We Trust.
