A CEBUANO'S HEART
Sinulog has been etched to Cebuanos' hearts, catholic or non-catholic. It is part of our culture. The earliest written tradition that we've continued until this day. Sinulog was coined from the bisaya term "Sulog" which is roughly translated to the movement of water currents. The first ever considered Sinulog festival was when the conqueror. Ferdinand Magellan, gave an image of the child Jesus to Queen Amihan and baptized both her and her husband, along with their people. Afterwards, they danced to celebrate, with the Queen Amihan carrying the baby Jesus, celebrating their acceptance of the Catholic religion.
Nowadays, we see all the banners hanging from post to post, the masses go to mass in the Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño in downtown Cebu, we experience heavy traffic, and we here Sinulog music blasting from establishment to establishment.
I've always believed that Sinulog is a treasured tradition of the Cebuanos, not only because of religion, but it gave us a simple glimpse of our history. It still saddens me that we no longer know about our culture before the spaniards came, but this at least told us how the Cebuanos were. There was a monarchy, there was an army, they had their own religion, own alphabet, own language. Our history is important to be able to successfully shape our identity.
Sinulog brings a sense of togetherness within the Cebuano community. If you're a Cebuano reading this, don't deny the urge to wanna dance to the Sinulog music when you hear it around the city (LOL). Everyone gets together during the mass, during the parade, etc. celebrating our very unique tradition.
To understand the sense of camaraderie, majority of the schools all over the island of Cebu participate on the procession and parades, showcasing their routines and beautiful costumes. It gives them the opportunity to showcase their talents in a Sinulog competition called "Sinulog sa Kabataan" (Sinuglog of the Youth). They spent months practicing, staying in school until late hours to practice. It is very admirable to see such determination in the youth, that they dedicated themselves to the cause rather than doing things their parents won't like.
I pondered on these thoughts as I walk through the streets of downtown Cebu. I'm not catholic, but the sense of pride and excitement I feel towards the Sinulog festival is equated to any other devotee. I respect people's beliefs and I love culture. I see people coming from different countries visiting us for Sinulog alone. Seeing them enjoy the parade, making friends with the natives, and telling us just how beautiful it is in the Philippines. How lucky I am that I get to experience this in my home.
No matter how bad it goes, no matter how much I sometimes think I should give up on my home, I remember what it is like during events such as sinulog. The peace and togetherness, the fun, the excitement. I was diagnosed with Social Anxiety and have not been to a Sinulog festival for 3 years. I missed it. I went around walking, heart thumping to the beat of a nearby stereo playing the Sinulog theme. Maybe this year will be my comeback to Sinulog. See you all on the 21st of January!
Here's the link for the second BnW Photo Series:
https://steemit.com/photography/@pizzanniza/the-basilica-minore-del-sto-nino-de-cebu-bnw-photo-series-2
Thank you so much for all the upvotes and support, I hope this article gave you a glimpse of my life, my country, and my culture.
if you guys are wondering what the sinulog music that Cebuanos are just itching to dance to, here's a link:
Amazing! Congratulations @pizzanniza. You deserved it! That song is amazing! So we expect you to be there.
Thanks jas! I'll show up for sure xD
Great photos and write ups. 🍻
I just resteemed and followed you by the way.
Thank you so much! I'm so glad you think so, and I've followed back as well :D Cheers!
Love th photos! Passionate writing as always! You gonna join the parade or the party or is it both? 😁
Thank you! Was a bit hard to chain the settings as to not have the flash ruin things. Um....no idea yet to be honest, I can always decide on the day ;-; crowds are terrifying ;-;
Very nice photo series @pizzanniza!
I'm so glad you think so! I worked hard on taking them, it's hard to take photos at night :D
Nice work. I took up photography in college but sas to say I sucked at it. It takes talent to recognize that "kodak moment".. keep it up
I took a course in photo journalism that's why :D I learned to change the settings to adapt to the surroundings, I learned about perspectives, angles, point of views, it all somehow paid off in the end :D I'm so glad you like it tho! Thank you! xx
I am super excited for Sinulog! :)
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yes...very much!
Hope to run into you! :D
Very well done photography and photo. I would upvote but I need to restore my voting power. I hope the resteem helps.
Thank you so much! Any help will do :D All the love! xx
You have a really deep understanding of our history. And yes i conpletely agree with tje sense of camaraderie it makes. I believe that religion is like a community which creates purpose and longing for people. This is the reason why we need to celebrate these types of festivities.
Great post, you nailed it with those upvotes! Your insights we really deep and personal. You deserve every last cent
Thanks so much! Worked really hard on the photo set and I knew how religion was sometimes a touchy subject, so I concentrated on culture. It would be nice to see Filipinos get together more often, such as this. Thanks for all the support! xx
Thank you for this @pizzanizza .. This is my very first time to attend sinulog, and since i am just near abellana, I have this excitement to witness everything during sinulog my eagerness becines strong when I read your blog..
Nice one!!!
💓
@micch
You're so lucky! You don't have to travel far and wide to witness sinulog! Remember to be careful as well as have fun! And if you feel the urge to dance, then why the hell not! xx
Yes, I am .. I really wanted to witness sinulog even before I just don't get the chance so now I am happy witnessing the festival for the very first time. Yes. I will thank you sis :D
Nice photos, sana someday maka attend nyan. :)
excelents pictures, i really like