Last friday night, I thought of going to Sto. Niño church early, perhaps to catch up a mass though they said there's no more physical masses, only through virtual via facebook and radio broadcast for live coverage but I saw random posts in facebook that looks like there was a mass made few days ago and so the next day (Saturday), I woke up as early as 5 in the morning. I got ready and tag my partner along with me.
To my surprise, we were able to catch the rising of the sun on that morning.
January 7, 2021 was the opening salvo of Snr. Sto.Niño's 457th Annual feast and part of the preparation and has been an ongoing tradition of Cebuanos specially every month of January, is to attend the 9 Novena mass that will end on January 15th, fiesta day. Also, its the day when the country's most known festival is being held, the Sinulog festival.
Last saturday was the 2nd day of Novena. When we arrive there, few streets that surround the church have already been closed guarded by police officers. Entrances were quite far so you really have to walk around to enter the area.
When we enter the gates, polices were quite strict with health protocols such as social distancing and proper wearing of mask. There are also who guided us the way to candle lights and where to offer thanksgiving masses, love offerings and prayers for souls.
Upon entering the main entrance, you will immediately see this tents set up covering the candles line up at the center. It also has a label, "DAGKOTANAN" so that people will know.
And the place where you start lighting the candles is at the pilgrim center altar. Where novena masses is usually held before Covid.
The set-up were completely changed. They have really planned out on how to control the crowd and where the people should go. Also, no one is allowed to stay long as per the officers. They were really that strict this time.
After a quite prayer to Snr. Sto. Niño, I dropped some thanksgiving offering and prayers for souls to my family's beloved passed lovedones.
Lastly I saw this tarp hanged up outside the exit gate that confirms that there is really no physical masses to be held at the church for the safety of the public.
On our way to exit, I saw a vendor of Taho, my all time favorite hot drink. It is compose of tufo, pearls, and a caramelized sugar. Its up to you if you want to add condence milk to make it sweeter.
After that I had craves for Puto Maya at Carbon Market, a rich and flavorful made by rice with coconut milk delicacy, perfect to pair with hot choco or cocoa and put some sugar on top. This is very popular to be eaten at earliest time in the morning.
This ended my Saturday. A well spent saturday for me. On the next day (Sunday) was I think much greater one because we had a mini reunion with family because of my nephew's and cousin's birthday celebrated in one.
The birthday celebration's venue was held at Nemrac By the Sea beach resort at Carmen. One of the fine and I believe, a newly opened beach resort at northern part of Cebu. This is my first time here and the place looks modern and full of colors upon entering the gate. Near the gate they have playground area for kids too. A pool for adults and kids, also the sea front at the back of that building.
Overall it was a very well rest day for me because I've had it spent with my family and a time for special holy one above. Difficult times may happen and tests ourselves sometimes but we must continue living. At the end of the day, we only live once, why not live the most out of it right? I hope you all also enjoyed your weekend despite of no electricity and water, yet there's always a bright side of everything. Keep living!