Sinulog 'heritage keeper' dies; kin to keep legacy

THE woman regarded as the heritage keeper of the Sinulog tradition, Estelita "Nang Titang" Diola, passed away at dawn yesterday.

It was a peaceful passing, said her niece 62-year-old Carol Diola.

The elder Diola was hospitalized twice this year for a recurring illness and after suffering from a fall.

Carol said she and her son Rommel will continue her legacy of dancing to the original Sinulog beat.

In a separate interview, Sinulog Foundation member Dolly Suzara said Diola is a great loss to Cebuano cultural scene, "With her being the bearer of the Sinulog culture."

Suzara said she used to ask Nang Titang to perform during Sinulog workshops.

"I want them to see her original Sinulog dance, how it awas performed before," she said.

Changes

"The present Sinulog (dance) has been passed on creatively. You can see the changes from the original," she said.

Nang Titang headed the Tribu Torang, which was named after her father Buenaventura Diola, her Sinulog dance teacher.

Suzara said the modern Sinulog dance is based on a basic analysis of style that "is not quite right."

Nang Titang's remains lie in state at her residence in Sitio Sinulog, Barangay Mabolo in Cebu city. Interment will be in the afternoon of March 18, 2013.