Cebu’s grandest festival just keeps getting grander every year, and both religious devotees and dedicated partygoers can attest to this. More than the Christmas holidays, it is Sinulog that makes Cebu’s streets come alive with hundreds of thousands of tourists, and while this makes us Cebuanos feel like the minority in our hometown, we cannot help but feel all warm and fuzzy inside seeing people share our faith for the Sto. Niño and our penchant for a good time. Here we asked some locals to reveal their thoughts on the Sinulog revelry.
Raine Baljak, Ms. Cebu 2016 / Radio jock/ host/ model/ singer-songwriter
What’s your favorite Sinulog tradition? The moment the Sinulog song plays, that’s it!
One beat, one dance, one vision that exists right here, in the heart of the Philippines, Cebu, where the heart sings because my favorite tradition is the coming of people together to share such a heart-felt experience.
What are the three things you can’t leave home without during Sinulog? Water, sunglasses, and a camera to capture the memories
What’s one party you won’t miss this Sinulog weekend? Oh my, so much celebrating with our families, friends, and strangers – it’s difficult to pick one! I always try to enjoy a little of everything – from the colorful creative dances of the street parades and the religious appreciation of Sto. Niño to the crazy concerts where everyone is sweating
side-by-side. A little of everything is the best way to go, but never forget the Sto. Niño who is the true meaning of Sinulog!
Dan Ong, Photographer
What’s your favorite Sinulog tradition? Waking up early to shoot the early morning Mass for the annual Sinulog photo contest that lasts more than a week.
What was your most memorable Sinulog experience? It’s been memorable every time
my photo wins an award.
What’s one party you won’t miss this Sinulog weekend? It’s not actually a party, but I love the celebration at the Basilica del Sto Niño after the procession, the day before the grand parade.
Erika Diaz, Make-up Artist
What is your favorite Sinulog tradition? My favorite Sinulog tradition is greeting everyone, “Viva Pit Senyor!” – even strangers! There’s a feeling of camaraderie and unity in it.
What was your most unforgettable Sinulog experience? It was when I had to walk for over 2 hours from Fuente Osmeña all the way to Talisay City where I live with my face and body covered in paint and without my right shoe on because I lost it along the way!
What are the three things you can’t leave home without during Sinulog? An extra shirt, a whistle, and the spirit of Sinulog.
What’s one party you won’t miss this Sinulog weekend? I’ve had enough of the pre-
Sinulog parties and street parties, to be honest, and I have never been the kind of person who reserves a table or buys party passes ahead of time. I like to be spontaneous and play it by ear. It’s more fun to just let your feet take you wherever they feel like going then.
Billy Wong, Researcher at Sunpride Foods/ singer-songwriter/ chef
What’s your favorite Sinulog tradition? Joining the parade in the IPI (our family company) float
What was your most memorable Sinulog experience? Dancing my heart out inside the Abellana Stadium as our float was introduced
What are the three things you can’t leave home without during Sinulog? Cellphone, money (lots of loose change), and my homeboys, Kyle and Dong Pau
Carla Marie Adlawan, Head of Copy & Content for The Islands Group / teacher (University of San Carlos- School of Architecture, Fashion, and Design)
What’s your favorite Sinulog tradition? The Grand Parade because I live along the route
What was your most memorable Sinulog experience? Spectrum’s Sinulog Invasion 2011 in Baseline
What are the three things you can’t leave home without during Sinulog? Comfy sneakers (looots of walking), cash (safely stored), waterproof phone case (save your phone from beer and paint)
What’s one party you won’t miss this Sinulog weekend? Local Ground’s Sinulog Series at Rica’s Café, featuring old school 90’s and early 00’s cover bands for the ultimate rock and roll throwback.
Alexis Yap, Host/ Columnist/ Restaurateur
What’s your favorite Sinulog tradition? The fluvial parade, which I have yet to experience myself!
What are the three things you can’t leave home without during Sinulog? Phone for selfies. Cash for drinks and a hand towel!
What’s one party you won’t miss this Sinulog weekend? I have been working on Sinulog weekend since 2006. But it has always been so much fun! I will be at Alejandro’s as usual. See you there?
Malou M. Mozo, Corporate Communications Manager, GMR-Megawide Cebu Airport Corp.
What’s your favorite Sinulog tradition? My favorite Sinulog tradition has always been the traditional Sinulog dance, which happens right after the Pontifical Mass on the Saturday before Sinulog. First, finding yourself inside the Basilica to attend that Mass, which is right after the foot procession, is a miracle in itself. In the traditional Sinulog dance, which runs about 30 minutes, devotees raise their images of the Sto. Niño, dance, and chant “Pit Senyor!” to the beat of the drums, while offering their petitions.
The first time I witnessed this, I was deeply moved and found myself in tears. Since 2009, I have never failed to observe this display of faith and thanksgiving. My other favorite is the Sinulog Grand Parade. There’s a certain sense of accomplishment in being able to see the Sinulog dancers in their colorful costumes, the higantes towering a few feet high, and the majestic floats beautifully adorned. Although the Abellana Stadium allows you to get the best view of the entire contingent, I prefer to mingle with the crowd on the streets. I don’t mind having to crane my neck or push myself up to the front just to get a better view. Plus, there’s always the chance of bumping into friends along the way.
What was your most memorable Sinulog experience? My most memorable Sinulog experience was in 2014 when my then 1-year old son tagged along to see the Sinulog Grand Parade happening along the streets. It felt nice to see his eyes brighten up when the higantes and floats passed by. I’m glad that even at such a young age, I was able to create Sinulog memories with him.
What are the three things you can’t leave home without during Sinulog? Wallet, DSLR camera, cellphone.
Michael Karlo Lim, Jack of all trades and food writer
What’s your favorite Sinulog tradition? The street dancing, of course!
What was your most memorable Sinulog experience? Lying down on the Sinulog grand stand’s quad to watch the parade’s closing ceremony fireworks after a long day of compulsory civil service and crowd control activities.
What’s one party you won’t miss this Sinulog weekend? Sugbo Mercado Weekend Food Market’s Sinulog Feast!
Johanna Deutsch, Creative Director, Happy Garaje
What’s your favorite Sinulog tradition? Just walking around the streets taking in all of the crazy, colorful sights and sounds of Sinulog
What was your most memorable Sinulog experience? It was when I was a little girl and my dad lifted me up on his shoulders to watch the parade, and my mom and brother were there beside us. It was my very first festival, and it was fun, and new, and exciting for four-year-old me.
What’s one party you won’t miss this Sinulog weekend? My auntie’s and uncle’s annual Sinulog party. It’s a mini reunion with lots of food and catching up. From there, the younger generation goes out to the streets to enjoy the festivities.