All systems go for Kaplag Fest

CEBU, Philippines —  All is set for the revival of the Kaplag Festival at the Archdiocesan Shrine of San Nicolas de Tolentino Parish in Barangay San Nicolas Proper, Cebu City.

This event commemorates the discovery of the image of Sto. Niño by Spanish sailor Juan Camus on April 28, 1565.

The Cebu City government, through the City’s Cultural and Historical Affairs Office, is leaving the religious aspect of the celebration to the San Nicolas parish itself.

“Basin mahibong mo nga religious man ni nga activity, nganong nag-apil-apil man diri ang Cebu City government. Una sa tanan, ang relihoso nga kalihukan among gihatag na sa parokya nga maoy muhimo niini,” said CHAO head Bryner Diaz in yesterday’s press conference.

Diaz said the religious side will be handled by San Nicolas Parish headed by Msgr. Roger Fuentes.

Aside from that, the city government is supporting this event with the aim of preserving and propagating the rich history and culture of the past.

“Ang Kaplag usa kini ka panghitabo sa kaysaysayan  diin ang sailor nga si Juan Camus  nakakita sa imahe sa  Sto. Niño diha sa ilang pagbalik diri sa Legaspi expedition,” Diaz said.

“Gipatik kini sa kasaysayan ug gihandom ni sa taga-San Nicolas maong nisuporta ta kay usa kini ka kalihukan sa kasaysayan nga naglambigit sa kasaulugan sa Quincentennial Commemoration sa Philippines. Unya ang sa simbahan sad nga aspeto mao ning 500 years of Christianity, 40 years after ni siya nahitabo. Integral part kini sa celebration” he added.

The celebration started last Sunday with a motorcade from Sto. Nino Parish in Pasil to San Nicolas and some activities from the youth sector, according to San Nicolas Proper’s barangay captain Clifford Jude Niñal.

Yesterday, the Triduum started with the arrival of Sto. Nino image at Forbes Bridge followed by the first triduum mass and opening of the San Nicolasnon and Sto. Niño exhibit at the parish’ belfry while a cultural event took place at Plaza Urdaneta last night.

The second triduum mass takes place this afternoon, April 26, to be followed by an acoustic night.

Tomorrow will be the last triduum mass and followed by a solemn procession and Kaplag Musical night.

On the feast day on the 28th, there will be a pontifical mass officiated by the Most Rev. Midyphil Billones, auxiliary bishop of Cebu, followed by a kaplag grand parade and finale.

The finale will be a showdown of seven barangays around San Nicolas church, including Duljo-Fatima, Pahina Central, Pasil, Suba, Sawang Calero, Calamba and host San Nicolas Proper.

Ninal said his barangay will showcase the Buwad Festival; Pahina-Central, sorbetes; Duljo Fatima, Tartanilya Festival;  Pasil and Suba, Tuslob buwa and larang, respectively; and Sawang Calero, Isda Festival. Calamba is yet to disclose what they will offer during the Kaplag festival.

Aside from the showdown itself, Niñal also disclosed that there are expo featuring products from the seven participating barangays as well as some food tasting during the feast day.

A battle of the sounds is also taking place today at the San Nicolas gym with 10 teams participating. — Rowena D. Capistrano, JMD (FREEMAN)