Candle Symbolisms in the Sinulog Dance Vis-à-vis the Exploration of the Kahayag Model of Reflective Teaching

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.48017/dj.v10iSpecial_3.3604

Keywords:

Teaching methodologies, cultural education

Abstract

Understanding the symbolism of candles in the Sinulog dance is essential to the devotional practices of Catholic Christians. The study described the symbolism of candles in the Sinulog dance, explored how this tradition continued, and examined potential conflicts with commercialization and cultural heritage conservation. The study employed a qualitative descriptive design. Ten key research participants, consisting of five magsisinug and five devotees, were selected through convenience sampling. The study highlighted the socio-economic and cultural attributes of Sinug that reflect the significance of candles in Catholic devotion, the importance of the Sinug dance in Cebu, and the preservation of cultural heritage in the face of modernization and commercialization. Candles have a long history of use in religious ceremonies and festivals as a symbol of light and hope, and its lighting is a common practice in thanksgiving and prayer, and as a sign of devotion to Señor Santo Niño. The Sinug dance, incorporating the use of candles, is a traditional dance in Cebu, and serving a symbol of cultural and religious identity. Based on the findings, the Kahayag Model of Reflective Teaching (KMRT) extrapolated from the lifestyle and practices of the mansisinug and the devotees of the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño. KMRT is a relevant approach to teaching in the 21st century that encourages learners to engage in self, peer, and collaborative reflections, promoting a culture of continuous learning and improvement.

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Author Biographies

Erica Marie Aray, Sacred Heart School Ateneo de Cebu, Cebu City, Philippines

0009-0005-8381-5735; Sacred Heart School, Ateneo de Cebu, Cebu City, Philippines. ericamariearay@gmail.com.

Lynvir Baltazar, College of Teacher Education, Cebu Normal University. Cebu City, Cebu, Philippines.

0009-0004-2988-0010; College of Teacher Education, Cebu Normal University. Cebu City, Cebu, Philippines. lynvirbaltazar@gmail.com.

Rhyca Jianne Avila, Saint Alphonsus Catholic School, Lapu-lapu City, Philippines

0009-0001-6900-956X; Saint Alphonsus Catholic School, Lapu-lapu City, Philippines. jeeyanavila@gmail.com.

Reynaldo Inocian, Social Sciences Department, Cebu Normal University. Cebu City, Cebu, Philippines.

 

(4) 0000-0003-2958-2027; Social Sciences Department, Cebu Normal University. Cebu City, Cebu, Philippines. inocianr@cnu.edu.ph.  

Spencer Reyes, Humanities Department, Cebu Normal University. Cebu City, Cebu, Philippines

 0009-0000-6954-9577; Humanities Department, Cebu Normal University. Cebu City, Cebu, Philippines. reyess@cnu.edu.ph.  

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Published

2025-12-31

How to Cite

Aray, E. M., Baltazar, L., Avila, R. J., Inocian, R., & Reyes, S. (2025). Candle Symbolisms in the Sinulog Dance Vis-à-vis the Exploration of the Kahayag Model of Reflective Teaching . Diversitas Journal, 10(Special_3), 233–270. https://doi.org/10.48017/dj.v10iSpecial_3.3604