Batobalani sa Gugma Lyrics for Santo Niño

This is very much familiar to Cebuanos and Devotees for it is sung every novena mass leading up to the Sinulog Festivities. More than just a time for festivities and partying, the core of the feast of the Sto. Niño de Cebu is the celebration of the institution of Christianity in the Philippines - the story as told in the Gozos (Batobalani sa Gugma).

A quick word etymology breakdown: Batobalani is said to mean magnet while gugma means love. During the novena for the Sto. Niño, the Gozos will be sung by the devotees as they wave their hands up in the air. The video I took is only about 2 minutes for I had to take some photos as well, the full song is about 6-7 minutes.



Batobalani sa Gugma Lyrics:
Bato balani sa gugma,
Sa daang tawo palangga.

Tubag:
KANAMO MALOOY KA UNTA
NGA KANIMO NANGGILABA

Dinhi sa siyudad sa Sugbo
ang matahum mong larawan.
sa unang mga misyonero,
sa usang balay hipalgan.
Kanila ikaw nagpakita
gikan da sa imong gugma.

Tubag:
KANAMO MALOOY KA UNTA
NGA KANIMO NANGGILABA

Giludhan ka ug gisimba
niadtong mga kaparian
sa tanang mga katawhan
sa mga ponoan nila:
kay sa pagtan-aw kanimo
Kristiyanos sila nahimo.

Tubag:
KANAMO MALOOY KA UNTA
NGA KANIMO NANGILABA

Ang simbahan gipatindog
niadtong mga tawhana,
aron ang larawan nimo
dunay usang puluyanan.
ug didto gihangyo nila
nga kaluy-an nimo sila.

Tubag:
KANAMO MALOOY KA UNTA
NGA KANIMO NANGILABA

Nangayo kami kanimo
nga ang matahum mong larawan,
sa sulud sa kalag namo
makahimog puluyanan,
kay sa tanang kinahanglan
ikaw ang among dalangpan.

Tubag:
KANAMO MALOOY KA UNTA
NGA KANIMO NANGILABA

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2012 Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Dakbayan Winners!

The Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Lalawigan 2012 has recently concluded and below is the list of the Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Dakbayan 2012 Winners:

ELEMENTARY CATEGORY
Grand Champion - Bulacao Community School
2nd Place Winner - Punta Princesa Elementary School
3rd Place Winner - Zapatera Elementary School
4th Place Winner - Cebu City Central School
5th Place Winner - Mambaling Elementary School

Special Awards
Best in Costume - Zapatera Elementary School
Best in Musicality - Labangon Bliss Elementary School

HIGH SCHOOL CATEGORY
Grand Champion - Abellana National School
2nd Place Winner - Apas National High School
3rd Place Winner - Barrio Luz National High School
4th Place Winner - Don Sergio Osmeña Sr. Memorial National High School
5th Place Winner - Ramon Duterte Memorial National High School

Special Awards
Best in Costume - Abellana National School
Best in Musicality - Apas National High School

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Ayala Center Cebu's 'Balik Cebu Program'

In the midst of the arrival of hundreds of balikbayan tourists for the Sinulog festival, the Balik Cebu Program was once again launched in coordination with the Cebu City and the provincial government of Cebu, CHI and tourism stakeholders.

The Sinulog Event is an invitation to everyone from various parts of the archipelago, and even across the globe to come and visit Cebu, the gateway to the fiesta islands.

After a decade of partnership, Ayala Center Cebu and Cebu Holdings Inc. once again join Cebu City Tourism Commission for the 11th year of Balik Cebu Program. The Balik Cebu Program aims to offer tourists an unparalleled Cebu experience.

Located beside the Concierge in Ayala Center Cebu (across Rustan’s and Guess), the booth will be open during mall hours to hand out event guides and provide information to balikbayans about the different activities on the Sinulog Festival.

With many tourists arriving in the city everyday to join in the Sinulog celebrations, Ayala Center Cebu has set up the Balik Cebu Booth at the Level 1 of Paseo Marina. Open during mall hours starting January 6 to January 14, the booth will serve as an information center for the coming Sinulog events. Tickets for some Sinulog events such as grandstand passes for the Sinulog Grand Parade and Balik Cebu Dinner Party will be available at the booth as well.

