EDITORIAL - Pit Senyor!

As Cebuanos mark the feast of Señor Santo Niño today, those dancing and shouting on the streets paying homage to the Holy Child will once again unfurl before our eyes when the Mother of all Festivals takes center stage.

Sinulog Festival has come a long way: from a gathering of few devotees having their day on the street holding the Santo Niño icon to celebrate the fiesta more than 30 years ago to a religious merriment considered a prime tourist attraction in the country.

In fact, Sinulog is so popular nowadays that it has become customary for many Cebuanos living abroad to return home for the event. Even those non-Catholics have made it a point to witness the festivity for amusement.

That is why it's no longer a wonder for the Sinulog Festival to embrace the spirit of commercialism. Of course, it has to in order for it to stay relevant. In fact, its success can largely be attributed to its commercial connections.

Since the business sector plays a significant role in Sinulog's success, commercialism has become its lifeblood, as big corporations are making their presence felt in every aspect of the festivity. However, as they cash in on the festival's profitability, still it is the religious side that carries the lifeline of Sinulog's marketability.          

Good thing Sinulog's religious aspect remains its biggest attraction. It is still the devotion to the Sto. Niño that draws thousands from around the world as they pay homage to the Holy Child, a tradition that remains the foundation of the festivity since its inception decades ago.

Every fiesta celebration is replete with testimonies from devotees being healed by the power of the Santo Niño. Such miracles have led them to consider every fiesta celebration a sacred venue to thank heaven for healing them, as they become the messenger of the faith.

As we go out to the streets to once again honor the Holy Child, may we have a peaceful and safe celebration of the Fiesta Señor.

Pit Senyor!