Batobalani sa Gugma Lyrics for Santo Niño

This is very much familiar to Cebuanos and Devotees for it is sung every novena mass leading up to the Sinulog Festivities. More than just a time for festivities and partying, the core of the feast of the Sto. Niño de Cebu is the celebration of the institution of Christianity in the Philippines - the story as told in the Gozos (Batobalani sa Gugma).

A quick word etymology breakdown: Batobalani is said to mean magnet while gugma means love. During the novena for the Sto. Niño, the Gozos will be sung by the devotees as they wave their hands up in the air. The video I took is only about 2 minutes for I had to take some photos as well, the full song is about 6-7 minutes.



Batobalani sa Gugma Lyrics:
Bato balani sa gugma,
Sa daang tawo palangga.

Tubag:
KANAMO MALOOY KA UNTA
NGA KANIMO NANGGILABA

Dinhi sa siyudad sa Sugbo
ang matahum mong larawan.
sa unang mga misyonero,
sa usang balay hipalgan.
Kanila ikaw nagpakita
gikan da sa imong gugma.

Tubag:
KANAMO MALOOY KA UNTA
NGA KANIMO NANGGILABA

Giludhan ka ug gisimba
niadtong mga kaparian
sa tanang mga katawhan
sa mga ponoan nila:
kay sa pagtan-aw kanimo
Kristiyanos sila nahimo.

Tubag:
KANAMO MALOOY KA UNTA
NGA KANIMO NANGILABA

Ang simbahan gipatindog
niadtong mga tawhana,
aron ang larawan nimo
dunay usang puluyanan.
ug didto gihangyo nila
nga kaluy-an nimo sila.

Tubag:
KANAMO MALOOY KA UNTA
NGA KANIMO NANGILABA

Nangayo kami kanimo
nga ang matahum mong larawan,
sa sulud sa kalag namo
makahimog puluyanan,
kay sa tanang kinahanglan
ikaw ang among dalangpan.

Tubag:
KANAMO MALOOY KA UNTA
NGA KANIMO NANGILABA

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Santo Niño Images Exhibit in Ayala Center Cebu

Another Kicking off event for this year’s Fiesta Señor, Ayala Center Cebu opened its annual Sto. Niño Exhibit recently at the Exhibit Area 2, between Bo's Coffee and Figaro Coffee at the 2nd level of the mall. The various images of the Sto. Niño shown in this year's collection are images that are owned, worshipped and treasured by generations of families, donated, borrowed either from Chapels, private altars or in the most sacred places in family homes of prominent individuals and families.

Here's a few sample shots of the Images

The Sto. Niño exhibit is open daily during mall hours from until January 20, 2011.

About the Santo Niño Exhibit:

The exhibit aims to entice mallers to attend the 9-day novena which started earlier as well as venerate their “Kabilin”/Heritage from their parents and great grand parents as a token of love, unity and peace throughout the world.

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2012 Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Dakbayan Winners!

The Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Lalawigan 2012 has recently concluded and below is the list of the Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Dakbayan 2012 Winners:

ELEMENTARY CATEGORY
Grand Champion - Bulacao Community School
2nd Place Winner - Punta Princesa Elementary School
3rd Place Winner - Zapatera Elementary School
4th Place Winner - Cebu City Central School
5th Place Winner - Mambaling Elementary School

Special Awards
Best in Costume - Zapatera Elementary School
Best in Musicality - Labangon Bliss Elementary School

HIGH SCHOOL CATEGORY
Grand Champion - Abellana National School
2nd Place Winner - Apas National High School
3rd Place Winner - Barrio Luz National High School
4th Place Winner - Don Sergio Osmeña Sr. Memorial National High School
5th Place Winner - Ramon Duterte Memorial National High School

Special Awards
Best in Costume - Abellana National School
Best in Musicality - Apas National High School

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Ayala Center Cebu's 'Balik Cebu Program'

In the midst of the arrival of hundreds of balikbayan tourists for the Sinulog festival, the Balik Cebu Program was once again launched in coordination with the Cebu City and the provincial government of Cebu, CHI and tourism stakeholders.

The Sinulog Event is an invitation to everyone from various parts of the archipelago, and even across the globe to come and visit Cebu, the gateway to the fiesta islands.

After a decade of partnership, Ayala Center Cebu and Cebu Holdings Inc. once again join Cebu City Tourism Commission for the 11th year of Balik Cebu Program. The Balik Cebu Program aims to offer tourists an unparalleled Cebu experience.

Located beside the Concierge in Ayala Center Cebu (across Rustan’s and Guess), the booth will be open during mall hours to hand out event guides and provide information to balikbayans about the different activities on the Sinulog Festival.

