The Sinulog is an annual festival held on the third Sunday of January in Cebu City, Philippines. The festival honors the vision of the child Jesus, known as the Santo Niño (Holy Child),who used to be the patron Saint of the City of Cebu (since in the Catholic faith Jesus is not a saint, but God). It is a dance ritual that commemorates the Cebuano people's pagan origin, and their acceptance of Roman Catholicism.
The festival features a street parade with participants in bright coloured costumes dancing to the rhythm of drums, trumpets and native gongs. Smaller versions of the festival are held in various parts of the province, also to celebrate and honor the Santo Niño. There is also a "Sinulog sa Kabataan" performed by the youths of Cebu a week before the parade. Recently, the festival has been promoted as a tourist attraction, with a contest featuring contingents from various parts of the country. The Sinulog Contest is usually held in the Cebu City Sports Complex.
FESTIVAL
The Sinulog celebration lasts for nine days, culminating on the final day with the Sinulog Grand Parade. The day before the parade, the Fluvial Procession is held at dawn with a statue of the Santo Niño carried on a pump boat from Mandaue City to Cebu City, decked with hundreds of flowers and candles. The procession ends at the Basilica where a re-enactment of the Christianizing (that is, the acceptance of Roman Catholicism) of Cebu is performed. In the afternoon, a more solemn procession takes place along the major streets of the city, which last for hours due to large crowd participating in the event.
BACKGROUND AND HISTORY
The word Sinulog comes from the Cebuano adverb sulog which is "like water current movement," which describes the forward-backward movement of the Sinulog dance. The dance consists of two steps forward and one step backward, done to the sound of drums. The dance is categorized into Sinulog-base, Free-Interpretation. Candle vendors at the Basilica continue to perform the traditional version of the dance when lighting a candle for the customer, usually accompanied by songs in the native language.
The Sinulog dance steps were believed to originate from Rajah Humabon's adviser, Baladhay. It was during Humabon's grief when Baladhay was driven sick. He then ordered his native tribe to bring Baladhay into a room where the Santo Niño was enthroned, along with the other pagan gods of the native Cebuanos. After a few days passed, surprisingly, Baldhay was heard shouting and was found dancing with outmost alertness. Baladhay was questioned as to whether why was he awake and was shouting. Baladhay explained that he found a small child trying to tickle him with the midrib of the coconut, pointing to the image of the Santo Niño, on top of him and trying to wake him up. He, at great astonishment, scared the child away by shouting. The little child got up and started making fun of Baladhay. In turn, Baladhay danced with the little child, explaining why he was dancing themovements of the river. Up to this day, the two-steps forward, and the one-step backward movement dance is still used by the Santo Niño devotees believing that it was the Santo Niño's choice to have Baladhay dance
On April 7,1521, the Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan arrived and planted the cross on the shores of Cebu, claiming the territory for Spain. He presented the image of the child Jesus, the Santo Niño, as baptismal gift to Hara Amihan, wife of Rajah Humabon. Hara Amihan was later named, Queen Juana in honor of Juana, mother of Carlos I. Along with the rulers of the island, some 800 natives were also baptized to the Roman Catholic Church. At the moment of receiving the holy image, it was said that Queen Juana danced with joy bearing this image of the child Jesus. With the other natives following her example, this moment was regarded as the first Sinulog.
This event is frequently used as basis for most Sinulog dances, which dramatize the coming of the Spaniards and the presentation of the Santo Niño to the Queen. A popular theme among Sinulog dances is Queen Juana holding the Santo Niño in her arms and using it to bless her people who are often afflicted by sickness caused by demons and other evil spirits .
Arrival of López de Legazpi
The Augustinian friars that accompanied López de Legazpi in his expedition proclaimed the statue performed miracles and built a church on the site where it was found. The church was called San Agustin Church, later renamed to Basilica Minore del Santo Niño.
Letter to the King of Spain
After Juan Camus found the Santo Niño in the burning village, López de Legazpi was said to have included the incident in his report, entitled "Relation of Voyage to the Philippine Islands":"Your Excellency should know that on that day when we entered this village (Cebu City), one of the soldiers went into a large and well-built house of an indio where he found an image of the Child Jesus (whose most holy name I pray may be universally worshipped). This was kept in its cradle, all gilded, just as if it were brought from Spain: and only the little cross, which is generally placed upon the globe in his hands, was lacking. The image was well kept in that house, and many flowers were found before it, and no one knows for what object or purpose. The soldier bowed down before it with all reverence and wonder, and brought the image to the place where the other soldiers were. I pray to the Holy Name of his image, which we found here, to help us and to grant us victory, in order that these lost people who are ignorant of the precious and rich treasure, which was in their possession, may come to knowledge of Him."