About Balik Cebu:
First launched in 2002, the “Balik Cebu” committee put together activities to help welcome our balikbayans who come home to pay homage to Sr. Sto. Niño and join the revelry of the Sinulog Festival.

The “Balik Cebu” program will be providing several perks and travel assistance to balikbayans including the establishment of a “Balik Cebu” counter at the Ayala Center Cebu (ACC).

Balik Cebu has become a more-than-a-decade-long institutionalized program strongly supported by CHI, the company which owns and manages landmark projects in Cebu like Cebu Business Park, Ayala Center Cebu, Asiatown IT Park, City Sports Club Cebu and Amara with newly rising property developments such as 1016 Residences and also ALVEO.

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Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Lalawigan Winners

Here are the Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Lalawigan Winners for this year 2012!! 


Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Lalawigan per category:
Sinulog sa Kabataan ELEMENTARY:
Best in Costume: Danao City East District, Danao City Central School
Best in Musicality: Danao City East District, Danao City CentralSchool
1st: Danao City East District, Danao City Central School
2nd: Tuyan Central Elementary School
3rd: San Roque Elementary School (last year's champion)
4th: Bogo City Division
5th: Santa Filomena Elementary School

Sinulog sa kabataan SECONDARY:
Best in Costume: Carcar City Division
Best in Musicality: Carcar City Division
1st: Carcar City Division (defending champion)
2nd: Toledo National Vocational School
3rd: Lawaan National High School
4th: Medellin National High School
5th: Maslog National High School

So, who will take the crown next year? will it still be the defending champs? we will see the new set of Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Lalawigan next year!

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Dawn Procession: Sinulog 2012 Kick off!

Cebu City is now officially getting ready for its biggest religious celebration, the Fiesta Señor or the feast day of the Sto. Niño, and of course the Sinulog Street Parade! The Dawn Procession which practically signals the start of the Celebrations leading towards sinulog happened last January 5 at dawn of course.

It kicks off at dawn (4AM) with the penitential foot procession “Walk with Jesus” from Fuente Osmeña through Osmeña Blvd. to Colon St., leading to the Basilica.

The first day of the nine-day novena masses in honor of the Sto. Niño will be on Thursday, January 5, at the Basilica del Sto. Niño then various masses will follow dedicated to specific topic-intentions. This procession could have easily reached 100,000 but who knows, it seemed to be more than that. Anyway, stay tuned for more Sinulog News!!!

Photo Source: MyCebuPhotoBlog

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Miss Cebu 2012 Candidates & Coronation Night

If you are a big fan of the annual Miss Cebu Pageant, then here's what you're looking for! First and foremost, Miss Cebu 2012 Pageant Night is also live stream on Local TV Channel Studio 23.  Here are the Official Cebuana Candidates for Miss Cebu 2012 with Scheduled Pre-Pageant Night (open for public) at Fuente Osmeña Circle on January 6, 2012, 7:30pm and Pageant Night on January 11, 2012, 6:30pm at the Pacific Grand Ballroom of Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino.

Miss Cebu 2012 Official Candidates:
   1. Michelle Angelique A Tan
   2. Ann Caryl S Gotingco
   3. Mary Hazel Haruka T Watabe
   4. Rachel Chloe T Palang
   5. Cynthia Lois D Tac-an
   6. Pierre Anther G. Infante
   7. Ella Beverly P. Sarmago
   8. Herlie Kim T. Artugue
   9. April Ann Claire R White
  10. Jonnie Rose Louise R Wee
  11. Shannen R. Abarquez
  12. Lesly Ane P Fernandez

Miss Cebu 2012 online voting booths gives everyone an opportunity to vote for Miss Photogenic via online voting until January 8, 2012. Miss Cebu 2012 online voting booths is located at 3rd level Ayala Center Cebu - Paseo Solana and at 2nd floor SM Cebu City Northwing . Anyone with a valid registered email address is eligible to vote.

You can also vote online through www.cebucitytourism.com/misscebu2012* Online Votes will comprise 50% of the criteria for Miss Photogenic.

