Dancing as a form of veneration can be both exhilarating and exhausting.
While dancers delight in their performances as an offering, dancing on the street almost the entire day in a parade, and on to the grand showdown later in the day, needs more than technical prowess.
Aside from physical stamina, a dancer’s conviction has to stay indefatigable in order to endure the heat, the rain, the pressure, thirst and hunger pangs, and all other hitches.
GMA Regional TV News asked dancers of contingents to the Sinulog Grand Parade and Dance Showdown 2025 on what it means to dance for the Señor Santo Niño (Holy Child Jesus).
Q: What does dancing for the Santo Niño mean to you, personally? What is your prayer to the child Jesus?
DANCERS FROM BARANGAY GUADALUPE, CEBU CITY (Banauan Cultural Group)
“Dancing for the Santo Niño is a profound act of devotion, gratitude, and joy. It is a way to honor the Child Jesus, expressing faith and trust in His divine providence. The dance is a physical manifestation of prayers, hopes, and thanksgiving for blessings received and those yet to come."
"I pray to Santo Niño to bless me with good health, so I can face life’s challenges with strength and resilience. I also ask for His guidance in my studies, that I may stay focused, motivated, and capable of achieving my goals. Through His divine presence, I find comfort, hope, and the courage to keep striving for a brighter future. My faith in Him reminds me that with His help, all things are possible.”
- AJ Badayos, Grade 12 STEM
“Dancing for the Santo Niño holds a special place in my heart. It means a lot to me because it's not just a dance to me but a dancing prayer and offer to Señor Santo Niño. It’s my way of saying thank you."
"I believe the Santo Niño provides in my life. We pray for everyone, near and far I prayed a better life and peace to everyone. Kinasingkasing kong gina-ampo ang tanan sa ilang mga pangamuyo kang Senyor Santo Niño ang kalipay ug pagkahiusa sa tanan.”
- Stefi Love Dionsion, Grade 12 HUMSS
DANCER FROM BARANGAY VALLADOLID, CITY OF CARCAR, CEBU PROVINCE (Kabkaban Festival)
“Dancing the Sinulog and participation to the Sinulog Grand Parade and Dance Showdown is my personal expression of devotion to the Santo Niño."
"I always lift up to the Santo Niño my petitions for unity and for love to prevail in the family.”
- Frances Ella Suzanne Bargayo, Grade 9 - Saint Mark