TODAY
Since 1521, devotion to the Santo Niño has grown and has taken root in Philippine popular piety, particularlyin the Visayas; pilgrims from different parts of Cebu and the rest of the Philippines make their yearly journey to the church to take part in the procession and festival. Starting in 1980, the Cebu City government organized the Sinulog Festival and eventually gave incentives to tribal dance groups. The first Sinulog parade was held in 1980, organized by Dávid Odilao, then Regional Director of the Ministry of Sports, and Youth Development. The parade was composed of students dressed in Moro costumes, dancing the Sinulog to the beating of drums.
The idea caught and thus, under the direction of the Cebu City Mayor Florentino Solon with the help of several influential Cebuanos, Odilao turned over the Sinulog project to the Cebu City Historical Committee under Kagawad Jesus Garcia. It was the task of the Committee to conceptualize the Sinulog festival and make it into a yearly event from then on.
In 1981 the following year, the concept of the Sinulog Parade was actualized, involving practically every sector in the Cebuano community. Marking its difference from another popular festival, the Ati-Atihan in Aklan, the Sinulog focuses not on the ritual itself but on the historical aspects of the dance, which, as it has been said, represents the link the country's embrace of Christian faith.
SINULOG: a source of income
In celebration of the Sinulog fiesta, several programs and activities are lined up by the Cebu City Government and the Sinulog Foundation. Apart from the main spectacle which is the Sinulog grand parade, various trade fairs and product displays are organized to add vitality and vibrance to the festivity.
One of these highlights is the Sinulog Tourism and SME Trade Fair 2006 in Plaza Independencia. It aims to further promote the unique products created by Filipinos. Since Cebu is the import and export hub of the country, It will be participated in by micro, small, and medium enterprises from different sectors such as accessories; gifts, toys. and house wares (GTH); home furnishings; food. The Sinulog SME Trade Fair will showcase Cebu’s best quality and reasonably-priced products. It will also be featuring the finest products of the different municipalities all over Cebu Province such as the bisayang manok of Dumanjug; tasty torta of Argao; danggit of Bantayan; the shoes, lechon, and chicharon of Carcar; rosquillos of Liloan; and a lot more.
In coming out with trade fairs such as these, Cebu will not only be known as world-class tourist destination but also a haven of uniquely designed and top of the line products. Tourist, balikbayans, and other regional visitors will witness and be amazed with all the globally competitive products that are both superior in quality and marketability.
As of today, Cebu has been exporting goods internationally such as furniture, garments and coconut oil. Cebu has also topped the fashion industry with internationally acclaimed designers and interior designers who have created beautiful home improvement equipments. Bathroom equipments such as shower head,outdoor shower for the pool and shower cubicles are one of the notable creations. Walk in shower, bathroom counter top and bath shower faucet are also notable bathroom equipments along with interior renovations using frameless shower doors. Sofa, living room chairs and office equipments are some of the most exported furniture. Truly, even the goods alone are enough reason for tourist and travelers to visit Cebu.
Plaza Independencia has been identified to be ideal venue for SME Trade Fair because of it’s accessibility, space capacity, and availability of amenities. It could also help out in dispersing or decongesting the visitors and spectators of the Sinulog celebration who are usually seen in Osmeña Boulevard or at the Fuente Osmeña circle. The Sinulog’s fiesta atmosphere is aptly maintained not only in the uptown areas but also in downtown areas as well.
SINULOG ONE BEAT, ONE DANCE, ONE VISION
The country’s biggest, grandest and most anticipated festival is set to take center stage once again next year, the Sinulog Festival 2010. Sinulog festival is the country’s biggest pageantry of sights, sounds and colors as it honors and pays homage to the patron saint of Cebu , the child Jesus Sr. Sto. Niño. Aside from the main spectacle which is the Sinulog Grand parade, there are also other activities lined up by the Cebu City Government and the Sinulog Foundation until the grand highlights of the festival from January 9-18, 2010.
Other highlights for the upcoming Sinulog Festival are Sinulog Photo Exhibits in Mactan Airport, Ayala, SM City and Emal (Jan. 5), Sinulog sa Kabataan—Lalawigan (Jan. 10), Sinulog sa Kabataan—Dakbayan (Jan. 11), Sinulog Festival Queen (Jan. 16), nightly programs like Cultural Shows and Street Party bands at Fuente Osmeña.
