If you’ve heard of San Pedro Calungsod, Inambakan Falls, and palagsing, then probably you’ve heard already of the municipality of Ginatilan. Located on the southwestern part of Cebu, Ginatilan is bordered by Malabuyoc, Samboan, and the rich waters of Tanon Strait.
Ginatilan was once a part of Samboan where the main seat of the Roman Catholic Parish is situated. With the large number of parishioners from Ginatilan attending church service in Samboan, the parish decided to extend their religious activities to Ginatilan. They assigned a parish priest to celebrate the Holy Eucharist and other sacraments in the barrio until these priests organized their own parish but still work under the jurisdiction of Samboan Parish. However, because of the limited supplies of sacred vessels and garments, parish priests are often sent with these from Samboan; hence the local statement, “Ang among pari, hinatdan gyud sa iyang kagamitan ug mga kinahanglanon para sa pag-alagad sa Dios ug mga barriohanon.”
San Gregorio Magno Parish Church. Photo from tourism.ginatilancebu
The word hinatdan (local term meaning act of sending) later on became a familiar term used to refer the place where the garments and vessels were sent to. Eventually, Hinatdan evolved into Ginatilan.
Hinatdan Festival. Photo from hellotravel
Hinatdan Festival. Photo from hellotravel
To portray the significant and religious origin of Ginatilan, “Hinatdan Festival” was organized to inspire people to work harder in service to God and community for an abundant harvest. This is held every second Sunday of March – March 10 and 11 of this year – in honor of St. Gregory the Great (Pope Gregory I).
Photo from Shiela Mae Piscos
Photo from jordentually
Photo from adrenalineromance.com
Photo from visitginatilan.blogspot.com
Photo from adrenalineromance.com
Ginatilan delicacies. Photo from tourism.ginatilancebu
Get to know more about Ginatilan by immersing with locals and learning more about the claimed hometown of San Pedro Calungsod!