With many tourists arriving in the city everyday to join in the Sinulog celebrations, Ayala Center Cebu has set up the Balik Cebu Booth at the Level 1 of Paseo Marina. Open during mall hours starting January 6 to January 14, the booth will serve as an information center for the coming Sinulog events. Tickets for some Sinulog events such as grandstand passes for the Sinulog Grand Parade and Balik Cebu Dinner Party will be available at the booth as well.

About Balik Cebu:
First launched in 2002, the “Balik Cebu” committee put together activities to help welcome our balikbayans who come home to pay homage to Sr. Sto. Niño and join the revelry of the Sinulog Festival.

The “Balik Cebu” program will be providing several perks and travel assistance to balikbayans including the establishment of a “Balik Cebu” counter at the Ayala Center Cebu (ACC).

Balik Cebu has become a more-than-a-decade-long institutionalized program strongly supported by CHI, the company which owns and manages landmark projects in Cebu like Cebu Business Park, Ayala Center Cebu, Asiatown IT Park, City Sports Club Cebu and Amara with newly rising property developments such as 1016 Residences and also ALVEO.

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Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Lalawigan Winners

Here are the Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Lalawigan Winners for this year 2012!! 


Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Lalawigan per category:
Sinulog sa Kabataan ELEMENTARY:
Best in Costume: Danao City East District, Danao City Central School
Best in Musicality: Danao City East District, Danao City CentralSchool
1st: Danao City East District, Danao City Central School
2nd: Tuyan Central Elementary School
3rd: San Roque Elementary School (last year's champion)
4th: Bogo City Division
5th: Santa Filomena Elementary School

Sinulog sa kabataan SECONDARY:
Best in Costume: Carcar City Division
Best in Musicality: Carcar City Division
1st: Carcar City Division (defending champion)
2nd: Toledo National Vocational School
3rd: Lawaan National High School
4th: Medellin National High School
5th: Maslog National High School

So, who will take the crown next year? will it still be the defending champs? we will see the new set of Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Lalawigan next year!

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Miss Cebu 2012 Candidates & Coronation Night

If you are a big fan of the annual Miss Cebu Pageant, then here's what you're looking for! First and foremost, Miss Cebu 2012 Pageant Night is also live stream on Local TV Channel Studio 23.  Here are the Official Cebuana Candidates for Miss Cebu 2012 with Scheduled Pre-Pageant Night (open for public) at Fuente Osmeña Circle on January 6, 2012, 7:30pm and Pageant Night on January 11, 2012, 6:30pm at the Pacific Grand Ballroom of Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino.

Miss Cebu 2012 Official Candidates:
   1. Michelle Angelique A Tan
   2. Ann Caryl S Gotingco
   3. Mary Hazel Haruka T Watabe
   4. Rachel Chloe T Palang
   5. Cynthia Lois D Tac-an
   6. Pierre Anther G. Infante
   7. Ella Beverly P. Sarmago
   8. Herlie Kim T. Artugue
   9. April Ann Claire R White
  10. Jonnie Rose Louise R Wee
  11. Shannen R. Abarquez
  12. Lesly Ane P Fernandez

Miss Cebu 2012 online voting booths gives everyone an opportunity to vote for Miss Photogenic via online voting until January 8, 2012. Miss Cebu 2012 online voting booths is located at 3rd level Ayala Center Cebu - Paseo Solana and at 2nd floor SM Cebu City Northwing . Anyone with a valid registered email address is eligible to vote.

You can also vote online through www.cebucitytourism.com/misscebu2012* Online Votes will comprise 50% of the criteria for Miss Photogenic.

For updates and Photos of Miss Cebu 2012 candidates join the Miss Cebu community on Facebook at www.facebook.com/misscebupageant*

Content & Photos here are from Cebu City Tourism Commission.

other related posts:
Miss Cebu requirements and qualification
Miss Cebu 2011 Winners
Miss Cebu 2011 Candidates

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Sto. Niño Novena Mass Schedule 2012

Many people tend to be confused about the Sto. Niño Novena Mass Schedule 2012 being as 'Sinulog Novena Mass.' Well, it can't be helped but the Novena Mass is for the Sto. Niño where devotees declare, ask for their intentions and for some, do it for thanksgiving. The culmination of this will be a procession a day before the Sinulog Street parade celebrations.

