Devotees brave heavy rains for Sinulog, get PNoy's praise

Filipino Catholics braved heavy rains in Cebu province Sunday to attend the Sinulog festival in honor of the Santo Niño (Christ Child). The devotion they showed earned praise from President Benigno Aquino III, who attended the festivities Sunday morning. “The atmosphere of the Sinulog cannot be compared with 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 said in his speech, according to a report posted on the Presidential Communications Operations Office website. Aquino 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." But he added it is important to remember the celebration of values and beliefs, from which the Sinulog stemmed.

“Along with that legacy came our values that have stood the test of time, which are important as we seize the momentum of reform, and rebuild our country. We are still Filipinos – bound by our culture, by the sacrifices of our forefathers, and the collective aspiration to live up to their example," he said. On the other hand, Aquino also offered a prayer to the Santo Niño to help Filipinos in Bicol, Visayas and Mindanao affected by recent floods and landslides. “Let us pray for our countrymen in the Bicol, Visayas and Mindanao regions who are coping with calamity," he said. He voiced hopes that the “united community effort that has made the Sinulog Festival successful for three decades will also be displayed as we extend our helping hands to those affected by the recent flash floods." “May Senyor Santo Niño protect our country from disasters and other challenges that will come our way, as we build our dreams together and realize a better life for all," he said. Meanwhile, snatching incidents and cases of lost children marred the Sinulog festival in Cebu Sunday. A report by radio dzBB's Cebu affiliate on Sunday afternoon said police arrested one Ernesto Daesa after catching him stealing from one Sonny Boy Abajo. Recovered from him were mobile phones and ID cards. Security was tight in Cebu for the Sinulog, which attracts devotees from as far as Mindanao, as well as foreign and local tourists. Cebu police also asked parents to keep watch over their children, after finding many children lost in the crowds. - KBK, GMANews.TV