Two steps forward. One step back.

The Sinulog Foundation Inc. danced its way to the start of the Sinulog 2023 activities with an Opening Salvo Mass at the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño de Cebu (BMSN).

Different schools, namely Cebu Normal University (CNU), University of San Carlos (USC), University of Southern Philippines Foundation (USPF), Cebu Aeronautical Technical School (CATS), Cebu Technological University (CTU), and University of Cebu (UC), University of San Jose- Recoletos (USJ-R) were among the participants present in the mass.

Msgr. Roberto F. Alesna, PA emphasized in his homily that the celebration of Sinulog 2023 is a manifestation of the “One Island of Cebu” dream.

“Nakasabot sad ta sa tagsa-tagsa nato ka damgo… Nindot ang damgo, apan ang damgo mamahimo lamang realization o mamahimong tinuod kun kitang tanan magkahiusa sa pagkab-ot sa maong damgo,” he said.

Additionally, Msgr. Alesna mentioned that among the Catholic faithful present in the religious activities, there are those who are only “kuyog-baboy,” “igi-igi,” ug “ibog-ibog.”

“It is when we walk by faith, not by sight, that we present ourselves to the will of God and accept the path that God leads us… Nanglakaw mo because of faith, not by sight, sigon sa second letter of St. Paul,” Msgr. Alesna reminded.

“Samtang atong gihambin sud sa atong kasing-kasing ang buhi nga pagtuo nga si Sñr. Sto. Niño maoy tuburan, maoy hinungdan ug gigikanan sa kalinaw; apan ato usang susihon kun unsa katinuod, unsa katiunay ang atong paglakat sa pagtuo,”he proclaimed.

After the mass, Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama, along with Cebu Provincial Governor Gwendolyn Garcia and other officials from the cities of Lapu-Lapu, Mandaue, and Talisay, officially declared the opening of Sinulog 2023.

The grounds of the Pilgrim Center were filled with colors and smiles as the devotees, and school representatives danced to the familiar beat of Sinulog, together. /Lorille Antoinette C. Mata, BMSN Media Centre volunteer