It’s not an easy task to lead a contingent of dancers for the Sinulog Festival Grand Parade. We’re talking about a Festival Queen. She always makes sure that she is graceful and smiling (and makes sure that she would never drop the statue of the Sto. Niño during her religious dance).
Representatives from different cities and provinces in the Philippines are hoping to take part of the annual celebration of the Thanksgiving to the Child Jesus in Cebu City. Every 3rd Sunday of January, dancers from all over the country flock the street of the Queen City of the South to represent their home cities and regions. But before doing such, months and months of practice and sacrifice took place.
Earlier today, the Grand Parade carousel of the Sinulog Festival started at 9AM. Considering the bad weather, all contingents never stop from dancing to showcase their amazing dance routines and drum beats to the crowd at the busy streets of the city. This parade would end around 9PM at the Cebu City Sports Complex (CCSC) for the finale.
Now, an image on Facebook from Chang Euldan, a photographer, and also a public official. He shared this photo to everyone about a contingent from 2GO Express.
The Sinulog Festival Queen (on photo), according to sources, was with the float of 2GO Express. Even so she was also with the entry, no one (in my opinion) should let her take picture of you holding her Sto. Niño. The alarming part was this:
When the 2GO models approached the Festival Queen, she thought she was included on the group picture. But no. They took her Sto. Niño statue, gave the phone to her for their photo to be taken. Of course, she was embarrassed.
Now, look again at the photo. These well-built models let a lady take their photo. Consider the head dress (that looks heavy), the costume (looks amazing but surely uncomfortable to wear), and dancing from 9AM to 9PM for the parade (that’s tiring but good job, Festival Queen).
A Festival Queen is considered the star of a Sinulog Festival Parade. Cebuanos and visitors from other parts of the country consider these women the center of the street dancing. They earned so much respect, especially from Cebuanos who are devotee of this event. Probably, this caused the reaction of everyone.
The result: Thousands of spectators at the sports arena saw the actual scene (photo was even captured) and they [the models] got booed by the people.
If these 2GO models are not from Cebu City, consider these a lecture: Primarily, the Sinulog Festival is a celebration of Thanksgiving to Sto. Niño. Cebuanos offer prayers and strengthen our faith to God. Next, devotees are humbled by those graceful women who dance as the Festival Queen. Their task is not easy. They are the stars of the parade. Last, parties are side dishes. They are not the main reason of our celebration. But, these add flavor to our celebration that’s why Sinulog Festival attendees love joining them.
We have so much respect to Festival Queens. Their task as the lead dancer is not easy. Fulfilling, but not something you can take with no difficulty.
These buffed men can’t be called gentlemen, as spectators reacted.
Hopefully they have apologized and let the Festival Queen join them for the group picture. That will make her very happy.
You be the judge!!!
A Sinulog Festival Queen~ should always be the center of the photo during the celebration, but not this one... dislilke!
Originally Posted by peesoot
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