SunStar + January 12, 2021 THE increase, though not extensive, in the new cases of the Covid-19 has compelled the Augustinian priests that run the Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño to discontinue the public novena masses at the Basilica beginning Jan. 12. Online masses, however, will proceed as scheduled and will be broadcasted by media partners and social media sites. The Catholic church leaders know that prevention is better than cure and complying with the health protocols is a better part of judgment during this pandemic, unlike some politicos whose egos are bigger than their heads. The feast of the Señor Sto. Niño is celebrated every January, drawing devotees from all over the country and the world. The Sinulog street dance competition under the Sinulog Foundation Inc. (SFI) has become an international attraction that tourists would come in droves to attend the event. I was then a law student and working as a news reporter of this paper when then Ministry of Youth and Social Development (MYSD) Director Boy Odilao introduced the first Sinulog dance and parade. College students from different schools were the first street dance performers.