Festive

Once again, the Cebuano shows the rest of the country a thing or two about doing things well and having enormous fun while doing it.   This weekend, he will certainly show them how to throw a fat, smashing party.   And my, oh my, he certainly knows what he’s doing.  Why, he’s been at it for the past 28 years!  At first, he was on a steep learning curve—sifting between what worked and what was merely superfluous or even just tad tacky.  A few years went by and by this time, he was already getting his one-two-step stride, down pat.  Not only did we have our own festival, but we now have our very own Festive Season.  We now have a marvellous trifecta:  a sparkling Christmas, a noisy New Year and fun, fun, fun Sinulog.

In terms of logistics, it is a winning combination.  The twinkling lights and parol remain relevant, and so a change of decorations for Sinulog really isn’t necessary.  In terms of schedules, one has more options as well.  We can choose or suggest beginning in December and leaving after New Year.  Or one can start with the New Year and stay until the New Year.  You know you are talking to a dyed-in-the-wool Cebuano if he gives you the time frame for his holiday vacation in the Sinulog framework.  If he says “from Christmas until Sinulog,” that means three weeks or a bit more. Linger a bit longer into the conversation to ask him about his Sinulog traditions; he’s bound to have one.  There are  different permutations (i.e., procession only and the parade or novena + fluvial parade + TV viewing of the parade), yet all of them are equally delectable.

It is difficult to remain a bystander when the Sinulog events begin on this laid-back city.  Everyone is on it and has something to contribute.  The media pulls out all the stops to give the best coverage and draws its top talents to report the events.  The religious sector drives itself stir crazy, and rightly so.  Politicians have their time to be seen as well.  The business and tourism sector are skipping with joy, and why wouldn’t they?  The restaurants, hotels and resorts are bursting at the seams!

However, more than the dancing, merriment and touristy slogans we do the Sinulog because it sets our priorities straight.  We ended the previous year by celebrating Christmas.  We look forward with hope and expectation for the coming year.  And just as we have our feet firmly into the New Year, we dedicate our city, once again, to the Child, who has constantly held us in his thrall and in his care for centuries.  It is both wise, as it is humble.

So today, you have woken up to hear the softly pounding beats audible from speakers all around you.  You will wear your official multihued shirt and slip on your bangles and beads.  You will travel to your appointed spot, ready to watch, to sing, clap and dance.  Know that your presence is a prayer, and it is a prayer of thanksgiving and supplication.

And now, let us begin.