EDITORIAL — Putting our best foot forward

While the Fiesta Señor has many activities, it can be argued that the one with most relevance will happen today with the Pontifical Mass. It is the highlight of the entire religious event.

Then what follows later in the day is culmination of the Sinulog celebration; the Grand Parade around the city and the ritual showdown at the Cebu City Sports Center.

Again, what makes this entire occasion unique is that it has two aspects; the Fiesta Señor which is offered to God and the Sinulog celebrations which are meant for man’s enjoyment. There is perhaps no other such occasion in the world.

Not only has the Sinulog become the “mother of all festivals” in the Philippines, it has become famous all over the world because of the pageantry of its events and the devotion of the participants.

Because this one-time local celebration has become global, this is one of those rare occasions when the eyes of the world are upon us, and upon Cebu in particular.

It’s time for us to put our best foot forward, both as worshippers/devotees of the Holy Child and as revelers for this occasion.

It cannot be denied that the Sinulog has the tendency to bring out criminals, troublemakers, and those who want to take advantage of others for the occasion. By this we refer to scalpers who buy tickets early then sell them at exorbitant rates, those who overindulge in vices and then lose good judgment, and youths who take this occasion to start trouble with other groups perceived as “rivals”.

Let’s also not forget that some years ago a girl also died allegedly due to overdose while celebrating the Sinulog.

Gang fights aren’t uncommon during this time, or drunken brawls, or incidents of petty theft, the things we don’t want to happen. During the free concert a few days ago, the huge crowd heading to the venue became a concern due to the possibility of a stampede, but thankfully no such thing did.

These are things that give the entire celebration a bad name.

But then again every iteration of the Fiesta Señor is a new chance to show why we are the cradle of Christianity in this part of the world, every edition of the Sinulog is a new chance to show the world we can throw a world-class celebration without it becoming out of control.

For this, let’s put our best foot forward. Pit Señor, everyone!