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More Fun in Pasil, Cebu! (Feast of Sto. Niño)


Article Written by: Kenneth Taneo, Youth Group Animator (Savio)

“It’s more fun in Cebu.” – a quotation derived from the recent Department of Tourism’s campaign slogan, but indeed, this holds truth. This is evidently shown in every 3rd Sunday of the month of January wherein we Cebuanos celebrate the Feast of our Patron, ‘Señor Sto. Niño’. During this event, we wholeheartedly give praise, thanks, and glorify Him for the bountiful graces we have received.

We are fortunate here in Pasil since our Parish’s Patron is Sto. Niño as well. We had an Opening Salvo by means of a parade along the streets of Suba and Pasil after which we solemnly celebrated the 1st novena mass presided by Fr. Adrian “Andy” Mendoza, SDB (Parish Priest). In the Youth Center, we also had our daily novena prayers.

Traditionally, Don Bosco Youth Center prepares a program called the ‘YOUTH NITE” as a simple means of showcasing the talents, skills, abilities, and potentials of the young people of the area. Above everything else, the ‘YOUTH NITE’ is organized yearly as a way of expressing our gratitude towards God. This year’s theme and storyline was that of a ‘Movie Marathon’ mainly because it was inspired from the different movies that people have seen like Titanic, Charlie’s Angels, etc. The program was a success for the organizers have evaluated and arrived at the conclusion that they have conveyed the message of the program that no matter what kind of praising you’ll offer to God, as long as it comes from the heart, it is already in itself a way of expressing gratitude to Him.

Within the novena days, our parish had also prepared some activities and programs that have strengthened the participation and confidence of the people especially in showing off their talents. Some activities worthy of note is the Parish Nite, and the Halad – different chapels and clusters offered a Sinulog Dance as an offering to the Child Jesus. Of course, the DBYC also joined in rendering the Sinulog Dance in front of the people of Suba and Pasil.

The day before the feast day came, so many devotees woke up early to join the annual fluvial parade. According to the local news, there were around 248 vessels who joined the said event. In fact, most of the vessels rented were from the people of Suba and Pasil since it has been a part of the culture to start the so-called ‘Disperas’ with a bang. Afterwards, the people paraded the streets in which those who participated in the ‘Halad’ repeated their performances with grander costumes and more-synced dance steps. In the afternoon, people once again gathered inside the Church to attend the Pontifical Mass presided by Msgr. Labajo of Talisay City, Cebu.

Sunday, the actual Feast of the Child Jesus… many people crowded the streets and went to the different houses to celebrate the fiesta. So many devotees had much prepared for their visitors and relative for they want to serve them the best food possible. Somewhere else in Cebu particulary the Fuente area, tourists witnessed the Sinulog Festival (dubbed as the mother of all festivals in the Philippines). It was a sight to behold as colorful costumes, drum beats, and awesome choreography made the event more exciting. In the evening, it is obvious that people may have retired early to their beds from the day’s fun and revelry… but for teenagers like me, there’s still enough time to go to disco bars to continue to celebrate this great event with the thought that this should be a day that would end with lots of good memories for my friends and I.