Cebu's Sinulog comes to North Carolina

Me at right with Cecile Spence and her husband Oscar, former FACC rep

THE spirit and flavor of Cebu's culture and religious devotion came to nearly 100 Fil-Americans at Albermarle and the suburbs as they celebrated the “Sinulog” or feast of the Infant Jesus in their own backyard.

Cecile Spence, a native of Cebu City, said this year marked the fifth time they celebrated the Sinulog in North Carolina and she hosted a gathering for this event for most Cebuanos now based in North Carolina. 

Those who attended came from as far as Charlotte, Monroe, Highpoint and Greensboro. The pilgrims started with the rosary as Mrs. Spence led the first decade of joyful mystery and passed it on to the other believers. 

The faithful also chanted and sang praises for “Sto. Nino” and prayed for more blessings for health and prosperity. This was followed by a novena for the infant Jesus and Visayan songs in remembrance of the Sinulog celebration in Cebu City.

Pit Senor is a very popular religious event in Cebu City, Philippines where pilgrims and believers and tourists get together and pray for the Infant Jesus who is believed to do miracles, according to testimonies from believers.  

Spence is married for 25 years to Oscar Spence who was an area representative of FACC during the term of past FACC president Paul Amigo. 

Among those who attended, GG Ash of Greensboro said she would not fail to join the gathering if only to show her love to the Infant Jesus.

Among those attending were Dallie and Donnie Espina and Margie and Fermin Placino who were among the early settlers in Charlotte. 

Filipino food like inon-on (vinegar fish stew), lechon (roasted pig), pancit (Chinese noodles) and adobo (meat stew) were served along with American food staples. This was followed by more dancing and singing./Susan Palmes-Dennis

Photo taken by Donnie Espina/Albemarle