The 2nd Sug-alaw Festival of the municipality of E. B. Magalona will kick off tomorrow, Jan. 16, and will run until Jan. 21, in honor of Señor Sto. Niño, and in celebration of the 51st year of its Hermano Mayores del Señor Sto. Niño.
The municipal government, headed by Mayor Marvin Malacon, in partnership with the St. Joseph the Worker Parish, headed by Rev. Fr. Ernie Larida, organized religious and cultural activities to highlight the theme “Ululupod Kita sa Pag-Sug-alaw kay Señor Sto. Niño. @senso Saravia, Dunang Manggad Amligan Ta”.
This year’s activities include novena masses, traslacion, blessing of the images of Señor Sto. Niño, a caravan, fun walk and fun run, pop dance competition, drum beating competition, zumba street party, “lamhitanay sa banwa”, local tribes’ presentation, kiosks with food, drinks, and local products, foam party, fireworks displays, and live bands.
The highlights of the festival will be on Jan. 19 to 21. On Jan. 21 at around 7 a.m., the Image of Señor Sto. Niño will be transferred from the residence of Hermano and Hermana Mayores 2023 to St. Joseph the Worker Parish, and will be installed at the residence of the Hermano and Hermana Mayores 2024.
Malacon is inviting the public to join the 2nd Sug-alaw Festival celebration.
“Through the years, Señor Sto. Niño has abundantly blessed our beloved municipality. It is with a heart full of gratitude and thanksgiving that I invite everyone to join us in praising and honoring Señor Sto. Niño through our 2nd Sug-alaw Festival that also marks the 51st year of Hermano Mayores del Señor Sto. Niño,” he added.
The Sug-alaw is the newest of the three main festivals of the municipality, and was conceptualized in 2022 by Malacon in honor of Señor Sto. Niño and in celebration of the 50th year of Hermano Mayores del Señor Sto. Niño on Jan. 15, 2023.
Thereafter, this festival is being celebrated every third Sunday of January, pursuant to Municipal Ordinance No. 01-2023 dated Jan. 3, a press release from the local government unit said Jan. 15.
“Sug-alaw” is a Hiligaynon term for “to welcome”, with devotees chanting “Alabare! Alabare!” meaning “I will praise you”. ||