Sinulog Foundation assures all foreigners, balikbayans, and locals to anticipate all the activities that Cebu City Government has prepared this year, most especially during the Sinulog Grand Parade on January 18.
“Expect more out-of-town contingents who will be gracing the Sinulog Grand Parade. New concepts from the various contingents and better productions”, said Ricky Ballesteros, Executive Director of Sinulog Foundation.
As of now, there are already 45 contingents from various cities and provinces who confirmed that they will be participating in this Sinulog Grand Parade. Four contingents coming from Leyte (Alikaraw Festival of Hilongos Leyte, Buyugan Festival of Abuyog, Leyte, Sangyaw Festival of Tacloban City and also in Dulag, Leyte), four contingents also from Negros (Pintaflores of San Carlos City, Jimalalud de Sinulog, Sta Catalina, Negros Orienteal and Bais City), three contingents from Mindanao (Cabadbaran City, Tangub City and Lanao Del Norte) are set to showcase their prowess in Sinulog dancing.
For the first time, a contingent from Placer, Masbate in Bicol Region is expected to perform in next year Sinulog Grand Parade. (last January 2010)
The Minor Basilica of the Santo Niño or Basilica Minore del Santo Niño is a 16th century church in Cebu City in the Philippines. It was built purportedly on the spot where the image of the Santo Niño, a sculpture depicting the Holy Child Jesus found by Spanish explorers in 1565 preserved in a burned wooden box which was left behind during the 1521 Magellan expedition
THE BASILICA MINORE DEL STO. NINO
(the dwelling place of the miraculous child Jesus)
BRIEF HISTORY
The church of Santo Niño de Cebu was founded by an Augustinian priest, Andrés de Urdaneta on April 28, 1565. The first church structure was built out of earth, hard wood and nipa in 1566 ordered by Friar Diego de Herrera. In 1735, Fernando Valdés y Tamon, the Governor of Cebu, ordered the church to be constructed of hard stone, which was built in the same spot were the previous church stood. Construction was completed in 1739. In 1965, during the fourth centenary of the Christianization of the Philippines, Pope Paul VI elevated the church to the rank of minor basilica.The Basilica remains under the care of the Order of St. Augustine.A museum inside the Basilica showcases the history of Christianity in Cebu. Antique objects are on display, including century-old furniture, priestly vestments and the Santo Nino's old cloaks donated by individuals over the centuries. Religious articles such as statues and relics are also displayed and other items of daily life from the adjacent convento. Several toys may also be seen; these are said to be presents to the Child Jesus, as well as a large Santo Niño rosary composed of 15 beads.
Santo Niño de Cebú
The Santo Niño de Cebú ("Holy Child of Cebu") is a Roman Catholic figure of the Child Jesus highly similar to the Infant Jesus of Prague. Like the image's counterpart in Prague, the figure is clothed in expensive textile robes mostly donations from fervent devotees in the Philippines and abroad. The statue is the oldest Catholic relic in the Philippines and permanently housed since 1565 at the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño in Cebu City.The Fiesta Señor celebration starts on the Thursday after the Solemnity of the Epiphany. Each year, the celebration starts with a procession called the Walk with Jesus and ends with the Walk with Mary, wherein the image of Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe de Cebu, in full regalia, is carried in procession on the streets of Cebu at dawn. On the last day of the novena, the images of Señor Santo Niño de Cebu, Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe de Cebu, and the Ecce Homo, is motorcaded to the National Shrine of Saint Joseph in Mandaue City for the traditional "traslacion", which means 'to transfer'. The images shall then be sent back to the Basilica on the eve of the feast of Señor Santo Niño de Cebu through a well-attended fluvial procession at Mactan Channel. Upon arrival at the Basilica, a high mass commemorating the first baptism shall take place. After which a long grand solemn foot procession, usually attended by more than a million devotees of the Santo Niño starts in a route that changes every year.
Pontifical masses, officiated mostly by Cebuano bishops are celebrated during the feast proper. The Holy See approved special liturgical texts for use during the local Feast of the Santo Niño in the Philippines, set on the third Sunday of January. The festival that follows is known as the Sinulog, which combines the festivities and religious devotion of the Cebuano people
ISSUE The Santo Niño was once considered the patron of Cebu. However, the Santo Niño as a representation of the Child Jesus, can not be considered as patron or intercessor to God in behalf of the Cebuanos. The Catholic Church in the Philippines sets the Holy Child as an example of humility, and as a celebration of the Incarnation. Many Cebuanos do not consider the Christmas season over until the Feast of the Santo Niño.
