Sinulog: Afterthought

Years back I served as judge for Sinulog with Prof. Carmelo Tamayo. A gratifying experience as I beheld Cebuanos' devotion in action. Aside from being a religious celebration, it is also a showcase of immense cultural creativeness.

As a thanksgiving for UP's 100 years of existence in 2008, we joined the Sinulog as a contingent in the Free Interpretation Category. Considered a milestone for it was supported by our generous alumni, faculty, staff and students. And for the past years, I have been glued to the live telecast of the celebration. Main to it is the Sinulog dance presentation at the Cebu City Sports Center before a big audience.

Sinulog originates from a Visayan word sulog which means current. Resembling the current of Pahina River in Cebu, it is a dance ritual in honor of the most revered child of Cebu, Señor Santo Niño. Together with the beat of the drums which resembles the current, people are dancing on the streets in elegant costumes with vibrant colors.

More than just the meaning of the word is the significance of the dance. Sinulog, which is of pagan origin, is the link between the country's pagan past and its Christian present. The significance of Sinulog Festival is the devotion of the Cebuanos, valuing their long history of giving back to the Lord of whatever achievements they have right now. The dance movement of two steps forward followed by one step backward is already very old, but the parade started in 1980.

Over the years it has evolved enormously. Recently, the cultural event has been commercialized as a tourist attraction and instead of traditional street-dancing from locals, Sinulog also came to mean a contest highlighting groups from various parts of the country.

This year's Sinulog Festival, seven of the thirty-six contingents came from of town and continued to astound the spectators. But one thing very clear was the incomparable intensity and fervor from the participants that amid natural and man-made crises, they unstoppably manifested their reverence. The more challenges in life, the closer one can be to Him.

In the presentation, noticeably, there were contingents that copied foreign concepts. For entertainment value, yes. But the truth is, we still have a lot of unexplored local traditions and culture that are meant for staging and for the information, entertainment and appreciation of our young generation. The local legends such as "The Lost Lender," "Maria Cacao" and many others deserve much-needed attention.

Visayan folklore is sated with tales and legends about the creation and heroism, moral conflict, and the triumph of good over evil.  Among the oft-told tales are legends about the first man and woman, the origin of the Cebuano patron saint Santo Niño as driftwood fished from the sea, the origin of the Chocolate Hills of Bohol as strewn pearls, and  a favorite fable from Negros Oriental that attempts to explain why chickens must scratch the ground. Amusing to explore are urban legends like Lapu-Lapu's bow and arrow, Cebu mermaid, and many more.

Undoubtedly, the quality of performance gets better year after year. But then again the constant challenge is always there, to come up with fresh ideas in terms of concept and execution. It is thus imperative to merge creative minds as audience becomes more critical and discriminating.

But as a whole in terms of the celebration's unifying impact, what began as a revival of an old dance brought government, business establishments, schools, pilgrims, artists and private individuals together like never before. The attempt to enhance cultural awareness gave the Cebuanos a shared passion and collective identity. In the end the Sinulog did give Cebu a culture and a name.

And while it has become global, we can't help that commercialization has steadily crept into the picture. It may probably reach the point of highly commercialized pageantry but the main theme of reverence and faith never cease.

For as long as there are people who are fulfilled, suffering, oppressed or disadvantaged, there is still hope that continues to fuel their journey in attaining dreams. This resides in their minds and hearts.