Here is the Sto. Niño Novena Mass Schedule 2012 :

Regular Routine Novena/Masses Schedule
5:30 AM – City Parishes / Barangays
7:00 AM – Business Sectors
8:30 AM – Basic Education – Private Schools
10:00 AM – Parishes: District & Vicariate
11:30 AM – Business Sectors
1:00 PM – Government Offices: City & Provincial
2:30 PM – Basic Education – Public by Districts
4:00 PM – Colleges
5:30 PM – Universities
7:00 PM - Archdiocesan Organizations, Movement & Communities

FIRST DAY OF NOVENA - January 05, 2012 (THURSDAY)
Dawn Procession – WALK WITH JESUS
4:00 AM – Assembly Time at Fuente Osmeña
4:30 AM – FOOT PENITENTIAL PROCESSION (Fuente Osmeña – Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño)
Please bring with you rosaries, candles and statues/images of the Señor Santo Niño.
5:30 AM – FIRST MASS – INSTALLATION OF HERMANO and HERMANA MAYORES 2012

SECOND DAY OF NOVENA - Jan. 6, 2012 (FRIDAY)
2:30 PM – Opening Salvo by the Sinulog Foundation

THIRD DAY OF NOVENA - Jan. 7, 2012 (SATURDAY)
8:30 PM – Barangay Night / Halad Sa Barangay

FOURTH DAY OF NOVENA - Jan. 8, 2012 (SUNDAY)
8:30 AM – Children’s Mass with Colegio del Sto. Niño

FIFTH DAY OF NOVENA - Jan. 9, 2012 (MONDAY)
7:00 PM – Mass for the Environment

SIXTH DAY OF NOVENA - Jan. 10, 2012 (TUESDAY)
7:00 PM – Mass for the Environment

SEVENTH DAY OF NOVENA - Jan. 11, 2012 (WEDNESDAY)
7:00 PM – Senior Citizens Night

EIGTH DAY OF NOVENA - Jan. 12, 2012 (THURSDAY)
8:30 p.m. – Barangay Night / Halad Sa Barangay

NINTH DAY OF NOVENA - Jan. 13, 2012 (FRIDAY)
Dawn Procession – WALK WITH MARY
4:00 AM – Assembly Time at Fuente Osmeña
4:30 AM – Foot Penitential Procession (Fuente Osmeña – Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño)
Please bring with you rosaries, candles and statues/images of the Señor Santo Niño.
5:30 AM – Holy Mass and Novena
7:00 AM – Misa de Translacion
(Motorcade proceeds to the National Shrine of St. Joseph, Mandaue City)
1 – 2 PM – District Teachers Traditional Halad
8:30 PM – Re-enactment of the first Wedding.

VESPERAS - Jan. 14, 2012 (SATURDAY)
5:30 AM – Cebuano Mass
7:00 AM – Mass for the OFW Families
7:00 AM – FLUVIAL PROCESSION – Route: Ouano Wharf, Mactan Bridge, Lapu-Lapu, Pasil, Pier 1
9:30 AM – Re-enactment of the arrival of the image
10:00 AM – Re-enactment of the Mass and Baptism
1:00 PM – Solemn Procession of the Miraculous Image
6:00 PM – Pontifical Mass

FIESTA SEÑOR DAY - Jan. 15, 2012 (SUNDAY)
4:00 AM – Mañanita Mass
6:00 AM - Pontifical Mass with His Grace Cebu Archbishop Jose B. Palma, D.D.
8:30 AM - Augustinian Recollect Communities
10:00 AM – Cebuano Mass
11:30 AM – English Mass
1:00 PM – Cebuano Mass
2:20 PM - Cebuano Mass
4:00 PM – Cebuano Mass
5:30 PM – English Mass
7:00 PM – English mass

THANKSGIVING MASS - Jan. 16, 2012 (MONDAY)
5:00 AM – Cebuano Mass
6:00 AM – Cebuano Mass
7:00 AM - English Mass
8:00 AM – Mass for the OFWs
10:00 AM – Thanksgiving Mass with the San Nicolas Parish
2:00 PM - Thanksgiving Mass by Sinulog Foundation
4:00 PM – Requiem Mass for the Deceased Devotees
5:30 PM – Healing Mass for the Sick and the Aged

HUBO - January 20, 2012 (FRIDAY)
4:00 AM – HUBO MASS
6:00 AM – Cebuano Mass
7:00 AM - English Mass
8:00 AM – English Mass
9:00 AM – Cebuano Mass
10:00 AM - Cebuano Mass
11:00 AM - Cebuano Mass
12:00 NN – English Mass
1:00 PM – Cebuano Mass
2:00 PM – English Mass
3:00 PM – Cebuano Mass
4:00 PM – Cebuano Mass
5:00 PM – English Mass
6:00 PM – English Mass
7:00 PM – English Mass

Viva Pit Señor!!!!

