Sinulog far from home

CEBU, Philippines - Once again the city’s most celebrated fiesta would enliven the streets in a few days time. Since the parade’s debut way back in 1980, Cebuanos have always danced to the one beat of the Sinulog Festival.

Sinulog comes from the Cebuano word “sulog” which means current from the river as its dance steps are similar to its literal meaning. The Sinulog is a graceful dance done in worship of the image of Senyor Sto. Niño.

The youth has been a highlight of the festival since its beginning up to the present. Year after year, they dance to the beat, worship in churches, attend Mass and of course, party during the grand parade.

But through the years, Filipinos have been leaving the country to find greener pastures. Included in the group of migrants are Filipino teenagers who are missing the fun with friends and family while they are pursuing their education abroad.

According to 20 year old Youki Akimoto who has been in Japan since 2006, she has a lot of Sinulog memories when she was still in the country.

“Daghan kaayo og tawo basta Sinulog. Kaniadto, ganahan ko makakita sa floats sa parade kay naa man kuno’y artista, (There are a lot of people during Sinulog. Before, I would want to see the floats during the parade because it is known to hold celebrities),” she said. Despite her being far from home, she still celebrates the festival even if she is in Japan. Akimoto says she wears the Sinulog shirt during the day of the festival itself so that somehow, she would feel the spirit of the festival.

Akimoto moved to Japan to continue her basic education there so she may further pursue her studies in Hotel and Restaurant Management in Tokyo.

Similarly, Vina Cañete of Vineland, New Jersey, USA, also celebrates the festival in her own way.

“I light a candle and pray to Him in the nearby church here,” Cañete said. This year she plans to go to New York City with her parents where a small festival is done by the Filipino communities in honor of the Senyor Sto. Niño.

She migrated to the states to take up Graphic Design as a scholar in the Art Institute of Philadelphia.

“If I was granted a ticket to be home for the festival, I would gladly accept it,” added Vina who “misses the tradition, being with people who have strong faith and celebrating with friends and family”.

Even Tricia Tambago, 17, who is just in Manila for her studies, wants to come home for the celebration. “I’d leave all my projects just to celebrate this year’s Sinulog!” Tambago said. But then she will just be with her relatives and attend Mass for the Sto. Niño to get her by.

Although being far from home, the next generation would really want to join in the grand celebration of the goodness of our patron saint Senyor Sto. Niño. This is an indicator that the Sinulog has been running in our veins, as the signature of us being Cebuanos.