CEBU, Philippines - In keeping with the traditions of the Gorordo family and the Parian area, the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation, Inc. (RAFI) Casa Gorordo Museum will hold "Sinug sa Casa Gorordo" on January 20, 2014 at 2 p.m.
The Sinug dance ritual will be performed by the Turang Dance Troupe from Mabolo, Cebu City. The dancers will now be led by Carolina Diola and Rommel Borja, descendants of Estelita 'Nang Titang' Diola.
Titang Diola, dubbed as the keeper of the Sinug, died last March at the age of 88. She was able to pass her knowledge of the Sinug to her relatives, who are now keeping the tradition. She learned the dance steps when she was seven from her father, Buenaventura 'Turang' Diola and was taught the beat by Mariano 'Iklot' Bontilao.
The more popular Sinulog, which Cebuanos would see again comes Jan. 19, and Titang's Sinug differ in many ways. The less known Sinug dance has its own fixed format and its own unique beat and steps not present in the Sinulog, despite the fact that both dances pay homage to the Señor Sto. Niño.
Interestingly, the Sinug does not have a dancing "reyna" who carries the image of the Senyor in the Sinulog. Instead, the icon is placed at an altar facing the dancers.
The dance narrates the coming of Christianity to the Philippines, the conflict between the locals and the Spaniards and eventual peace between the two forces through the intercession of the Sto. Niño.
The Sinug dancers were traditionally invited by the Gorordo family and other Parian families who wished to pray for the souls of their departed loved ones in this special way, on the Monday after the fiesta of the Senyor.
Believing that the dance ritual is worth preserving for the next generations to witness and experience, RAFI has supported the group's efforts to insure that the Sinug tradition lives on.
An exhibit about Titang Diola will also open after the performance.
Aside from the Sinug, the Casa Gorordo Museum continues to carry out its other house traditions like the Kuwaresma Procession, Pista ni San Juan and the displaying of the Gorordo Belen.
For inquiries, please call Karl Hegel Damayo at 4187234 loc. 703 or 2555630.
Estelita "Nang Titang" Diolo never got ired of teaching the Sinug dance steps when she was still alive. She is shown here leading the Turang Dance Troupe in one of their annual presentations at the Casa Gorordo Museum grounds.