Saturday, January 12, 2008 Roperos: Sinulog’s success By Godofredo M. Roperos Politics Also
THE way things look to me, Cebu has truly latched on to a very good tourism enterprise that may have helped raise the city in all aspects of its development. The year 2007, for example, chalked up an estimated 20 percent increase in tourist arrivals over that of 2006.
Not that this is all due to the Sinulog. But Sinulog’s success and prestige through the years should be credited for generating international curiosity on the Fiesta Señor among vacationers.
Certainly, the influx of tourists has contributed to the growth and strength of the domestic economy. Although we do not have specific estimate of the amount, still the number of participants in the procession signaling the start of the festivities is a sign of a more successful celebration this year. The Pilgrim Center where the mass was held yesterday overflowed with devotees.
This year’s Sinulog appears to be getting even wider participation from Cebuanos as reflected in the festival’s calendar of activities. From Day One there are scheduled presentations from public schools, local governments and civic organizations. Activities vary from band concerts and shows by dance troupes, dance-sport teams and children’s choir.
Politically, the Sinulog is also taking on the shape of a conciliatory event. I understand that the organizers headed by Cebu City Vice Mayor Michael Rama and Sinulog Foundation executive director Ricky Ballesteros have hooked up participation from the whole spectrum of Cebu’s political community. This is another feat that we should credit the Christ Child for.
The Sinulog carousel, so the organizers say, “promises to be one of the longest parades ever.” The Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Lalawigan and the Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Dakbayan have upped the total of participating contingents to 37. Thus, organizers have to recruit 13,000 volunteers and police operatives for crowd control.
With all these, it is not difficult to say that the Sinulog is one of the best things that has ever happened to Cebu in recent history, regardless of the mixed fortunes the Cebuanos went through in the past years, including typhoons, political conflicts, and economic letdowns.
Could it be that our consistent devotion to and the holding of the Pista Senyor, even if many of us are making money in His name, is actually holding us together, too?
