First Secretary and Consul Jim Tito B. San Agustin and his family, who represented the Ambassador, joined other Embassy personnel and their families, in celebrating the Philippine Cultural Society (PCS) event commemorating the 11th Anniversary of the Annual Feast of Señor Santo Niño, on Sunday, 19 January 2014, in line with the Sinulog Festival in Cebu.

A Holy Mass was held to commence the festivities at St. Francis Xavier Church in Hall, which was celebrated by Fr. Gerard McCormick of St. John the Apostle Parish. It was followed by the Sinulog dance outside the church, characterized by a rhythmic forward-backward movement while carrying the Sto. Niño statue, to the beat of drums.

Everyone proceeded to the Hall Pavilion in Hall for a short program. The festivities were made joyful and colorful by the cultural performances of the PCS.

In his message, Consul San Agustin noted that while the Sinulog celebration in the Philippines epitomizes Filipinos’ deep religiosity and unparalleled devotion to the Sto. Niño, celebrating it overseas takes an added significance in that it characterizes the Filipino Community’s efforts to preserve and promote Philippine culture abroad.

Consul San Agustin thanked and congratulated the organizers and all those who contributed to the success of the celebration.

Many Filipino and Australian family members and friends participated and enjoyed the event.