Photo Source

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Sinulog Festival Route now has Wi-Fi!!!

Have you heard the latest SINULOG FESTIVAL 2012 NEWS? Sinulog Festival Route now has Wi-Fi!!! Smart phones, laptops and netbook users will be enjoying the FREE WIFI SERVICE at the Sinulog 2012 Route. With this, we can be able to capture images and share it to our friends around the world online. This is brought to us for FREE by PLDT DSL.

This initiative was initiated by PLDT's District Manager Bong Lintag and Cebu City Councilor Roberto Cabarrubias, A BIG Thank You for making this possible. There will also be a substantial bandwidth pipe so that videos can be captured in real time and there would be less internet access problems (OH NOoOo).

PLDT started the installation yesterday morning and hopefully will be done next week. This is for FREE. However, user's name and password be provided for FREE to control the user so that the bandwidth be maintained at its highest level. They will issue an internet card for free at the designated outlet to be announced on a later date.

The access points are located on top of the VECO and PLDT Posts along the Sinulog 2012 Route. The distance between access points are located in such away the the maximum signal of the internet can be enjoyed by the respective users.

PIT SENYOR! KANG WIFI! KINI!!

Source

*UPDATE:
The wifi is free for all and is available at the following Wi-Fi Zones:

• General Maxilom Avenue (Mango Avenue) from Gorordo Avenue to Fuente Osmeña Circle - PERMANENT
• Fuente Osmena Circle - PERMANENT
• Osmena Blvd. from Fuente Osmena Circle to P. del Rosario St. - PERMANENT
• N. Bacalso Ave from Cebu Provincial South Bus Terminal to P. del Rosario St. - PERMANENT
• P. del Rosario St (covering USC) from Osmena Blvd to Sikatuna St - PERMANENT
• Cebu Sports Complex - TEMPORARY INSTALLATION UNTIL JAN. 16 ONLY
• Cebu City Hall covering Magellans Cross and Sto. Nino, Basilica - PERMANENT
• Ceby Provincial Capitol - PERMANENT
• Plaza Independancia - PERMANENT

All you need to do is visit any of the Wi-Fi Zones listed above and register.

For more details, visit http://www.pldtwifizone.com/

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Crash-Survival Guide to Sinulog

Photo from FreeStockPhotography.com.au

After living in Cebu for almost most of my life, countless Sinulogs, and misadventures, I have finally decided to make a crazy guide about Sinulog. If you wanna get out of Sinulog in one piece, then do check out this Crash-Survival Guide to Sinulog that I made!

DRESS FOR COMFORT AND WEATHER in MIND - believe it or not, your attire can make or break your experience. Just in case wear comfortable yet simple clothing. The weather can be moody, it can rain or it can be ridiculously hot as well. The best tip is wear sandals or flip flops.

BAGS - Preferably bring in tight and slinged bags or the like (Benchmark Photographers). If you have a fancy bag, chances are you might just lose it or perhaps it may just become a heavy burden. You can consider this: 1 Backpack + 1 slinged bag or just bring either (more than 2 bags can be a security risk). Or if your a Photographer: bring bags to house your lenses, tripod and a light yet efficient manner.

LIFE PACK - Water will be abundant (bottled) but it be best to bring your own; extra clothing (if you get sweaty due to ridiculous heat or rain); Some finger food (just to be safe --if you have a sensitive stomach); Umbrella (rain/shine); Head Gear (cap, cowboy hat, whatever..); Sun Block for those sunny Sinulog; Traditional HAND FAN or an pocket electric fan to cool off/down.

SCHEDULE! - different time, different foot traffic. 7am or earlier is an awesome time to be in the Sinulog Street route especially if you want to see the contingent (dancers prepare) and walk the streets like crazy [Secret Tip: most celebrities walk around during these times, yes they walk else just wait for them via their floats]

BUDGET - If you are living in Cebu, well be frugal unless you’re willing to spend a lot in terms of food and drinks then Php1000.00 can be a good budget. But if you want get around and don't spend a lot Php500.00 is sufficient. IF YOU ARE NOT FROM CEBU: Book your flights a year ahead, inquire also a year a head in terms of hotel and accomodations [Secret Tip: Try not to look like a tourist and people will charge you for less or bring a local buddy who can assist you in your spending]

LOCATION (x3) - If you wanna watch the street parade then be sure to strategically position yourself in the most happening places along the route of the Sinulog parade. Stay along Mango Avenue or Jones Ave (which leads to Cebu City Sports Complex where the grand stand is located). [Secret Tip: If you can afford it, stay in a hotel that are along these roads, for sure they have their own best viewing spots]

