WILLY Cunejos, 69, sat on a stool outside the barangay hall of Day-as, Cebu City yesterday morning.
Even if there was a drizzle past 10 a.m., he did not move because he had a cap on his head. A miniature Sto. Niño statue hung from his neck.
Slowed by stroke due to hypertension three years ago, he watched as Sinulog contingents danced or walked in high spirits on P. del Rosario St.
“They are very interesting,” he said with a slur. “Lots of people are coming in the city.”
His right forearm was wrapped in a protective gear after his bone broke in a freak accident in his house in Sikatuna St. On his left hand, he held a cane.
His view was oftentimes obstructed by passersby and youngsters who were riding bikes, skateboards, and roller skates.
Cunejos said he is not jealous of the young because he “still feels young.”
He was among the senior citizens who witnessed the Sinulog, which he said is not just for the young to enjoy.
Beginnings
The Sinulog was conceptualized in the 1980’s by David Odilao Jr., who was then a collector for the Bureau of Customs and also the regional director of the Ministry of Sports and Development.
The first participants were eight Cebu City schools: the Cebu Central Colleges (now University of Cebu), University of San Carlos (USC), University of San Jose-Recoletos, University of the Visayas, University of Southern Philippines, Cebu Institute of Technology, the Cebu State College of Science and Technology (now the Cebu Technological University) and the Southwestern University.
Tired
For Josefina Cañete, 68, she said it is good to be young because one can move anywhere. She arrived in Cebu City from Lutopan, Toledo City last Saturday afternoon.
She joined the solemn procession, but she was not able to finish the walk because she got tired and her legs were wobbly when she reached the Fuente Osmeña rotunda.
A devotee of the Holy Child, Cañete said she always prays for her family’s good health
and good weather. Her husband is a farmer.
Cañete helped her daughter in selling snacks and drinks yesterday.
“Di na lang ta maibog sa mga batan-on, tiguwang na man,” she said. “Lihok na gyod nato kay tiguwang. Lisod ipaso-paso kay madam-agan nya ta sa mga batan-on.”
Like Cunejos, she also sat on a stool and waited for the contingents to dance and famous actors to waive at the revelers.