In separate telephone calls to this writer, Buddy Arante and Mila Alforque categorically denied the involvement of Major Tom Baena in the Sinulog Festival in Plumpton. Both also demanded that this newspaper publish an erratum concerning what was printed in the February issue.
Admittedly, there was an error committed in printing that the Sinulog Festival has been celebrated for over three decades. It was gathered that the correct figure is 23 years.
We must also apologise to Fr. Raning Creta for our failure to mention his name as the main celebrant of the mass that preceded the procession of various images of the Infant Child Jesus. Although we have received no complaint from the humble Filipino Chaplain, we must still say mea culpa, mea maxima culpa with the sincere hope that we merit his absolution.
But wait! We received a letter from Maj. Tom Baena concerning what has become a controversial matter. In his letter, the gallant army officer wrote that “It is through the able leadership of Mila Alforque . . . that the long running and continuing success of the feast of Santo Nino is with us today.” He added that for so many years he was “no longer involved in the organisation and management of the event.”
What we find significant in Baena’s letter is his firm declaration that he was in fact involved in the very first celebration of the Sinulog procession in Plumpton. The full content of his letter is printed on this same page. Ergo, Baena was indeed involved in the first Sinulog Festival.
— Dino Crescini
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