Eyes closed, arms raised high and waving, in the cold misty dawn amidst a wave of devotees with candles and images. This was the scenario during the penitential "Walk with Jesus". Finally, after two years, the physical activities of the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño are back. As the feast of the Child Jesus nears, we are slowly getting into the groove of what Cebu City traditionally looks like by the first weeks of January.
It is filled with people, lots of them. It is the time when those who have been longing to come home finally set foot in their hometown's soil. This is also when foreign and local tourists come to witness one of Cebu's most prized open secrets; the devotion to the Niño.
During the opening salvo, I did a quick tour of duty and interviewed some devotees who walked kilometers just to reach the basilica. It was a walk of sacrifice, they said but worth it after a two-year hiatus. They were very happy and overwhelmed. At long last, their devotion is not only reserved for the home's personal altar. They can now share it with the rest of Cebu and the world.
I do enjoy seeing these events, even if my social battery can only handle the stress, meetings, and traffic. However, one thing I also see crooked in all these niceties is the sudden increase in prices for services. In Cebu City alone, hotels and inns are doubling their prices. Others are even asking patrons to book a fixed number of days, calling it a bundle or a promo. In exchange they will bring you to the main venues of the festivities like the basilica and the South Road Properties. It still seems like there is too much money involved. If you don't understand the basic law of supply and demand then you'd say it's absurd.
There must be a way to make it a win-win solution as we are all still reeling from the effects of the pandemic. We can price goods and services at a reasonable price despite the demand. Instead of making it a good opportunity for tourism to bounce back, it might create a false notion of abuse. Some regulation must also be in place.
I'm also a tad doubtful about the new venue of the Sinulog Festival, which is the cultural aspect of the religious fiesta. I find it too far, inaccessible, relatively new, and muddy. I also miss the downtown vibe which has always been the heart of the city. For the first time, it'll be quiet there. But like they say, trust. I'm sure we will all have a wonderful time.
We should all brace for the days ahead. Cebu will become the busiest that it has been since the height of the pandemic. Mayor Michael Rama said this is a celebration of thanksgiving for freedom and liberation. I couldn't agree more, I even feel freer than before.