CIS celebrates family day the Sinulog way

CEBU, Philippines - The foreign and local communities of Cebu International School had their own dose of the Sinulog during their recently-concluded Family Day celebration. They invited four contingents from different schools in Cebu City to present them a visual treat that they would otherwise just enjoy on the streets or on the grandstand during the Grand Parade.

Their own Sinulog Family Day celebration was opened with an hour or so of Zumba and Pinoy games that were participated in not just by the students of the school, but also by their families. Then it was followed by the street parade of the contingents dancing from the back gate of the CIS compound towards their open field. Decked in colorful costumes with matching headdresses and bringing different props, the contingents from Ramon Duterte Night High School, Cebu City Don Carlos A. Gothong Elementary School, Banilad Elementary School and Quiot Elementary School were greeted with confetti and the warms smiles of everyone who came to the event.

Although this was the sixth year that CIS held a Sinulog Family Day celebration, it was the first year that they turned it into a competition. Banilad Elementary School, which also won first place in the Elementary Division of this year's Sinulog sa Kabataan, was declared the champion in the contest. Sinulog sa Kabataan 5th placer Quiot Elementary School garnered the 1st runner-up spot. Cebu City Don Carlos A. Gothong Elementary School and Ramon Duterte Night High School, earned the second and third runner-up spots, respectively. The latter came in 5th for the Secondary division of the Sinulog sa Kabataan, as well.

The grand CIS event was attended by the Sinulog Foundation's executive director Ricky Ballesteros himself, who presided as the chairman of the board of judges. The panel was composed of Engr. Junjet Primor, who is Fashion and Dance Director/Choreographer and Executive Council Member — National Committee on Dance of the Nat'l Commission for Culture and the Arts, Executive Director for Cebu City Tourism Cinbeth Orellano and Dancesport champion Ryla Orbiso, who is a member of the Cebu City Dancesport Team.

Raf Mikhael Peligro, the Student Council's public relations officer said they wanted their family day to have the Sinulog theme because Sinulog is a family thing.

"It is celebrating the Sto. Niño, praising him for what he has been giving and it is meant to be shared. Plus, we are enjoying the Sinulog at the comfort of our own home. We don't have to go out to experience it," he added.

Student Council president Hye Rhin Kwon, for her part, shared that as an international school, they felt that they should engage with their host country and with local culture and that this was their own way to experience not just the Sinulog but also Pinoy games and food.

Meanwhile, Ann-Sophie Mùller, a German senior student, revealed how she loves the spirit Filipinos have, which can be clearly seen through the Sinulog celebration.

"Things happen and they find ways to pick themselves up, we love their hospitality as well," she explained.

The Sinulog Family Day celebration of CIS was capped with a barrio fiesta-themed lunch shared by students and their families. During the meal, the families were treated to games and performances from selected students. Dancesport champion Ryla Orbiso, along with a partner, performed dance numbers for everyone as well. — (FREEMAN)