RESTING SPOTS - Find a place to cool down from the heat of the sun and the suffocating crowd.You'll be thanking even Trees during these times. But it be best to stay away from the crowd to gain some degree of natural breathing before diving right back into the fray. [Secret Tip: Malls and Restos near these places will be useless since their air-conditioning system will be useless BUT still find them if you wanna pee or do a call of nature]


ASK AROUND - To ensure your own awesome Sinulog Experience, be sure to ask around and research more about Cebu if you want to explore the place or go beyond the normal Sinulog Activities. If you don't know what you want, you can contact us, suggest a topic or the like; perhaps drop a comment below so we can get you more guides!

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Sinug (Sinulog) Traditional Ritual Dance

As mentioned in the previous posts on seeing the Sinug (Sinulog) Traditional Ritual Dance, this post shall dig in deep as to the cultural roots of this Cebuano Tradition. This celebration of dance and prayer to the Santo Niño with the Traditional way of the SINUG or SINULOG has been celebrated by across generations by a close-knit family who are "KEEPERS OF THE SINULOG DANCE" and which has been danced for the Gorordo family for generations. The Gorordo Family is one of the prominent families in Cebu since the Spanish Era in the Philippines and who were the owners of the CASA GORORDO which has now been turned into a museum.

This religious dance ritual is done on the Monday after the feast of the Santo Niño, a day for souls in Catholic Tradition. The prayers are for the eternal repose of all the souls in purgatory, especially the deceased Gorordos.

Estelita "Nang Titang" Diola has been doing this ritual since she was a child. She inherited the skill of the Sinug beat from Macario "Iklot" Bontilao and the dance steps from her father, Buenaventura Diola. Many believe that Nang Titang and her group of dancers are the keepers of the original Sinug or Sinulog dance steps.

About Nang Titang - Keeper of the Sinug Ritual:
Between the 1940s and the 1950s, Estelita "Titang" Diola was already known as a sinug dancer. She and her group were asked by several families to dance as a form of offering to the Holy Child. Among them was the Gorordo family.

Nang Titang, as she is popularly called, began dancing the sinug at the age of seven. She learned to master the steps and the song prayers from her father and soon studied how to beat a sinug beat from Macario 'Iklot' Bontilao. She recalled that before the advent of the Sinulog Festival, four groups from barangays Lahug, Busay, Guadalupe and their group from Mabolo converge in the Basilica to perform the Sinug Ritual.

About Sinug-Sinulog:
Sinug is a dance ritual as prayer performed at the altar before the image of the Holy Child Jesus or the Santo Niño. It may have its origins in the Pre-catholic Cebu that imitates water current, sug. Today, it is popularly synonymous with the word "Sinulog", a dance mardi gras with steps patterned after the traditional dance form while holding and lifting the image of the Santo Niño in the parade.

Etymology:
In the Cebuano Language, the letter "L" is usually not enunciated and can be written off in words that contain the letter in-between. Example: Balay -- Bay (House); Dalan -- Dan (Road); Kalayo -- can be spoken into Kayo (Fire). However, although assumed to be the same at first, the sinulog has become the dance mardi gras performed during the annual festival, while the sinug retains the traditional dance ritual.

Sinug is popularly belived to be derived from "Sulug" or current, as the basic movements of the dance, which are the forward and backward steps portray the advancing and receding of the sea or river currents.

Spectators are also invited to learn and dance on the spot in order to fully immerse in experiencing the tradition

Legends of the Origin:
One version claims that the word comes from "Sug-sug" or teasing. Humabon's jester, Baladhay became sick and Queen Juana placed the image of the Holy Child in front of a bench where he was laid. He woke up wielding a bolo at the image. He claims that he was teased by the Santo Niño by tickling him using a coconut midrib or "tukog" while he was asleep. In his fury, Baladhay grabbed a bolo trying to strike at the child, but the Santo Niño fondly dodged him in a forward and backward motion, and Baladhay countered every step. Without realizing it, Baladhay was dancing with the boy that looks like the movement of Sinulog.

According to Nang Titang, the original Sinug is composed of three principal characters - the Christians, Muslims and the "Batang Hari" or the Holy Child. The performers carry with them swords and shields. The ritual first showed the division between the two camps, the Muslims and the Christians, but eventually through the intercession of the Santo Niño, the two rivals became united.

The Dance, beat and song:
The sinug dance has 2 basic steps. the natural and the kinampilan. The natural step is the popularly known two steps forward, one step backward while the kinampilan has one step right foot forward and one step backward, while the left foot stays in place.

