As the Sinulog festival reaches its peak, a university professor in Cebu City is raising thought-provoking questions about the depth of understanding behind the celebratory chants. In a recent classroom exercise, the educator discovered that while many young Cebuanos proudly identify with the faith, their grasp of its core tenets may be surprisingly shallow.
A Classroom Revelation on Faith and Identity
A few years ago, while teaching at a prominent university in Cebu City, the professor asked students a simple question: who among them were native to the city and raised in the Roman Catholic faith? The response was overwhelming, with nearly 80% of the class raising their hands, smiling and claiming to be original Bisdak (Bisayang Dako) who never missed Sunday mass.
The follow-up questions, however, revealed a different story. When asked who had actually entered the Santo Niño Church and followed the teachings of the holy book, the confident hand-raising stopped. Students began to look at each other uncertainly.
Probing the Meaning of "Pit Senyor" and Santo Niño
The professor delved deeper, asking the class to explain their understanding of the Holy Child, the central figure of the Sinulog festival. A crucial question followed: Is Señor Santo Niño a Saint or the Lord? This caused a moment of silence, then murmuring and debate over the correct answer.
The result was revealing. Only a few students raised their hands to correctly state that Señor Santo Niño is God—the child Jesus. Many others believed He was merely a saint, primarily because His name begins with the word "Santo." This highlighted a significant gap in religious education and cultural transmission.
The Lost Meaning Behind the Words
The professor points to a critical issue: the dilution of meaning in language over time. Many young people today, he observes, simply repeat words and chants without a clear knowledge of their origin or true significance.
He clarifies two key terms central to the festival:
- Sinulog is short for Sinaulog, which means "celebration." This is why people from far and wide travel to Cebu after the New Year to participate.
- Pit, as in the ubiquitous chant "Pit Senyor!", is short for sampit (a call). Thus, the phrase means, "Señor Santo Niño, we call upon you!"
The professor hopes this reflection helps clarify the language and, more importantly, the purpose and significance of the Sinulog celebration. As Cebuano's honor their beloved patron, he invites everyone to join in prayer and shout with fervent understanding: PIT SENYOR!
