It's Fiesta Señor once again and Cebu City is bursting with festivities honoring the Holy Child. Aside from the jam-packed basilica and cathedral, major thoroughfares will be once again filled with hundreds of thousands of devotees and tourists.
Usually stealing the celebration is the Sinulog, the country's grandest festival. For more than 30 years, the Sinulog has been captivating millions from around the world for its distinctive display of homage to Senior Santo Niño.
Today's edition is more than just paying homage to the Santo Niño. For the Cebuanos, the beating of drums and the dancing in the streets are just some of the ways of showing gratitude to God for His protection during calamities.
Still reeling from the effects of super typhoon Yolanda, another typhoon barreled, this time, through southern Cebu last year. While those calamities had brought death and devastation, these failed to dampen the Cebuano spirit.
And today Cebuanos thank the Senior Santo Niño for keeping them safe all throughout the year despite the adversities and guiding them as they move on.
What is more significant in today's Fiesta Señor celebration is the fact that the leader of the Catholic faith is in the country at this very moment to sympathize with and pray for disaster victims.
While it has been unfortunate that Cebu has not been included in the itinerary of Pope Francis, Cebuanos still feel honored celebrating this most important moment.
Yes Cebu has its share of death and destruction during Yolanda, whose survivors also long for the pope's presence. But what is more important is that Cebuanos were able to rise up with their faith remaining intact.
While the beating of the drums and the dancing in the streets all revolve around paying homage to Senior Santo Niño, today should also be a perfect opportunity for the Cebuano faithful to be grateful for all the blessings from above.
Pit Senyor!