ITS that time of the year again and people from Cebu are now starting to prepare for the upcoming Sinulog Festival.  

Sinulog Festival is one of the well-known festivals in the country. It is a tradition in Cebu where it is celebrated every third Sunday of January—honoring Santo Niño. 

However, in Pandacan Manila, there is a religious and cultural event celebrated every third Saturday of January, to commemorate and honor the Sto. Niño. 

Last Jan 13 and 14, thousands of people flocked to Pandacan Manila to celebrate the Buling Buling festival in commemoration of the Santo Niño De Pandacan.

The word ‘Buling Buling’ originally came from the term “dazzling,” “well-dressed,” or “sparkling.” 

During the festival, devotees are seen carrying the image of child Jesus. Some can be seen wearing face painting whereas some brought balloons.

As part of the celebrations, performers also performed the ‘Buling Buling’ dance. 

The choice of costume also takes part in the event as the intricate narrates a story of Pandacan triumphs and tribulations. Each beads and sequin signifies a testament to the community’s enduring spirituality.

According to the MPD (Manila Police District), 11,000 individuals had taken part in the blessing of the image.