Pit Senyor!

This Sunday is Sinulog Sunday, purportedly the Mother of all Fiestas in the Philippines.  Despite the recent calamities – in fact, instigated by them! – the celebration of Sinulog this year is focused,  predominantly on thanksgiving to the Child God for having spared the Province of Cebu from the brunt of the earthquake and the super typhoon that came our way.  Of preventing a greater catastrophe to have occurred and for the stupendous charity from around the globe, coming to the aid of victims. Pit Senyor!

Overwhelming number of pilgrims has flocked to the Pilgrim Center of the Basilica Minore for the first novena masses and fervent faith is almost palpable, definitely visible in each face – young or old, each outstretched arm, each trembling voice raised in melodious prayer to the Child God. For the atheist or agnostic, the scene can be most perplexing; to a believer, it is most edifying. Certainly, it is a people’s open homage to their God, a Divine Being eminent yet so close to their innermost affections.  A God Who is transcendent yet filling their human heart with a child-like affinity and therefore, so approachable in the midst of human despair and desolation. Pit Senyor!

Even for those contingents in places that have known aspects of the recent calamities, they are braving the challenges of participation in the Sinulog Grand Parade 2014.  Again, with them, it is a doubled effort at prayer in a way.  It is double the sacrifices, double the pains, as they represent their respective places in the contest.  Pit Senyor!

We will welcome our balikbayan pilgrims officially this morning, when the chartered flights will have landed at the Mactan Cebu International Airport. A number of them will be anxious to meet with loved ones who may be victims of the earthquake and typhoon. May their reunions be cathartic and joyful.  Reunions have already taken place in recent weeks, as some balikbayans opted to come home for Christmas and may not stay for Sinulog.  We have our obligations to meet in the variegated versions of our lives. To those who are leaving or who already left, Pit Senyor!

Part of the magnetism of Sinulog is the swirling of creative energies that come up with fascinating ideas like Create Your Own Sinulog Shirt (Islands Souvenirs). The whole thing is quite affordable and downright challenging, what with all the embellishments arrayed for your choice and helpful staff to cut and craft the t-shirt according to your wish. It is on its second year and attracting more buyers across the age divide. For Cebuano creativity and savoir faire, Pit Senyor!

Finally, may the weather be cloudy but not wet this Saturday for the annual procession of the Holy Image along the streets of Cebu, allowing a greater number among us to venerate and pray – the essence of Sinulog.  And also on Sunday, when the participating contingents will be on the streets for the Grand Parade, from dawn to dusk, vying for the top prizes as well as fulfilling their panaad to the Child God. Pit Senyor!