Siquijor celebrates the feast of Sto. Niño

CEBU, Philippines - The celebration of the feast in honor of the Sto. Niño in Siquijor has many forms.

In the small town of Enrique Villanueva, townsfolk celebrate the feast through traditional dances and the Sinulog; food preparation and a solemn procession of the Niño Jesus.

Atty. Alfredo A. Orquillas Jr., 51 years old, association president, said that they have been celebrating the feast for a long time.

“I’m of the fifth generation to handle this celebration,” Orquillas pointed out.

Orquillas recalled of his great grandparents recounting how Niño was found in the sea by a fisherman.

“This fisherman who was a friend of his great grandparents set out to sea had a poor catch; instead, he fished out this little wood shaped like the Sto. Niño icon. Everytime he caught this small piece of wood (approximately three inches), he would throw it back to the sea. This happened three times. So, he brought it to the chapel,” Orquillas recalled.

“My personal testimony on how I was touched by the Sto. Niño has something to do with my recovery from being a drunkard. He also gives me blessings, my good family and more achievements in life. Personally, I believe that for as long as you believe in Him, great things would happen,” Orquillas further disclosed.

“The left hand of our Niño has been stolen due to the miracles that He manifested,” Orquillas recounted.

Bernadith S. Bunado, Chairman of the Sinulog dance presentation, shares that they are celebrating the feast in three days, from January 14 to 16, 2012. The feast day is on the third Sunday every year.

On the first day was the Novena while on the second day was the Holy Mass and presentation of Sinulog dances. The participants were following the traditional ritual, complete with painted body and faces, war-like with martial beat.

On the third day was the procession, which started at the chapel to the sea where the Niño was found. While on the way to the sea, townsfolk lit firecrackers and produce some loud noise. When the Niño arrived at the sea, the bathing activity took place in solemn atmosphere. It is brought back to the chapel where the Niño was bathed with coconut water.“This is a religious activity for everyone of us devotees. This shows that people here are faithful and have a rich culture to preserve. This is a family-oriented activity wherein every member of the family would join the activity based on our practices,” said Enrique Villanueva Mayor Melojean B. Orquillas.

Meanwhile, in barangay Cang-alwang, Sinulog dance competition was also held sponsored by the Association of Siquijorian in Manila, Incorporated.

Ricky Suan of ASMI shared that their goal was to go back to Siquijor to celebrate the feast and ask that the Holy Child grant peace, unity and love. They prayed that Siquijor may not fall victim to the ill effects of climate change.

After the Sinulog showdown that took place in front of the Sto Niño church, Mass followed celebrated by Monsignor Larry Catubig. Thousands of devotees flocked to the church while others stood in line to watch the image of the Sto. Niño outside the church.