The Currents of Sinulog 2010: The Maribago Bluewater Beach Resort Experience

CEBU, Philippines - It’s a local word that means “river current;” but now it has come to symbolize an island paradise’s reverence for tradition and call for celebration. “Sinulog has evolved over the years; but one thing stays the same– it has always stood for the best that Cebu has to offer; the best that Cebu can be,” shares Mr. Rhyz O. Buac, General Manager of Maribago Bluewater Beach Resort.

And this has never been truer on the 30th year of Sinulog festivities. Having the theme “One Beat, One Dance and One Tradition,” this year’s Sinulog was expected to be grandest yet. Aside from the main spectacle which is the Sinulog Grand Parade, other highlights of Sinulog 2010 included the Fluvial Procession, Sinulog Photo Exhibits in Mactan Airport, Ayala, SM City and Emall; Sinulog sa Kabataan—Lalawigan; Sinulog sa Kabataan—Dakbayan; Sinulog Festival Queen and nightly programs such as Cultural Shows and Street Parties to be held at Fuente Osmeña.

 “ All stops have been pulled for this year’s celebration, and everyone can expect it to be a pageantry of sights, sounds and colors,” notes GM Buac. “ But of course, we should not lose sight of the core of Sinulog: Cebu’s patron saint, the Santo Niño.”

Currents of History and Celebration

Marketing and Events Manager Leslie Marie N. Fuentes discloses that Sinulog is a dance ritual that honors the image of the Santo Niño. “ This dance moves to drum sounds and its movements resembles the current of Cebu’s Pahina River. Thus, the name Sinulog.”

She also notes that more than the name, Sinulog also symbolizes the link between the country’s storied pagan past and its Christian present. “Our history books tell us the story of Rajah Humabon and Magellan, but not everyone knows how the image of the Santo Niño miraculously survived warfare, burning and years of neglect.”

Aside from this, Mrs. Fuentes shares that another important historical aspect of the Sinulog is the Fluvial procession, traditionally held the day before the Sinulog Grand Parade.

“ It has been a tradition to have the image of the Child Jesus visit his parents before his grand day,” confirms Mrs. Fuentes . “From his home in Basilica del Sto. Niño, he will be paraded to his foster father in the St. Joseph Parish in Mandaue City through a motorcade of big bikes at the busy streets of Metro Cebu and then through a galleon via Mactan Channel.”

“During the procession, the Santo Niño is usually kept in a glass case bedecked with blossoming flowers, which will be carried by a galleon towards His destination,” says Ms. Fuentes. Meanwhile, brightly decorated motorized bancas, passenger boats, yachts, barges and fastcrafts will follow the Child Jesus. “As part of the celebrations, Maribago Bluewater Resort sailed two outriggers for our in-house guests and friends who wish to participate in the fluvial procession.”

She reiterates, “We want our guest to experience the unique journey of the Sto. Niño through Mactan Channel.”

After the welcome and pilgrims prayer at St. Joseph Parish, “a procession will deliver the Holy Child to Basilica del Sto. Niño from the busy Cebu port,” she confirms.

This year, Department of Tourism Undersecretary Cynthia Carrion and Regional Director Patria Roa were among those who joined the fluvial procession. Mrs. Pinky Puno also had her own unforgettable and fulfilling experience as they joined the faithful who were drenched by the rain, yet were happy to join the Sto. Niño in his voyage home.

Currents of Home and Tradition

Amid all the festivities of the Sinulog, it’s best to take a breather in a place that while peaceful, still echoes the lore and tradition of Cebuano culture. And as Maribago Bluewater Beach Resort’s Vice President for Sales and Marketing Margie Munsayac asserts, this is exactly what Maribago Bluewater Resort has to offer.

Situated amid lush tropical landscaping, all 157 rooms and main facilities of Maribago Bluewater Resort celebrates local “artistic and architectural heritage.” In fact, every aspect of the resort has touches of well-known artist and furniture designer Benji Reyes. “It either houses one of his signature pieces or aspects of the structure itself were crafted by him,” adds Ms. Munsayac. “It’s no exaggeration to say that Maribago is literally a ‘work of art.’”

Meanwhile, true to the gracious pampering that Cebuano islanders are known for, Maribago is one place where every detail of your stay is carefully thought out. And as General Manager Rhyz O. Buac reveals, this is true from the moment you say “Mabuhay!” until the time you bid us farewell. This is readily apparent in the resort’s Amuma Spa. Amuma, which is the Visayan word for pamper or indulge, lives up to its name by offering a selection of Visayan-Filipino treatments designed to rejuvenate the body and spirit.

He adds that in Maribago, guests’ options are relatively endless with the resort’s 110-meter beachfront of white sand; 1.1 hectare private island; three lagoon-shaped swimming pools with waterfalls; children’s playground, recreation and watersports center.

“As Cebuanos, we’re proud to be able to present to the world something like Sinulog,” says Mr. Buac, “And as vanguards of this tradition, we’re equally proud to offer a people haven in Maribago Bluewater Resort that’s equally unique, creative and special as the Sinulog festival.”(Photos taken by Dave Banglos.)