SINULOG 2025 DARWIN, AUSTRALIA

Ernesto Sanchez Brings Sinulog to Life, Bridging Filipino Heritage and U.S.-Australia Military Ties

BY RUTHIE DITUCCI
IMAGES BY ERNESTO SANCHEZ, JR.,
ROYAL AUSTRALIA NAVY SAILOR, PHOTOGRAPHER

Sinulog is one of the grandest and most vibrant festivals in the Philippines, celebrated every January in Cebu City. It honors the Santo Niño (Child Jesus) and reflects the Filipinos’ deep Catholic faith.

The story dates back to 1521, when Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan gifted the image of the Santo Niño to Queen Juana of Cebu during her baptism. It symbolized the island’s conversion to Christianity. The queen danced with joy, cradling the image, which became the origin of the iconic “Sinulog dance,” characterized by its forward-backward steps mimicking water currents (“sulog” in Cebuano).

This year, the Sinulog will be celebrated in Darwin in honor of the festival, bringing the Filipino community together in a vibrant display of faith and culture. Thanks to the amazing choreography and production of Ernesto Sanchez Junior, a Royal Australian Navy Sailor, Photographer, and FISAF International Champion, the event promises to be a spectacular tribute to this cherished tradition. Ernesto has also achieved remarkable feats, winning several Australian titles and placing 4th in the world championships twice, in 2007 (Belgrade) and 2008 (Moscow).

Ernesto’s incredible achievements, both in the military and as an international athlete, align with the values of collaboration and excellence that are showcased during the Sinulog Festival. His efforts in bringing together diverse cultures and communities through the festival also resonate with the growing United States-Australian military ties, evident in both cultural exchanges and military cooperation.

This connection between the two nations is exemplified by HMAS Coonawarra in Darwin, which hosted the USS Emory S. Land, a U.S. Navy submarine tender, in 2024. The visit highlighted the collaborative efforts between U.S. and Australian naval personnel in submarine maintenance and training, reinforcing shared commitments to regional security. AUKUS, the trilateral security partnership, continues to strengthen these military and strategic ties, just as the Sinulog Festival in Darwin exemplifies the coming together of cultures in joyful celebration.

Adding to the excitement, the Sinulog Queen for this celebration is Lee Plowman, who represents the festival’s elegance and joyful spirit.

Join us in celebrating this beautiful display of faith, heritage, and international collaboration, as Darwin embraces the colorful and joyous Sinulog Festival and the important ties that unite the U.S. and Australia in both cultural and defense initiatives.