Anna Maris with child star Tolits

January 10, 2007 My Vow To A Child By: Anna Maris Igpit One of the biggest festivals known in the country is Cebu’s Sinulog Festival. This is annually celebrated every third Sunday of January. Ever since I was a kid, this festival excites me because this means relatives are coming (from all parts of the country), food is special (fiesta spirit) and of course the street dancing. My family has always been a devotee of Señor Sto. Niño or others may call the Holy Child of Jesus. Every time there are problems or requests, we always go to Basilica del Sto. Niño to light a candle and line up to kiss and pray in front if his image. It was He whom my dad asked for guidance when he applied for his job and he was

Last year, I asked a sign from Snr. Sto. Niño if it is really my year to join Bb. Pilipinas. Since I was so undecided then, I joined the procession and requested for His sign. If I get in as one of the official candidates for the pageant (final screening was scheduled few days after the festival), then it is a sign that I should join. When I got in, I was really happy because among 100+ aspirants I got chosen as one of the top25. It was more than enough for me already. So I went back to Cebu and prayed inside the basilica and thanked Him for guiding me during the screening. I made a vow that win or lose Bb. Pilipinas pageant, I will dance in his honor in this year’s festival. This is my way of saying thank you to Him for the wonderful blessings He has given me.

While I was in Manila, my mom sent me a small pin with a picture of the child Jesus. She told me it was blessed by holy water and mass was offered for it. I carried it with me in all our activities. Few days after, Tito Rodgil Flores (my handler during the pageant) gave me a small image of the Sto. Niño. It was as if Sto. Niño was calling me, so I called my mom and asked her to send me a novena booklet so that I can start praying 9 days before the pageant. The pageant night came and I made sure the small pin I have was pinned in my attire. From the production number outfit, to the swimsuit until the evening gown, the small pin was attached. During commercial breaks I talk to Him and ask for His guidance. That was the reason why I was so calm on stage. I believe it was Him who calmed me down to focus more. That’s why when I was asked during the Q&A portion what I will do the next day if I win the pageant, I answered that I will go straight to the Church and pray to God. I answered it without thinking twice and from the bottom of my heart. Many said it was too cliché but for me it was the best answer I could ever give to that question. After all, without His guidance and blessings I wouldn’t be there that very night.

This year’s Sinulog Festival will be totally different for me. If for the past years, I just stay home and watch live on the television the street dancing competition, this year I will be leading the Bohol contingent and dance all the way to Abellana Sports Complex. It will be a great sacrifice for me because I know it’s not easy to dance the whole day around the city in front of the crowd. But this is my offering for the little child who gave me such beautiful blessings. It was my faith in Him that helped me win and brought me where I am now. I made a vow in front of him, so I will fulfill it in his name. Pit Senyor!