Performers, display of faith fascinate Sinulog first-timers

YESTERDAY’S Sinulog grand parade was watched by foreigners, both dignitaries and tourists alike.

It was his first time to watch the Sinulog but Consul General Zhang Wei Guo of the People’s Republic of China is planning to come back next year. “I had a good impression (of the Sinulog)…I’m very interested in the program,” he said.

When asked what his favorite part of the Sinulog is, he said, “Everything.”

Hallgeir Oersland, a 26-year-old Norwegian student, said he has never seen an event as colorful as Sinulog.

“It’s a new experience for me,” he said. Holding his DSLR camera, the first-time visitor in the Philippines joined the crowd of photographers near the stage.

“What amazed me most about Sinulog is how skilled the performers are and how beautifully they arranged their dance,” he said.

Oersland, who came to the Philippines to visit his Filipina girlfriend, said he wants to experience Sinulog again next year.

For Canadian Brenda Davis, it was a YouTube video about the Sinulog that prompted her to fly to Cebu City to watch the event. The 35-year-old nurse accidentally viewed a 10-minute documentary about the festival.

“If I had skipped that video, I would have remained blind to a great event for a lifetime. There’s no other event that is as colorful and beautiful as Sinulog,” she told Sun.Star Cebu.

Davis’ fascination with the Sinulog centers on the people’s devotion to the Child Jesus.

“Millions of people flocked the streets not only to have fun but also to show their dedication to Sto. Niño. It is hair-raising,” she said.

Davis said she saved money for two months just to be able to visit Cebu and watch the Sinulog. She said she will always return as long as she is fit to do so.

“The people here are very warm. The religion is holy. Who doesn’t want to come back?” she said.

For Evelyn del Rosario, head of the community relations of PLDT, her favorite part of the Sinulog is the miraculous Sto. Niño himself. Since she got to Cebu about a decade ago, she’s been enjoying her Sinulog experience.

She was about to miss the event this year because of a runny nose and cough. But the Makati-based corporate officer said Sto. Niño wouldn’t seem to let her miss the event so that by Friday, she felt well.

“The Sinulog has a lot of surprises. It’s a world-class event. I’m also proud to say that in my travels to the USA, UK, France, people talk about the Sinulog,” said del Rosario.