In 2002, the Archbishop of Cebu, Ricardo J. Cardinal Vidal, D.D., declared the Virgin Mary, the Mother of Jesus, under the title of Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe de Cebu (Our Lady of Guadalupe of Cebu) as the official queen and patroness of Cebu. This declaration upsets some of the devotees of Santo Niño, who felt the demotion of the Holy Child. However, the declaration is consistent with Catholic thought requiring a patron be a human saint who has gone to his or her heavenly reward and who prays to God on behalf of the living, rather than the divine being himself.
The move of Cardinal Vidal was to actually install a patron saint for Cebu, when before there was none. But then, Jesus, being the second person of the Holy Trinity, with his true nature of being a true man (and a true God), a mediator to the Father here on earth as manifested by his earthly life, Santo Niño can still be considered as our patron (not patron saint) with Mother Mary (also given the special task as Mediatrix) to our Father in heaven.
DEVOTION The devotion to the Santo Niño de Cebu started the long line of devotions to the Child Jesus in the Philippines. From Cebu, the Augustinians brought the devotion to Manila, Iloilo, Laguna and Tacloban. In Bohol, a profound devotion thrives with five municipalities adhering to the patronage of the Child Jesus. Moreover, the image of the Child Jesus always adorn the altars of houses, business establishments and even in public utility vehicles in the region. Truly as it has been said, devotion to the Santo Niño de Cebu is popular in the Visayas as it is throughout the country
Santo Niño was once BLACK
For all this fervor, many still wonder whether the image enshrined at the Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño which have Caucasion features is the original one brought by Magellan. Adding to the mystery are local legends of a black Niño.
Where is this black image now? For a January 12, 2007 forum at Casa Gorordo, heritage worker Ernesto Chua interviewed various personalities, partly to ascertain if the image venerated at the Basilica shrine is the original one.
Chua’s research revealed that during the colonial period, the image of the Sto. Niño de Cebu was painted black. Many parts of the country venerate darkly hued icons, such as the Black Nazarene of Quiapo, Our Lady of Good Voyage in Antipolo, and the Virgen de la Regla in Lapu-Lapu City. Even in Europe, dark Marian images are venerated. Yet there are no conclusive findings accounting for the dark Sto. Niño de Cebu.
In her book published by the University of San Carlos, Rosa Tenazas recounted that Fr. Leandro Moran, OSA, told her that it was a certain prior of the convent of the Santisimo Nombre de Jesus who painted the image black in the early 19th century. During the early years of the basilica, only the rich people or "alta" of Cebu came to worship and pay homage to the image. Historians believed that the original image of Santo Niño was coated with a black paint to draw the image closer to the mass, especially to the poor. This is one of the many speculations fueling a need for a scholarly study.
During World War II, a bomb fell on the Sto. Niño church (now the Basilica) but did not explode. The image was found, unscathed, hanging near the altar.
The Augustinians brought the image to the convent of the Redemptorists for safekeeping. An Augustinian priest asked a Belgian nun of St. Theresa’s College to wipe clean the face of the image. According to Chua’s research, part of the black paint was scraped off, revealing the original fair complexion. When the image was returned to the church after the war, the Augustinians commissioned anthropologist Dr. Mimi Trosdal to restore the image to its original color. A camarera (caretaker) appointed to change the vestments and clean the icon, Trosdal told Chua she scraped off the black paint of the Sto. Niño de Cebu and restored it between 1948 and 1949.
There is no doubt that the image enshrined at a chapel at the left side of the Basilica (if one is facing the main altar) is indeed the original image that Magellan brought with him in his expedition and gave to the wife of Rajah Humabon, the king of Cebu.
Because of the original icon’s antiquity, only replicas are used during the fluvial parade and the foot procession held a day before the Sinulog Mardi Gras. Security comes to play also as the original image is adorned with precious stones and jewelry.
for the complete story of the black Sto. Nino.
(http://cebuheritage.com/heritage-of-cebu/old-churches/basilica-minore-del-santo-nino/original-image-of-the-sto-nino-de-cebu/)
(http://cebuheritage.com/heritage-of-cebu/old-churches/basilica-minore-del-santo-nino/original-image-of-the-sto-nino-de-cebu/)
google.com
sinulog.ph
cebuheritage.com
No comments:
Post a Comment