NEWS RELEASE

January 10, 2023

Forum to trace the Visayas precolonial beliefs and the history of the Sto. Niño devotion

A Visayas historian will discuss the Visayan deities and the Sto. Niño in Philippine historiography during a hybrid event, “Sto. Niño vs. Mga Diwata: Retracing Sinulog Roots” on January 12, 2023, 3PM, at Palm Grass The Cebu Heritage Hotel in Cebu City.

University of San Carlos (USC) history professor Dr. George Emmanuel Borrinaga will describe the Mother-and-Son diwatas during the Spanish contact; and the 17th century revolts and natural hazards attributed to the clash between the native and Christian religions. 

Indigenous peoples’ leader, Datu Amay Yi Iwag Linsahay of the Mt. Palaopao-Kulaman Ancestral Domain of Bukidnon will also elaborate on the indigenous belief system of the Higaonon-Talaandig cultural communities. 

Moreover, Dr. Borrinaga will tackle the localization of the Sto. Niño-Virgin Mary devotion in the late 1800’s.

An interpretation of the precolonial Sinulog Dance by community theater Bag-ong Teatro Junquera will also be performed live. There will be contests such as a Trivia Quiz and “Dress like the Sto. Niño or a Diwata”. 

This event is part of the yearly retracing of Sinulog roots by scholars and heritage advocates. In 2020, a forum and a video on the Sulu roots of the Sinulog was launched at Palm Grass Hotel. 

Partnering with Palm Grass for this event are the USC Department of Anthropology, Sociology and History, USC Center for Social Research and Education, Museo Sugbo, Central Visayas Association of Museums, Diyandi Heritage Center, FLAGG Tour Guides, and SOAN2020 Inc.

 

For reference:

Kristine Merle C. Escanuela
Heritage Coordinator
Palm Grass The Cebu Heritage Hotel