Pit Senyor!: Sinulog 2017 officially begins

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu City's Sinulog festivities kicked off formally yesterday, a day after the Church's activities started last Thursday with the Walk with Jesus.

As in previous years, the city's launch began with a Mass at the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño and followed by a parade from the church to the Cebu City Sports Center where students from Cebu schools performed a unity dance at the grand stage.

During the Mass, Monsignor Roberto Alesna challenged devotees to espouse the virtues of child Jesus – sincere and humble – virtues that are important if a community wants to be united.

He pointed out that people continue to be disunited even as they are called by the Church to be in communion with one another because they refuse to love each other.

With thousands flocking to the basilica this time of the year to profess their faith to the Sto. Niño, Alena reminded devotees that a person who professes his or her faith and love for the Lord is untrue to oneself if he or she feels hatred toward other individuals.

Opening

Around 12,000 people witnessed the street parade from the basilica to the Cebu City Sports Center, police said.

This does not include the people who attended the Mass at the basilica, said Cebu City Police Office director, Senior Superintendent Joel Doria.

Sinulog Foundation Inc. Executive Director Ricky Ballesteros said the highlight of the launch yesterday was the presence of at least 10 candidates of this year's Sinulog Festival Queen, considering the scrapping of the Miss Cebu pageant.

The reigning Sinulog Festival Queen and Aliwan Festival Queen Cynthia Thomalla was also at the parade.

Vice Mayor Edgardo Labella and Councilors Margarita Osmeña, Mary Ann de los Santos and Nendell Hanz Abella were also in attendance.

"So far, so good. In any event, the launching is very important because it sets the mood for any big event. I hope it will continue to be like this. We have a good weather. The people are very disciplined," Ballesteros said.

The parade also featured performers from 14 private schools from different colleges and universities in the cities of Cebu, Mandaue and Lapu-Lapu dressed in traditional costumes from member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

This was in keeping with Cebu's hosting of the ASEAN Summit.

Lalawigan, Brgy

Today, nine cities and municipalities will compete in the Sinulog sa Lalawigan (province), which will begin with a parade from the Provincial Capitol to the Cebu City Sports Center.

Because of this, Osmeña Boulevard will be closed to vehicle traffic from 12 noon until the parade finishes.

The participating groups will represent Talisay City, Bogo City, Danao City, Carcar City, Naga City, and municipalities of Tuburan, Dumanjug, Ginatilan, and Asturias.

Tomorrow, Sunday, Osmeña Boulevard will be closed to vehicle traffic anew starting 12 noon until the end of the parade, which will be participated in by contingents in the Sinulog sa Barangay.

Nine barangays in Cebu City will compete, including Cambinocot, Basak San Nicolas, Guadalupe, Sapangdaku, Inayawan, Pahina San Nicolas, Sambag I, San Nicolas Proper, and Labangon.

The Cebu City Transportation Office has advised motorists to follow traffic signs to minimize traffic congestion. (FREEMAN)