"Behind on each photo, has some stories to tell" - a Behind the Photo entry.



"A picture paints a thousand words" as they say, but what could be those words will depend on the interpretation and impression of the person evaluating.

Here are some of my shots I have taken last January 2020 during the celebration of Sinulog Festival 2020. I am submitting them as entries for the Behind the Photo contest - a long running competition made by @nelyp and sponsored by @appreciator. This contest was participated by many users in this platform every edition so make sure to give them your solid support and to your favorite entries of #behindthephoto.

As a first time participant of this challenge, I am giving you a lot of pictures to share as I failed to participate from previous challenges. I will give my interpretation on each photo based on what I saw before and during the moment I hit the button of the camera. Sort of some stories behind in each photo.

So let's start with the main star of the festival, Sto Niño, an image of baby Jesus.

A man carrying an image of Sto. Niño thru his bike has a strong sense of concrete workmanship for me. Many small-medium business individuals of the country have their own images of the Holy Child that symbolizes clear guidance to success and prosperity. This man is a perfect example of that. With a straight looking face that he showed, he expresses his sincerity of his faith to succeed in life.


f 5.6, 50 mm, ISO 500, 1/640 secs Click for full-resolution
One of the most awaited part of this festival is the street dancing. Participating contingents from all over the province and other provinces of the Philippines dance their way to express their gratitude from all the blessings they received from the most high. Here I took a single picture of a participating group which forgot where or what place they're representing with.

They may be exhausted, thirsty and hungry but in their hearts and minds, they are all happy that they finally fulfilled their dreams and showed their gratitude towards Jesus the provider of all blessings.


f 5.6, 44 mm, ISO 3200, 1/640 secs Click for full-resolution
It was never my intention to take pictures of some random passers during the festival. I was there with my family to celebrate and to take some photos of ourselves with the people celebrating. But I can't help it, i love taking pictures of a happy family enjoying their day with each family members' companion.


f 5.0, 35 mm, ISO 200, 1/500 secs Click for full-resolution


Indeed, Sinulog is for the family. Just like these two families strolling around the streets wearing not just hair colors and paints but also some energizing smiles. It can't stop myself from snapping them!


f 5.6, 55 mm, ISO 800, 1/800 secs Click for full-resolution



I also took some photos of some youths passing by. They seemed to enjoy every steps on the street together with their peers and partners.



f 5.6, 51 mm, ISO 320, 1/800 secs Click for full-resolution




f 5.0, 42 mm, ISO 320, 1/640 secs Click for full-resolution



And talking about partners and relationships, I saw some of my colleagues on the streets walking together with their love ones. They don't look tired but to tell you, they've been walking for I think 40 mins already.



f 5.6, 51 mm, ISO 320, 1/800 secs Click for full-resolution



Sinulog is considered one of the grandest festival in the country and a lot of foreign tourists will pack their bags just to get to this once a year celebration. I have this one photo of an asian cutie(probably Japanese) who stopped near me and gave in a sweet smile.



f 5.6, 47 mm, ISO 640, 1/640 secs Click for full-resolution



Truly, sinulog festivity is an open celebration for all people that comes from different countries with diverse culture. Here are some photos of foreign nationalities I saw walking along the streets.



f 5.0, 35 mm, ISO 160, 1/500 secs Click for full-resolution




f 5.6, 51 mm, ISO 250, 1/800 secs Click for full-resolution




f 5.6, 53 mm, ISO 500, 1/800 secs Click for full-resolution



Fiestas wouldn't be complete if there's no good food involved and Cebu is the home of the most famous lechon, therefore it will not be surprising to see some locals carrying loads of crispy lechon during sinulog. Here's a guy carrying his ready to eat lechon. It's really mouth watering to see and imagine such wrapped thing.



f 5.6, 55 mm, ISO 800, 1/800 secs Click for full-resolution



For me, the true essence of Sinulog celebration is nurturing children and teaching them the values we want to preserve, to be faithful, to be humble and to have patience during struggles. Here are some photos of beautiful and innocent children during the parade.



f 5.6, 55 mm, ISO 800, 1/800 secs Click for full-resolution




f 5.6, 55 mm, ISO 800, 1/800 secs Click for full-resolution




f 5.6, 55 mm, ISO 800, 1/800 secs Click for full-resolution



End


I am extending my gratitude towards the host of this contest and its supporters and backers. And to all participants, wishing you luck for your entries!


All photos are taken by the author using Canon EOS 1200D.



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