Forum to explain usage of ‘sinug’ and ‘sinulog’

The Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI) invites the public to join its activities in celebration of the feast of Señor Sto. Niño.

On Jan. 16 at 10 a.m., a forum titled “Sinug or Sinulog? A dance offering for Sto. Niño” will be held at the Bryant George Plenary Hall of Eduardo Aboitiz Development Studies Center on Lopez Jaena Street, Cebu City.

The forum will feature Dr. Erlinda Alburo, who will discuss and resolve the usage of the two popular linguistic references to the Cebuano dance and festival in honor of Señor Sto. Niño — sinug and sinulog.

On the same day at 3 p.m., the annual “Sinug sa Casa Gorordo” will be performed by Estelita “Nang Titang” Diola and her dancers.

Nang Titang, the keeper of the sinug dance and beat, has been doing the ritual since she was a child. It is believed that the sinug is the precursor of what may have been a remnant of an indigenous dance practiced by early Cebuanos.

The dancers will be wearing costumes that resemble the original outfits of the natives and the Spaniards.

Sinug sa Casa Gorordo is a house tradition of the Gorordo family that has been continued by RAFI as part of its commitment to preserve the tradition.

These two activities on Jan. 16 are designed to foster awareness of Cebuano cultural heritage and history.

An exhibit of the sinug has also been displayed at the prayer room of the Casa Gorordo Museum since Jan. 10.

The exhibit traces the rich history of the Sinulog before it became a huge festival. It is open to the public until the end of January.

Culture and heritage is among the focus areas of RAFI. Its other focus areas are integrated development, micro-finance and entrepreneurship, leadership and citizenship and education.

For more information on the activities, contact 418-7234 local 703 and look for Karl Hegel Damayo or visit www.rafi.org.ph or www.facebook.com/rafi.org.ph.