Rama: Sinulog 2024 part of Sto. Niño's miracles

CEBU, Philippines — Despite setbacks and uncertainties, Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama described the Sinulog 2024 as a continuing miracle, while President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. urging millions of Sr. Sto. Niño devotees who celebrated this year’s festival to translate their faith into action and spread the message of hope, love, and joy to others.

 President Marcos was not present in yesterday’s Grand Parade and showdown but sent his message to Cebuanos celebrating the Sinulog, which he described “as one of the grandest and most colorful festivities in the Philippines.”

 “Through this occasion, we see patrons from all walks of life express their profound gratitude for the miracles, blessings and countless deliverances bestowed upon them over the past year and pray for good health, protection, and prosperity in the year ahead,” the President said.

Along with this, President Marcos hopes devotees will be guided by their faith and will be inspired by the Bayanihan spirit to remain conscious of their Catholic and social obligations to reach the shared destiny towards the “Bagong Pilipinas that opens a better and more abundant life for all Filipinos.”

 The President also hopes that devotees of the Holy Child will remain united in spurring the socio-economic growth in the city and further develop the thriving industry of Cebu.

“To the millions of devotees, I urge you to translate your faith into action so that you may spread the message of hope, love and joy to others,” President Marcos Jr. said.

 “Most importantly, always pray for spiritual strength and fortitude to overcome whatever challenges and difficulties that may lie ahead,” the President added.

 PBBM also asked the public to work together with his administration to maximize the opportunities that are set to come.

 “Looking forward, I ask all of you to work hand in hand with this administration in maximizing all of the opportunities that will come before us in this New Year,” PBBM said.

Miracle

Meanwhile, Mayor Rama reiterated that the Sinulog 2024 is all about the Sr. Sto Niño and as the celebration came upon a “beautiful sunny day”, he encouraged everyone to pass by the Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño beforejoining the festivities.

 “Each one of us has a story to tell, about the miracle. Today is a miracle. Yesterday, miracle. Days before is a continuing miracle,” said Rama, as he called upon the public to be helpful and prayerful in the city’s initiatives.

 In a separate interview, Rama assessed that the Sinulog 2024 was enjoyed and participated by the majority and that he is overjoyed that the public were “behaved.”

 Sinulog 2025 at srp

Rama also confirmed that the next Sinulog will still be at the South Road Properties, and stressed that he never has a change of heart. 

 “It must be at SRP,” said Rama.

 On the other hand, he said that even when the Grand Parade was ongoing, they were already assessing the areas that needs improvement.

 Meanwhile, Department of Tourism Secretary Cristina Garcia-Frasco, in her speech, took time in expressing her gratitude to join the Sinulog sa Sugbo Philippines.

 “Our culture, our traditions, and the warmth of our people are unique facets of the Filipino identity that are invaluable assets that can captivate the entire world,” said Frasco.

 She added that the Sinulog Festival is a testament of truth and further defined it as a celebration that embodies the fusion of “faith, history, and artistry”.

“Kitang mga Sugboanon ug mga deboto kang Sr. Sto Niño, all of us, we have our own Sto. Niño story. Panahon sa atong kinabuhi diin kita nag-atubang og kalisud ug kasakit apan miadto kang Sto Niño nag ampo, gihalad ug gitugyan kaniya ang maong mga kasakit ug moingon, ‘tabangi ko, Sto Niño’,” she shared.

Better than last year

Meanwhile, in a separate interview, SFI Executive Director, Jojo Labella assessed that the event turned out according to what they have been long preparing for.

 According to Labella, the festival was better than last year’s event as there were also more contingents this year. Labella disclosed that the tickets prepared were sold out indicating that the event was received well. Among those present in yesterday’s Grand Parade and showdown were Cebu City Councilors Joy Pesquera, Philip Zafra, Joel Garganera and Rhea Mae Jakosalem. The city’s department heads were also in attendance as they performed a dance led by City Administrator Attorney Collin Rosell.(CEBU NEWS)