The song prayer "paso Alang sa Pagsaludo sa Señor" (Walk to Honor the Señor) starts the Sinug ritual and ends with the song "Panamilit" (Farewell). Here's a clip video I took when I observed and immersed myself in this ritual:



Sinug is one of the living traditions that has been continued by the Culture and Heritage unit of the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation, Inc. (RAFI), which is committed to the preservation of the house traditions of the Gorordo family. This annual ritual would continue to promote the Cebuano Culture, Heritage and history to the local and international community. Visit rafi.org.ph for more info.!

Information Sources: RAFI, Sinug Ritual Dance

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What’s in a pusu? (Otherwise known as “Hanging Rice”)

What’s in a pusu? (Otherwise known as “Hanging Rice”) was the usual question being asked to me by my non-cebuano friends & acquaintances coming from Luzon. Most Cebuanos often times have difficulty in answering this question as it is a common sight as to be easily taken for granted for it can be found in food stalls, canteen, the house, beach gatherings and any other event that gathers people.

That simple question practically bothered me, all the more during this year's celebration of ‘buwan ng wika’ where people were in such a festive mood in celebrating one’s cultural heritage, including myself. I realized that a people without a sense of history, is a people doomed to be unaware of their own identity (or part of it). Without a sense of who you are, how can you possibly take pride in who you are? Hence, started a recent quick journey to do a little digging into history!

The “puso” originated as a ritual object intimately associated with the animist religion of the pre-hispanic Cebuanos. What’s more surprising is that these rituals are still being practiced by a small upland community in Barangay Taptap, Cebu City. It is an activity performed in ceremonial celebrations in victory, harvesting, planting, weddings, birthdays, baptisms and burials which still mirrors how the pusu is used today.

Visayan Influences:
Trade relations between Hindu Malayan traders during the Shri Vijayan empire in South East Asia heavily influenced the Culture of “Bisaya” the natives of Central Philippines, specifically the ‘Sugbu’ (Old name of Cebu) before the Spanish Colonization in 1521.

The term ‘pusu or puso’ is derived from the Visayan word, denoting “bunga” or “bulak” which means fruit or flower. Like the banana flower (called ‘puso’ ng saging~heart of the banana) is suspended from its natural trunk setting, the pusu depicts a sugbu-anon belief in fertility and productivity (this is why some call the cebuano puso “hanging rice” that is commonly hanged in bunches).

The Puso is made out of a simple tropical material called “lukay” a sugbu-anon term for ‘tender coconut fronds.’ The midrib of the “lukay” is removed to make a “lilas”, or coconut palm strips to start the “lala” which means “to weave.”

There are about 6 designs of pusu weaving which has different purposes such as being offered to the gods to ask for a favor; for thanksgiving of good harvest (the ritual is called HIKAYAN); for a sickly person or exorcism of demons (the ritual of YAMYAM done by the TAMBALAN or priest); as what I found out while talking to two Cebu Normal University-Museum resource persons.

Pusu Designs:

1. Binosa – a one strand pusu which resembles a small wineglass
2. Kinasing – a two-strand pusu which resembles a diamond which commonly found in metro cebu today.
3. Dumpol or Pudol – a variation of ‘Kinasing’ but has a flattened bottom instead of the pointed diamond
4. Badbaranay – which means ‘to unravel or opening’;
5. Binaki – which means frog-like
6. Manan-aw – a local term for tiny white orchids, a species of native dendrobium; it is made up of eight strands that would be the biggest among the other pusu designs.

The Pusu is said to have originated in Central Visayas and spread across the southern Philippine archipelago communities as far as Basilan. There, they have some similar weavings that are different and some very similar to the pusu, but is called “Tamu.” Further research is still being conducted about pusu to understand these similarities but at the same time find more new things associated to it that is still being discovered such as the possibilities of more diverse designs, said Inocian.

Pusu has always been part of the Cebuano identity, in design, it has been re-invented through some of the works incorporated by world renowned furniture designer, Kenneth Cobonpue; it has also been used by some community coops and products modified through their innovation by using recyclable materials in remaking the pusu as an accessory, lantern and perhaps many more, said Savellon. She also emphasized the need for the culture and craftsmanship of puso-making to be maintained if not be integrated into formal education, for the “mamumuso” (pusu weaver), due to commercial use has stopped weaving the other designs in favor of the “kinasing” or “Binaki” which is much easier to weave.

It's always good to see how an outsider observes one's culture for from there we can work on our shortcomings so we can grow and be better.

