I survived my first Sinulog solemn procession

"Afflictions brings out graces that cannot be seen in times of health" said R. M. Mchayne. Indeed in my 8years stay here in Cebu I have attended the fluvial and dance parade but never the procession of the Santo Nino image. But now with my health in the line I brave the massive crowd and theintermittent rain to join this religious aspect of the celebration.

Together with my bosom friend Setti who is to undergo a surgery for her bile problem we joined the large flock of believers for a walk lasting close to seven hours. It's unimaginable as I for one would take a jeep just to get too destination just several feet away but with faith in God's healing power together we walked from
Santo Nino Church -Osmena- Gem nabilin to MJ Cuenco.So it's explainable why after such a physical feat we were so famished. Thank God we were able to replenish out energies with great food and laughter.

So what did I learn from this solemn procession?

1.be flexible to life's impermanence.
I learned as much as we have goals in mind it is wise to adopt to the needs of the time. We had been waiting two hours for the parade to start but in the end we were asked to clear the road for the carroza of the Santo Nino. instead of complaining we were just to happy to have a glimpse of the century old image of child Jesus up close. Instead of complaining about how erratic the weather is we were just to glad we weren't too sunbaked after the event. In between the stops we make friends with neighbor and even took group pictures.

2.in the uncertainty of life, family and friends makes the difference. I couldn't imagine doing this alone as its physically taxing but because Setti and I can take short breaks to chitchat, go to restroom for pee breaks and encourage each other to move ahead we finished it not feeling exhausted at all. Guess same is true for those who brought along their family no matter how inconvenient it seems to others for them to tag them along

The kids were just too adorable in their Santo Nino costume and it was just too moving to see couples, disabled ,sick and old people being assisted bybothers just so they can manifest their faith..

3.to make anything a success teamwork and discipline are important.I am thankful for the help of the crowd controls, the medic, the policemen who make sure that this is an orderly event. Also I am grateful that the followers were disciplined as well to follow this rules to avoid stampede and other unnecessary injuries

4.there is power in number. The huge turnout of devotees made a strong statement in the importance of religion to nation building.The well attended procession had shown the world that though it's true Sinulog is noted for the dance parade and lots of partying it remains a large chunk a religious event.A loud shout-out it is to the world that we aren't afraid of any terrorist to gather.

5.finally it taught me as well to just enjoy every step and not dwell much on the destination. I resolved I will face these health challenge head on and I will choose to be happy about being alive while I and till breathing.

During the walk I am always finding myself fascinated be it the wall art, the various portrayal of the child Jesus, the ornaments of the devotees and the Visayan original pop music. It was a sensory experience.

Yes my calves are aching but considering I had my first solemn parade and my second time to have henna tattoo it was all together a great experience. Something I will always fondly remember when my health fails me

Fellow Steemians if ever you do want to join this please be ready with rain gear and if you want some foldable handcarry chairs and good comfy footwear and of course being alone your hoped and happy disposition as not everyone are able bodied to be in this parade and please because it's a religious affair do observe proper dress decorum .Have those DIY shirts and super shorts shorts worn on Sunday for the dance parade not hear in respect of the devotees.

ViVa Pit Senor! Happy Saturday fellow Steemians

Till next post,
Ayn