CEBU CITY -- President Benigno Aquino III joined the people of Cebu as they paid homage to the Santo Nino, or the child Jesus, in their yearly celebration of the Sinulog, during his visit to the province yesterday.

The President, wearing his signature yellow polo shirt and denim pants, arrived at the Cebu City Sports Center here at around 10 a.m.

He was welcomed by Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama, Cebu City Vice Mayor Joy Augustus Young, and Cebu First and Second Districts Representatives Rachel Del Mar and Tomas Osmena, respectively.

In his speech, the President said he is happy to join Cebuanos in celebrating one of the grandest and most colorful festivals in the Philippines “as it gives us an occasion to take great pride in this unique component of our country’s culture.”

“This festival, as we are all proud to note, is also distinctly Cebuano. And it gives me pleasure, as always, to visit your island province,” the President said.

“The atmosphere of the Sinulog cannot be compared to any other celebration. I am glad that the people here have preserved a valuable part of our tradition as Filipinos: you know how to throw a good party. And with your inherent hospitality and lechon-making talent, you Cebuanos are one of the best in holding fiestas,” he stressed.

“But aside from that," he said, "it was important to remember from which the Sinulog Festival has stemmed: the celebration of our values and beliefs.”

The Sinulog festival is one of the grandest and most colorful festivals in the Philippines. The main festival, which has a very rich history, is held each year on the third Sunday of January in Cebu City to honor the Santo Niño, or the child Jesus.

Sinulog is a dance ritual in honor of the miraculous image of the Santo Nino. The dance moves to the sound of the drums that resembles the current (Sinulog) of what was then known as Cebu’s Pahina River.*PNA

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