Celebrating Sinulog at VBP: Culture, Community and Team Spirit

What Sinulog Represents to the Cebuano People 

If there is one thing Filipinos are known for, it is their unmatched love for celebrations. In a country where the holiday season begins as early as September, Cebuanos have found a way to keep the party alive well beyond the New Year. Here in Cebu, the festive spirit carries on, reaching its peak on the third Sunday of January with the Sinulog Festival. 

The Evolution of Sinulog: From Faith to Global Celebration 

The Sinulog Grand Parade takes place on the third Sunday of January, while the festivities begin as early as nine days before, marked by the start of the novena. Its origins are deeply intertwined with Cebu’s history, particularly the arrival of Christianity through Ferdinand Magellan and the conversion of the local community. The name Sinulog comes from the Cebuano word sulog, which means water current. This wave-like movement is reflected in the festival’s signature dance, capturing the rhythm and spirit that have long been central to Cebu’s culture. Like many traditions shaped by centuries of colonisation, there are several versions of the story of Sinulog. As these stories were passed down through generations, some details have become blurred or reshaped, leaving behind a mosaic of stories of how the dance originally came to be.  

Some trace it to ancient indigenous origins as a native dance evident among the early inhabitants of Visayas. They believe that this wave-like movement was already danced by the Cebuano natives in honour of their wooden idols. Another and perhaps the most widely known story places its beginnings during the Spanish colonisation period. When Christianity was introduced to the island, Magellan gifted the Santo Niño to Queen Juana, wife of Rajah Humabon. She is said to have danced in joy after her baptism and used the Santo Niño to bless her people, a story that continues to be retold through the festival’s dances and lives on through the presence of festival queens who portray her during the parades.  

Why Sinulog Is More Than a Festival 

Beyond these stories, what remains constant is how Sinulog continues to reflect the enduring faith and heritage of the Cebuano people. The Sinulog dance as it is known today blends these different beliefs into movements that mimic the flowing river, expressing the shared identity of the Cebuanos. The iconic two steps forward and one step back, combined with circular, wave-like hand movements, create a rhythm that draws everyone in. As parade performers move through the streets, the crowd moves with them. Alongside chants of “Viva Pit Señor!” meaning “Long Live, Holy Child,” rise with joy and devotion, honouring Sr. Santo Niño. Each shout reverberates through the streets, carrying the warmth and resilience that defines the Cebuano spirit. 

Originally rooted in faith, it began with solemn processions and acts of devotion and continues to honor Christianity to this day. Though over time, it has grown into a grander, livelier festival that we know now. A festival filled with loud music, vibrant costumes and cheerful crowds with paint smeared across their smiling faces. People from all over the world come together to celebrate community, culture and, of course, the Cebuano spirit.   

With its scale and vibrant culture, Sinulog is often compared to global festivals like Rio de Janeiro Carnival or Mardi Gras. It is no surprise that the festival has earned titles such as “Mother of All Festivals” and “Queen of Festivals.” These accolades reflect not only the grandeur of the festivities but also the liveliness of the Cebuano people, whose culture continues to inspire and welcome visitors from around the world. Sinulog has the remarkable ability to unite people from all walks of life in celebration of faith and shared joy. Each performance tells a story of the Filipinos’ warm hospitality and how they embraced Christianity personified in Queen Juana. This living tradition embodies the Philippines’ essence, its people’s enthusiasm for life and strong cultural roots, truly making it a one-of-a-kind celebration. 

Sinulog isn’t something you just simply watch and observe. It’s an experience that pulls you in and demands you to be part of it. You must be there to truly feel it. 

How VBP Celebrates Sinulog 

As VBP celebrates Sinulog alongside the city, we designed our festivities around one of our shared beliefs:

We are Open. 

This means valuing diversity and welcoming all voices and ideas. We bring this belief to life by combining culture, creativity and community. Creating experiences where everyone can participate in ways that feel meaningful to them.  

Sinulog, by nature, is an open celebration. It invites people of different backgrounds to come together and share the joy of the festival. At VBP, we embrace the same openness every day. By bringing enthusiasm and heart into everything we do. 

Sinulog Week Activities at VBP 

This year, we celebrated Sinulog for a whole week and prepared a range of activities for the entire team: 

• Sinulog Social Media Profile Photo Frame: To welcome the start of the Sinulog celebration, team members were invited to update their profile photos on Instagram and Facebook with a Sinulog-themed profile photo frame. To share their pride on social media in both their culture and workplace and create a sense of connection across the VBP online community.  

• Sinulog Teams Background: Team members were encouraged to change their Microsoft Teams backgrounds to a festive Sinulog design. Spreading cheer into their virtual meetings and reinforcing the Sinulog spirit even during their daily work routines. 

• Sinulog Photo Frame: Physical photo frames were set up in our offices for teams to take pictures and capture their Sinulog moments together.  

• Reel Devotion (Team Reel-Making) Contest: A contest was also held to invite personal stories and unique interpretations of what Sinulog means to them. Participants were to create a short 30-second to 1 minute reel, showcasing their creativity and collaboration.  

• Sinulog Quiz/Trivia: To test our team members’ knowledge, we also held a quiz about Sinulog’s rich history and traditions.  

• Free Ice Cream: From Wednesday to Friday, team members were also given free ice cream in our offices. This simple treat allowed everyone to indulge in a bit of fun and bring out their inner child.  

• Virtual Mass: For those who wished to observe the religious aspect of the festival, a virtual mass was offered to create space for quiet reflection and devotion. Providing our Catholic community with a way to complete the novena while staying connected to both work and home. 

What Sinulog Teaches Us About Culture and Outsourcing 

Individually, these activities may seem small on their own, but together they reflect who we are as a company. We care for our people, create space for culture, celebrate everyone's uniqueness and build trust through genuine connections. At VBP, we support what matters to our people, not just what is productive. From laughter in the office to shared photos and reels online, the Sinulog spirit reminds us why VBP is not just a great place to work at but also a place people love to be part of. 

Sinulog offers a window into Cebuano culture and the people who make up our teams that shape how we operate. The resilience and strong sense of community seen throughout the celebration reflect the same qualities our people bring to their work each day. At VBP, outsourcing is not just about filling roles. It is about building something more meaningful. We create a workplace where people come first and purpose guides everything we do. When teams feel this way, they stay engaged, grow with your business and deliver impact that truly matters. 

If you would like to learn more about how we create outsourcing experiences built on strong culture and dedicated Filipino teams, we would love to talk. Let us help you build a partnership that goes beyond back-office operations and is grounded in people who care about your success as much as you do.