These women still dance the ‘Sinulog’

CEBU, Philippines - They are not young anymore but they can still perform the Sinulog dance on the streets.

“It was my dream to dance the Sinulog before the image of Señor Sto. Nino as my way of thanking the Lord for the many blessings in life,” said 65-year-old Estelita Remallo, a widow from Sto. Niño, Guizo, this city after completing the new route.

Remallo, who is a member of Confradia de San Jose, a religious organization based at the National Shrine of St. Joseph said her dream materialized in 2012 after two of her neighbors agreed to dance with her and a choreographer volunteered to teach them the steps for free. They also wear a simple costume especially designed for them.

“It is a self-sacrifice and it really paid off since I am now polished in my words. We do it rain or shine,” she disclosed in the vernacular.

For Ronella Mangubat, 54, single parent and a vendor said for her part it is also a way of thanksgiving for the successful removal of her cyst.

On the other hand, Beatriz Calubig, 54, married, said it is her way of thanking the Lord for the well being of her family.

“Gaan kaayo ang among lawas ini’g human namo’g sayaw (Our bodies become lighter after dancing),” Calubig said. — MNS (FREEMAN)