If you’re planning to take a trip to Cebu, I tell you, it will never be complete if you’ve never eaten puso paired with other iconic cebuano food like the Lechon Baboy or Lechon manok, siomai sa tisa or buwad (dried fish) or some barbeque in Larsians near the Fuente Osmeña.

I’ve also ambushed interview a sugbu-anon about puso: “I’ve eaten puso since I was little, I really like that it’s easy to eat, carry around, long-aging, and it’s cheap! I not only eat it in major major events, but wherever it is available near school; sadly, I only eat it but would be interested in learning how to make it..that would be very useful.”

The pusu does not only have deep roots in our history, a Cebu iconic image, but also is a product of Filipino ingenuity! Aside from being a blogger, I’m also an Industrial Engineer, so le me share to you how I see it:

• It’s a biodegradable, handy and traditional food pouch;
• The rice is prepackaged and can easily be moved around or delivered (this cuts the time of packaging ‘just rice’)
• It’s cooked in bundles for easy mass production
• Rice served in the form of puso has been divided into standard units which mean standard sizes;
• Easy accounting of units for customers, suppliers and restaurateurs
• By virtue of its design, the rice inside the puso is kept free of dust and insects
• Unlike regular boiled rice, which stays tasty for about a few hours at most, puso keeps for about a day & lasts longer.

That’s it for now, let’s reserve the how to’s in a separate post, yes? I hope what I have written here can help, even in the smallest way, to make the Filipino aware of a little part of who he is, who he was, and who he can be. Cheers! :D

Source: “Palaspas” An appreciation of Palm Tree Art by Elmer I. Nocheseda (p201-242); Cebu Normal University Museum, Monograph Series on Indigenous Culture Volume II: Puso as Ritual Object;


Resource Persons: Reynaldo B. Inocian, Romola O. Savellon (CNU Museum)

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Cebu Sinulog Festival 2012 Schedules

Sinulog 2012 will be a major-major event, though there are still months to go, but its always better to know ahead and get the schedule and in case you are not from cebu, plan your trip ahead and book cheap hotels early for the annual Sinulog Festival 2012 in Cebu City Philippines.

Sinulog 2012 Schedule of Activities:

Dec 01, 2011 – Jan 31, 2012 Sinulog Street Fair, Osmeña Blvd.
December 2, 2011 bre_ambungan's adlawng natawhan
December 11, 2011 2nd Sinulog Cup Baseball Tournament
December 15, 2011 Sinulog Photo Exhibits @SM City
December 16, 2011 Sinulog on the Spot Painting Contest
December 17, 2011 Sinulog Poster Making Contest @ Emall
December 18, 2011 Sinulog Best Dance Crew Elimination
Sinulog Musicfest Elimination

January 05, 2012 (Thursday) Opening Salvo: Walk with Jesus
4:00 AM Assembly Time (Area) Fuente Osmeña
4:30 AM Start of Walk-Fuente Osmeña Blvd. – Basilica del Sto. Niño
5:30 AM Installation of Hermano & Hermana Mayores 2012

January 06, 2012 (Friday) Sinulog 2012 Kick Off
2:00PM Solemn Mass (Basilica del Sto. Niño) sponsored by the Sinulog
Foundation Inc . and Cebu City government
3:00 PM Launching Parade (Basilica del Sto. Niño to Cebu City Sports Center)
7:00 PM Opening and Launching Program, Fuente Osmeña
7:30 PM Ms. Cebu 2012 Presentation
9 :00 PM Sinulog Idol (Fuente Osmeña Circle)
10:00 PM Street Party Bands

January 07, 2012 (Saturday) Sinulog sa Kabataan – Lalawigan
8:00 AM 2nd SINULOG FOOTBALL CUP
1:00 PM Parade of Participants, Capitol Site to Cebu City Sports Center
2:00 PM Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Lalawigan, Cebu City Sports Center
4:30 PM Awarding of Winners
6:30 PM Cultural Show (Fuente Osmeña)
8:00 PM Sinulog Idol (Fuente Osmeña Circle)
9:00 PM Concert @ the Fuente Osmeña , Street Party Bands

January 08, 2012 (Sunday) Sinulog sa Kabataan- Dakbayan
4:00 AM Cebu City 2012 Marathon – www.cebumarathon.com
1:00 PM Parade of Participants, Plaza Independencia to Cebu City Sports Center
2:00 PM Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Dakbayan, Cebu City Sports Center
4:30 PM Awarding of Winners
6:30 PM Cultural Show (Fuente Osmeña)
8:00 PM Sinulog Idol (Fuente Osmeña Circle)
9:00 PM Concert @ the Fuente O, Street Party Bands

