Casa Gorordo brings back ‘sinug’, other cultural events to mark its 40th anniversary this year

CEBU CITY – Casa Gorordo, in marking its 40^th anniversary, brings back the ‘Sinug’ into the popular consciousness of Cebuanos in this year’s fiesta senyor with performances in different venues in Cebu City and other cultural events throughout the year.

“The multi-venue performances reintroduce ‘Sinug’ as the dance that started it all,” Rave Fabria, Museum Officer of Casa Gorordo said.  Performances are staged at the SM Seaside on January 7, SM City Cebu on January 9, 13 and 14; at the Mactan Cebu International Airport on January 10, Ayala Center Cebu on January 11 and at Robinsons Galleria on January 12.

On January 16, the ‘Sinug’ dance performance will be at the house-museum’s garden on as one of the traditions passed down by the Gorordo Family which once owned the property, Fabria added.

Depicting the sea’s cross-currents, ‘Sinug’ gave its name to Sinulog, the Philippines’ biggest festival, Fabria said that “Sinug sa Casa Gorordo” is a highlight of the feast celebrated on the third week of January in honor of the Señor Sto. Niño.

An array of other culturally-immersive activities putting a distinct focus on Casa Gorordo’s House Traditions follows the public reintroduction of the ‘Sinug’.  

A live re-enactment of the Stations of the Cross happens in April.  Special presentations are also being prepared for the annual Gabi isa Kabilin in the same month.

Sabyag San Juan and a Fiesta Food Strip will be the key attractions at the Fiesta ni San Juan in June. On the same month Cavan: Memories of Visayan Families, an exhibit of precious collections and stories travels through key destinations.

The Best of Cebu songwriting and choral competition, to be held in August, and an art exhibit in October showcase the Cebuano musical and creative virtuoso.

The Gorordo Belen, featuring added settings, delighted visitors and passersby during the period of the 2022 Misa de Gallo and Christmas as a diorama viewable through the house’s E. Aboitiz St.-oriented ground floor window. The display will still be available from 5:30 to 9:00 p.m. until January 15, 2023.

Apart from a grand 40th Anniversary event, the celebration rounds out with the launch of the latest edition of the book “Life in Old Parian: Love and Other Stories” in December 2023.

Casa Gorordo’s anniversary series was launched recently with vignettes of the experiences of National Artist for Literature Resil Mojares, Ramon Aboitiz Foundation, Inc. (RAFI) President and Chief Executive Officer Amaya Aboitiz- Fansler, Former RAFI Culture and Heritage Program Officer Ruel Rigor and Florencio Moreño II, Casa Gorordo Curator and Officer-in-Charge of RAFI’s Culture and Heritage Unit.

The 40th Anniversary logo, unveiled at the event, is inspired by the intricate calado design which has become the museum’s signature over the years. It depicts the florid foliage the museum and RAFI’s commitment to promoting the local culture through consistent and constant heritage advocacy. (Photos: Casa Gorordo/Jingjing Farrarons)