Tawau, 21st January 2024 – The celebration of Sto Nino de Cebu at the Holy Trinity Church in Tawau took place on the 3rd Sunday in January like every year. Coincidentally, FPC Tawau is also celebrating its 40th anniversary this year.
It began with the Eucharistic celebration at 10 a.m. The event was attended by Filipinos community of Holy Trinity Church and outstations, namely Lahad Datu FPC (Mr. Teodulfo Rosalia) and Semporna FPC (Mr. John Quingko). FPC Tawau Chairperson, Ms. Belen Nokiah and HTC Parish Priest Rev. Fr. David Garaman delivered their speeches before the end of the mass.
The church was adorned with Filipinos and other parishioners wearing colorful traditional Filipino costumes. It was a cheerful sight to behold.
Blessing of Santo Nino statues.
After the mass there was a procession of Caro with the Sto Nino statue, followed by the performers and parishioners from the church entrance to the parish hall singing to the Sinulog drum beats.
In the parish hall there were priests, religious, lay people, guests from Semporna and Lahad Datu. Together with the HTC, the community members were welcomed with the opening gimmick performed by the dancers and lunch followed.
The program began with the highlight of the event, the Sinulog dance competition and the Sto Nino bearer Competition. Participants consists of FPC members from various zones and an outstation parish of which the Yellow Zone came out as victor for the Sinulog Dance Competition while Miss Shilea Georgina Romacho came out as the winner for Sto Nino Bearer Competition.
Filipino Pastoral Community Committee Tawau.
While the jury considered the winners, parishioners were entertained with Filipino folk dances from Tawau, Lahad Datu and Semporna, Filipino songs and lucky draws.
The event finally ended at 3:30 pm with the organizing committee, tired but happy, taking care of putting the hall in order.