January 09, 2012 (Monday)
6:30 PM Cultural Show (Fuente Osmeña)
8:00 PM Sinulog Idol (Fuente Osmeña Circle)
9:00 PM Concert @ the Fuente O , Street Party Bands

January 10, 2012 (Tuesday)
6:30 PM Cultural show (Fuente Osmeña)
8:00 PM Sinulog Idol (Fuente Osmeña Circle)
9:00 PM Concert @ the Fuente O , Street Party Bands

January 11, 2012 (Wednesday)
9:00 AM Airport Welcome (Balikbayan Flights)
6:30 PM Cultural Shows (Fuente Osmeña)
7:00 PM Ms. Cebu 2012 Coronation Night, Waterfront Lahug Hotel
8:00 PM Sinulog Idol (Fuente Osmeña Circle)
9:00 PM Concert @ the Fuente O , Street Party Bands

January 12, 2012 (Thursday)
9:00 AM Airport Welcome (Balikbayan Flights)
6:30 PM Cultural Shows (Fuente Osmeña)
6:00 PM Balik Cebu, Welcome Party @ Ayala Center Cebu
8:00 PM Sinulog Idol (Fuente Osmeña Circle)
8:00 PM Handumanan @ Ayala Terraces
9:00 PM Concert @ the Fuente Osmeña , Street Party Bands

January 13, 2012 (Friday) Visual Merchandising Contest(Dept. Stores and Malls)
4:00 AM Walk with Mary (Area) Fuente Osmeña-Sto. Niño
9:00 AM Solidarity Meeting (All Competing Contingent /Floats / Higante / Puppteeters Cebu City Sports Center Gym
5:00 PM Sinulog Best Dance Crew Grand Finals
6:00 PM Sinulog Musicfest Band Competition Grand Finals
6:30 PM Cultural Shows (Fuente Osmeña)
7:30 P.M Cebu Popular Music Festival, Cebu Coliseum
7:30 P.M Sinulog Festival Queen 2012, Cebu City Sports Center
8:00 PM Sinulog Idol (Fuente Osmeña Circle)
9:00 PM Concert @ the Fuente O , Street Party Bands

January 14, 2012 (Saturday)
6:00 AM Fluvial Procession of the Miraculous Image of Sto. Niño
9:00 AM Re-enactment of the Baptism of Queen Juana and Rajah
Humabon Basilica del Sto. Niño
2:00 PM Solemn Procession of the Miraculous Image of Sto. Niño
7:00 PM Sinulog Fireworks Competition @ SM City Cebu
7:00 PM Street party @ Fuente Osmeña and Plaza Independencia
8:00 PM Kasadya Nite Mardi Gras @ Ayala Center Cebu

January 15, 2012 (Sunday) SINULOG GRAND PARADE
4:00 AM Mañanita Mass @Basilica del Sto. Niño
6:00 AM Pontifical mass with His Eminence Ricardo J. Cardinal Vidal
9:00 AM Sinulog Grand Parade Carousel Kick Off
7:00 PM Grand Finale and Fireworks, Cebu City Sports Center
7:30 PM Street Party Bands, Fuente Osmeña

January 16, 2012 (Monday)
1:00 PM Awarding Ceremonies, Cebu City Sports Center

January 20, 2012 (Friday) “HUBO”
4:00 AM “HUBO Mass” Ritual @ Basilica del Sto. Niño

January 28, 2012 (Saturday)
1:00 P.M Screening of Finaslists Short Film/Video Documentary Contest
6:00 P.M Awarding Ceremonies Photo Contest and Video Documentary
Contest @SM City Cebu

January 30 – Feb. 10, 2012 Photo Exhibits “Winning Photos Sinulog ’12 @SM City Cebu

About Sinulog:
Sinulog Festival is held every third week in Cebu as thanksgiving to its patron, Senor Santo Nino, or the Holy Child Jesus. Various activities are lined up each year and during the festivities and there will be a 9-day novena at the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño de Cebu.

Some of the things that every cebuano awaits are the fluvial procession and the foot procession, the nightly variety shows, and of course, the search for Miss Cebu 2012! Oh don't forget the street festival-dance-parade.

And if you are not into the street travelling or partying, you have many options as well. Sinulog is a perfect time to explore old houses, churches of Cebu and other cultural heritage sites. If you get hungry and want to stay away from malls, local delicacies is a possibility or just shop till you drop for local export quality products like hand bags, furnitures, and fashion accessories.

So, are you ready for Sinulog 2012!?

Sources: Sinulog 2012 Schedule of Activities, Official Sinulog PH

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