Undoubtedly, Sinulog is one of the most festive and colorful festivals in the country and even around the world, thus, making Cebu one of the popular destinations for both local and international tourists at this time. Not to mention our fellow Cebuanos abroad who make it a point to include the Sinulog as part of their itinerary and of course, also the countless devotees of our dear Senyor Santo Niño de Cebu. After all, it is the real essence of the celebration, to honor and pay tribute to the miraculous Niño.
Every year since the Sinulog started, I make it a point to walk down the streets and witness the beautiful and impressive celebration through dances, floats and puppets. I remember the first few years when my father tagged me along with my brothers to join the Cebu City Government contingent when he was then a City Councilor until he became Vice Mayor. When I was in high school and was already allowed to join my “barkada,” we usually hit the streets right after lunch ‘til the last contingent passed at around 6 p.m. Then, with drenched clothes and painted faces, we proceeded to my paternal grandmother’s house for her traditional “Fiesta Señor dinner” with all of my closest kins. It is a family tradition which we still religiously practice even after she passed away some years ago. And this went on ‘til the past two years.
For two Sinulog celebrations now, I had the privilege to experience the grand parade in a different way. Thanks to my friends from the top beauty clinic Flawless (formerly Forever Flawless), Managing Director Rubby Sy and Marketing Services Manager Francis Labora, for inviting me to join them on their magnificent float. It was totally a new experience since I didn’t have to sweat that much, walking along the parade route under the heat of the sun and squeezing myself in the midst of a sea of people in order to watch the different contingents performing. This time, we were comfortably seated on top of the float with flowing sodas and juices, chips and what have you, while enjoying the scene of happy and smiling faces appreciating the impressive float we were on from the start of the parade ‘til the finish.
The theme of the Flawless float this year was “Pretty in Pink Bloom.” The Santo Niño riding a huge swan sitting on a bed of real pink flowers. The float’s inspiration was derived from the idea on how Flawless makes one feel pretty and beautiful, like a pink flower. I doff my hat to float contractor Sonny Pollescas with the help of one of Cebu’s pioneer florists, who happens to be my mom, Lee Kintanar (she actually doesn’t do these anymore, it was more of her ardent devotion to Senyor Santo Niño) for the perfect execution of the finished product. And mind you, it took only three days in the making. Amazing!
To cap, my Sinulog 2009 experience was something I wouldn’t mind having again next year. Even if it means getting up at 4 in the morning to make it to where the float is located before the main streets would close. Congratulations to the Sinulog organizers for a generally peaceful celebration this year! Viva Pit Senyor!