CEBU, Philippines — Organizers of the Sinulog 2018 seek to boost the online presence of Cebu’s grandest festivity by launching a mobile application that will engage people, especially the younger generations.
The "Sinulog 2018" mobile app provides information about the festival and its various activities and specifics such as the parade contingents and maps of the official routes.
In a press conference yesterday, Stephanie Villarica, Marketing Promotions Head of Sinulog 2018, said there are a lot in store for this year's festivity that includes the introduction of the mobile application.
She said organizers intend to make people more aware of this year's activities also through its official website and social media accounts, whose contents have been upgraded also.
The foundation also produced a music video that features the traditional Sinulog song with a touch of modern hip rhythm. The recently-released video has been circulating online and gaining positive feedbacks.
Villarica described the online platform as the "fastest means to provide updates and information" to the public.
She said the organizers' target is to reach as many people as possible most especially the younger individuals or the "millennials."
She said the website provides significant articles that the young can learn and understand the real meaning of the festivity and its origins.
For the Sinulog 2018 mobile app that was launched last night, it also provides news about important announcements and developments of this year's festivity.
Also, app users can vote for their favorite Festival Queen 2018 candidate through the "Festival Queen App Users' Choice."
Meanwhile, an Augustinian priest advices digital-savvy millennials to use wisely social media than it may disrupt religious activities like Masses.
Father Ric Anthony Reyes of the Order of Saint Augustine (O.S.A), also Fiesta Señor 2018 Secretary, emphasized that the Santo Niño or its religious significance should be the center of the celebration.
She said Catholic faithful should lessen the use of cameras and mobile phones during liturgical celebrations or solemn activities like processions.
He said it is still important to highlight mediations during these religious activities than just taking selfie’s inside the Church.
He said people nowadays can also download applications that provide prayer guides or Biblical reflections.
Besides, he said bringing cellphones in crowded places may be risky as they may be stolen.
Reyes encouraged millennials to also appreciate the spiritual aspect of the celebration reflecting more on the "primitive ideals of the religious tradition."
By listening to the homilies during the hourly novena Masses, he invited the faithful especially the young to inculcate the lessons and values that the Holy Child Jesus wants to convey. (FREEMAN)