Viva! Pit Senyor! First time ever to have completed the 9-day
novena to Snr. Sto. Nino! I’m so proud of myself. I couldn’t have done it
without my friends who unfailingly wake me up early every morning. Thanks
girls! I enjoyed every moment of it especially the food trips we do right
after.
I know I’m not
religious at all but having attended the novena masses moved me. I’ve never
been in a crowd so devoted that in spite of the scorching heat or the slight
drizzle they endure it all just to pray and praise the child Jesus. During the novena mass, the devotees sing the Gozos,
Batobalani sa Gugma(which means “a magnet of love”) and wave their hands up in
the air, and I always get goosebumps or get choked up a bit.
On the 9th day of the novena is the Traslacion,
the reunion of the Holy Family. It is when the images of Sto. Nino and Mama
Mary visit the shrine of St. Joseph. Still, devotees queue for hours,
zigzagging their way to see Sto. Nino.
The fluvial procession is held at dawn, bringing the
Sto. Nino back to the basilica.
A solemn procession is held thereafter attended by
thousands of devotees.
And now it’s time for the MARDIGRAS!!! Sinulog comes
from the Cebuano word “sulog” which means like water current movement. That is
how the dance steps originated, two steps forward and one step backward, but now
it has a variety of steps. So I took on the streets to really feel the Sinulog
fever! I got my camera ready, put on some sunblock, ate a big breakfast, and brought
some water. Now, I’m all set to party!!
Kudos to the dancers! Even if it’s like desert-hot, they
still put on a smile!
Those are some colourful costumes!
Can you hear that boom boom boom!
Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom!
Boom!
Beautiful!!
Now this is what I call crowd control!! Move back or
else...
The higantes and floats…
STREET PARTY!!!
met some cool people on the streets
there's never a dull moment with these guys!
I enjoyed every moment of Sinulog! Despite the lack of sleep, the hot weather, and the rowdy crowd, I''d still do it all over again. Let's keep in mind that more than the revelries, it is a festival, not of religion, but of faith, and a form of thanksgiving to the miraculous Senior Sto. Nino's countless blessings. Pit Senyor!
