CEBU, Philippines - “Kaplag” is a Cebuano term for discovery but for residents of barangay San Nicolas, it is the beginning of a new life that is full of hope and peace.
The Archdiocesan Shrine of San Nicolas de Tolentino Parish will present the re-enactment of “Kaplag” on Saturday when youth participate in the re-enactment. They will re-enact the arrival of Legazpi here in Cebu and the discovery of the image of Señor Santo Niño.
On Thursday, the event will start with the transfer of the image of the Sto. Niño from the Basilica to the Metropolitan Cathedral which will be followed by a Mass at Magellan’s Cross at 5:00 p.m.
Three festivals are joining the celebration, namely, Buwad Festival, PASACAVA or the Pasil-Sawang Calero Vendors Association Fish Festival, and the Tartanilla Festival.
Several activities that will be conducted during the three-day visit of the Holy Child to the oldest parish include the Tartanilla parade or the carrying of the Image of the Senor Sto. Ninño around the parish and blessing the parishioners, Buwad festival at Taboan Market on Saturday afternoon, and the Fish festival at Pasil market on Sunday at 3 p.m.
On the third day visit of the Sto. Niño, a fluvial procession will be conducted that will start at Ludo and will land at the Pasil fish port. The fluvial parade will start early in the morning.
On the same day, the Buwad Festival will have a free taste of all kinds of dried fish at Taboan Market.
“Naay 10 percent discount sa buwad on April 24-25. Naa pud libreng paka-on sa lain-laing klasi sa buwad ug puso. Pagdala lang mog softdrinks,” said Boy Desamparado, chairman of Buwad Festival.
With regards to the security of the event, Desamparado said the police will be in the area.
The image of the Sto. Niño will then be brought back to the Basilica after the farewell mass at 5:30 p.m. on Sunday.
When asked if there is any politician who will attend the event, speakers made it clear that they did not invite any.
If any candidate appears on the day of the celebration, they will not stop them if they plan to campaign as long as the solemnity of the event will not be compromised. (FREEMAN NEWS)