IN PHOTOS: A journey through Sinulog 2025 and the stories of the people
Sinulog, one of the biggest festivals in the Philippines, annually gathers its devotees to celebrate and honor the grace of the beloved Señor Santo Niño. This year’s festival returned to its original venue in the city proper after being held at the South Road Properties in the past two years.
Around 40 contingents hailed from Cebu province, Cebu City, barangays, schools, and out-of-town artists, including those from Antipolo, Rizal, Kidapawan province, Albay, and more.
More than the extravagant floats and show-stopping performances lies a deeper significance. Each Sinulog participant has a story about their devotion and passion.
The costume of One Enchanting Camotes—which comprises four municipalities, including Poro, Tudela, San Francisco, and Pilar—represents pagans, featuring tattoos that identify their kinship. According to the group’s choreographer, Mark Barry Luche, their performance tells the story of how pagans, or lumadnon, were introduced to Señor Santo Niño.
“Long time ago ang Cebu hindi pa na-influence ng Christianity, ‘yung mga lumadnon ang original settlers. So usually ito ‘yung mga nasa isla, fishing, farming tapos sa story, dumating ‘yung explorer somewhere...to make the story short, they introduced Señor Santo Niño,” Luche shared with PhilSTAR L!fe. “Makikita sa [sayaw] na takot sila sa bata, because they don’t know what Santo Niño is all about, and then [eventually] tinanggap nila si Santo Niño. They’ve been receiving goodness and graces until ma-Christianize na silang lahat, because they believe in the power of Señor Santo Niño [na] hindi na sila pinabayaan.”
Ramz Palabrica, the co-choreographer, said they “connect the celebration with the formative years of Christianity.”
A higher purpose
Preparing for grand events like this is no joke. Luche’s group has encountered several problems during their practice, such as having less than a month of preparation.
“It’s not everyday practice kasi may klase, tapos ang weather sa Camotes island [maulan], three hours practice—seven o’clock in the evening, and pinakamatagal na ‘yung 10 [p.m.],” he added, not to mention a tight budget, and the logistics since their dancers come from different municipalities.
But for Luche, no challenges could stop them from joining Sinulog to honor Señor Santo Niño.
“Despite sa hardships sa practice, ‘yung budget is not enough, still hindi namin inisip ‘yun, talagang we just keep on praying kay Santo Niño offer namin ‘to para sa Kaniya. As I’ve said, ang power ni Señor Santo Niño talagang nandiyan,” he added.
Luche, who has been devoted to the Santo Niño since 1996, emphasizes the profound spiritual significance of the Sinulog.
“Mahalagang mahalaga kasi at least lang naman, sa lahat ng sorrows, may mapagsusumbongan kami. Sasayaw kami o sasama kami [kahit] sa sitwasyon namin ngayon may mga sakit. Suffer lang talaga because we believe after this, when you do this with a heart, there’s something good that will happen to you, your prayers will be answered. That's what I believe,” Luche explained.
Kith Son, one of the dancers of the group, shared that despite facing a challenging schedule juggling her studies with rehearsals, she persevered for Señor Santo Niño. “Kaya naman, nagpapasalamat din kasi ako kay Señor Santo Niño kasi binigyan Niya ako ng talento na ganito.”
A passion for dancing
Another group, Barrio Basak Pardo, donned a stunning silk gown with butterfly sleeves in orange, black, and white inspired by the Sto. Niño. The ladies completed the ensembles with flower bouquets and the men wore purple capes.
First-time joiners Kate Rosales, Shane Carao, Larah Dumali, Karyll Jorge, and Taylaran of Barrio Basak Pardo shared in a quick chat with L!fe that they spent around five months preparing for the event. Despite the struggle in the group's cooperation, they pushed through with the event to hone their skills in dancing and get the Sinulog experience.
Aktivong Baliwhanon from Brgy. Binaliw also wore a tribal-style costume to tell the culture and lives of the Pintados Tribe of Visayas.
Like other groups, one of its dancers, Ejay Tuason shared that they spent months to prepare, and have faced challenges along the way. “Walang sapat na tulog, walang sapat na pagkain, tapos taga malayo pa kami,” he shared.
“Sumali ako dito para ma-pride ko ‘yung family ko na nandito ako, tsaka para maipakita ko ‘yung passion ko sa pagsasayaw,” he added.
Continuing the tradition
Hugpong Day-Asanon's costume was a vibrant red with a touch of gold and white, resembling Sto Niño’s attire. One of its dancers, Angelica Onde, shared with L!fe that their concept is about Christianity. Although they struggled with time management during their three-month preparation, she pushed through with the event.
“Mahalaga po [na sumali] para kay Señor Santo Niño, prayer ko rin po ito para sa family,” she shared.
Danica Flinn, who has been participating in Sinulog since 2012 as a dancer, and now as an artistic director of Kalunasan Cultural Dance Troupe, shared that their red and gold costume was inspired by the attire of Sto. Niño.
Preparing for the event for over a month, Flinn shared that they also struggled with limited budget. “Ang pinaka problema talaga namin is ang location kung saan kami magpa-practice. Nagfa-find na lang kami na ma-accomplish ‘yung mga kailangan,” she said.
This year’s Sinulog marks the group’s first time, following joining the Sinulog sa Dakbayan. “Napakahalaga [ng pagsali], since this is our first time, we created history sa aming barangay,” she said.
The dedication and perseverance of the participants, the intricate storytelling in their costumes, and the unwavering faith in the Santo Niño will inspire future generations to carry on this cherished tradition, ensuring that the vibrant spirit of the Sinulog festival will continue to flourish for years to come.
