January 18, 2013

  • Preparing for the Sinulog

    Culture

    Local tourists are filling up the hotels in the city and the streets of Cebu during the one-day Sinulog festival and even days before and after the festival that promoting this already famous festival outside the country is not necessary.

    From this, one could surmise that one of the major reasons why Cebu is flocked during the Sinulog is for the religious aspect of the festival. And with the city-hosted Sinulog carnival, the festivity has welcomed even visitors of non-Catholic faiths to marvel and join in the revelry.

    Spiritual preparation

    The Sinulog is a lot of things for us, and for each individual this popular festival has a different meaning. But whatever that reason may be, one could have a better experience of the fiesta if they also take time to ready themselves spiritually.

    Attend the 9-day Novena Mass. The novena mass is one of the many ways for a devotee to show his/her utmost devotion to the Sto. Niño. It is a daily sacrifice for many, and for most an intimate meeting being looked forward to every year. The novena mass also prepares the devotee for the solemn procession of the miraculous image of the Sto. Niño, which can be considered as the apex of the celebration.

    Reserve one hour of your day for reflection. A relationship with one's God is not one way. Just like any relationship, it has to be mutual, and as such, give God the opportunity to give you an answer. Learn to listen to God, allow him to speak, stay quiet and just reflect on the beauty of the Child Jesus.

    Contemplate on the virtues of the Infant Jesus. The Sto. Niño de Cebu is a representation of the Infant Jesus, although Cebu's image is unique because of the miracles attributed to it, starting from its discovery to being spared from burning. Fr. Reginald Marie Garrigou-Lagrange in his book "The Three Ages of the Interior Life" pointed out the innate qualities of the child, as taught by St. Teresa of Lisieux, and is "found in an eminent degree in the child of God" are simplicity and consciousness of weakness. Simplicity allows the child to see events and circumstances around him on face value, as it is. This simplicity brings with it trust, the reason why the child would believe what an adult would tell him. The consciousness of weakness brings humility as the child realizes his dependence to his parents.

    As one makes this practice, a prayerful devotee can be assured of a much meaningful spiritual experience.

    The Sinulog carnival

    Should you wish to enjoy the city-hosted festival, it would be wise to follow these tips:

    Know your goal. What is your reason for joining the Sinulog? Is it to enliven your spiritual life or to simply enjoy the festivity? Beer drinking perhaps or go party hopping? Whatever your reason is, make that your goal and plan your activities with the thought of experiencing your goal.

    Calendar your activities. The Sinulog has plenty of related events and activities, all to entertain the city's visitors. But there are activities that are purely Cebuano or Visayan. One of these is the annual Cebu Pop Music Festival, which has produced such great talents as Raki Vega, Chad Borja, and Vina Morales. The Sinulog Foundation, which handles the carnival, and the Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño, who handles the religious aspect of the festival, have already posted the different schedules leading to the Sinulog day. You can start planning your activities from there. The city's different hotels and shopping centers have also scheduled various events. For that, check out their websites or call their respective customer service hotlines.

    Map your route. Many of the major roads of the city will be closed for the festival, and with this, expect a lot of walking. Walking the stretch of Osmeña Boulevard, however, can be fun during the Sinulog because you won't just be walking, you will also be marveling at the different gimmicks and plots initiated by enterprising Cebuanos. A road map would be very useful. Know where you are going and see if there are back alleys and short cuts that you can take.

    Buy your pasalubong ahead. After the festivity, visitors would be seen flocking such popular pasalubong centers and establishments like the Tabo-an for dried fish and danggit, or at souvenir shops for t-shirts and other delicacies. In order to avoid the pasalubong rush, try to make it a point to buy them when you arrive in the city, right after you've settled down in your hotel. For the danggit and other dried seafood products, make sure they're tightly sealed to avoid the spread of any funny smell in your room or your bag.

    Enjoy. Lastly, you should remember that you are joining the Sinulog because you want to enjoy. While the church-led celebration focuses on silent reflection and sincere devotion, the city-hosted carnival is about thanksgiving. Have fun, go wild (in a responsible way), and experience something new. Have a henna tattoo, wear fashionably weird clothes, or dance in the middle of the street. Just remember not to leave courtesy in your room, bring it at all times, especially during the street parade where you would surely encounter many rowdy people.

    First saw print on January 13, 2013 in The FREEMAN, a daily regional paper in the Philippines. Photos: Reynan Villena/Philstar.com and Ferdinand Edralin/Philstar.com.

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