So we were very early today, despite the rain, to take part in the annual fluvial parade that is done during the Sinulog.

In this activity, the Santo Niño is brought from Mandaue City to Cebu City in a fluvial procession which is followed by a foot procession to the Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño where a reenactment of the first mass, wedding, and baptism is held (if you’re Filipino, I’m sure the names Rajah Humabon & Reyna Juana would ring a bell).

Anyway, so since it was my first time, I braved the slight drizzle and let the whole experience leave something on me.

If anything, I’ve always marveled at the Cebuano (Catholic) faith which you’d not only find and feel in everyday devotions but most especially during the Sinulog.

I’ll let the pictures speak to you for themselves. I have never seen that much roaring boats brimming with people in my life before and it was fascinating.

Weirdly too, it reminded me of the Greek myth describing Helen of Troy and her face launching a thousand ships to battle.

It must have felt a whole lot like that. haha.

Plus that the Cebuano faithful – those on the boats and those along the whole of the Mactan channel waiting for the Santo Niño to pass by, waving confetti and dancing to the drumbeats made the experience even more fascinating.

Pit Señor!