For updates and Photos of Miss Cebu 2012 candidates join the Miss Cebu community on Facebook at www.facebook.com/misscebupageant*

Content & Photos here are from Cebu City Tourism Commission.

other related posts:
Miss Cebu requirements and qualification
Miss Cebu 2011 Winners
Miss Cebu 2011 Candidates

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Sto. Niño Novena Mass Schedule 2012

Many people tend to be confused about the Sto. Niño Novena Mass Schedule 2012 being as 'Sinulog Novena Mass.' Well, it can't be helped but the Novena Mass is for the Sto. Niño where devotees declare, ask for their intentions and for some, do it for thanksgiving. The culmination of this will be a procession a day before the Sinulog Street parade celebrations.

Here is the Sto. Niño Novena Mass Schedule 2012 :

Regular Routine Novena/Masses Schedule
5:30 AM – City Parishes / Barangays
7:00 AM – Business Sectors
8:30 AM – Basic Education – Private Schools
10:00 AM – Parishes: District & Vicariate
11:30 AM – Business Sectors
1:00 PM – Government Offices: City & Provincial
2:30 PM – Basic Education – Public by Districts
4:00 PM – Colleges
5:30 PM – Universities
7:00 PM - Archdiocesan Organizations, Movement & Communities

FIRST DAY OF NOVENA - January 05, 2012 (THURSDAY)
Dawn Procession – WALK WITH JESUS
4:00 AM – Assembly Time at Fuente Osmeña
4:30 AM – FOOT PENITENTIAL PROCESSION (Fuente Osmeña – Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño)
Please bring with you rosaries, candles and statues/images of the Señor Santo Niño.
5:30 AM – FIRST MASS – INSTALLATION OF HERMANO and HERMANA MAYORES 2012

SECOND DAY OF NOVENA - Jan. 6, 2012 (FRIDAY)
2:30 PM – Opening Salvo by the Sinulog Foundation

THIRD DAY OF NOVENA - Jan. 7, 2012 (SATURDAY)
8:30 PM – Barangay Night / Halad Sa Barangay

FOURTH DAY OF NOVENA - Jan. 8, 2012 (SUNDAY)
8:30 AM – Children’s Mass with Colegio del Sto. Niño

FIFTH DAY OF NOVENA - Jan. 9, 2012 (MONDAY)
7:00 PM – Mass for the Environment

SIXTH DAY OF NOVENA - Jan. 10, 2012 (TUESDAY)
7:00 PM – Mass for the Environment

SEVENTH DAY OF NOVENA - Jan. 11, 2012 (WEDNESDAY)
7:00 PM – Senior Citizens Night

EIGTH DAY OF NOVENA - Jan. 12, 2012 (THURSDAY)
8:30 p.m. – Barangay Night / Halad Sa Barangay

NINTH DAY OF NOVENA - Jan. 13, 2012 (FRIDAY)
Dawn Procession – WALK WITH MARY
4:00 AM – Assembly Time at Fuente Osmeña
4:30 AM – Foot Penitential Procession (Fuente Osmeña – Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño)
Please bring with you rosaries, candles and statues/images of the Señor Santo Niño.
5:30 AM – Holy Mass and Novena
7:00 AM – Misa de Translacion
(Motorcade proceeds to the National Shrine of St. Joseph, Mandaue City)
1 – 2 PM – District Teachers Traditional Halad
8:30 PM – Re-enactment of the first Wedding.

VESPERAS - Jan. 14, 2012 (SATURDAY)
5:30 AM – Cebuano Mass
7:00 AM – Mass for the OFW Families
7:00 AM – FLUVIAL PROCESSION – Route: Ouano Wharf, Mactan Bridge, Lapu-Lapu, Pasil, Pier 1
9:30 AM – Re-enactment of the arrival of the image
10:00 AM – Re-enactment of the Mass and Baptism
1:00 PM – Solemn Procession of the Miraculous Image
6:00 PM – Pontifical Mass

FIESTA SEÑOR DAY - Jan. 15, 2012 (SUNDAY)
4:00 AM – Mañanita Mass
6:00 AM - Pontifical Mass with His Grace Cebu Archbishop Jose B. Palma, D.D.
8:30 AM - Augustinian Recollect Communities
10:00 AM – Cebuano Mass
11:30 AM – English Mass
1:00 PM – Cebuano Mass
2:20 PM - Cebuano Mass
4:00 PM – Cebuano Mass
5:30 PM – English Mass
7:00 PM – English mass

THANKSGIVING MASS - Jan. 16, 2012 (MONDAY)
5:00 AM – Cebuano Mass
6:00 AM – Cebuano Mass
7:00 AM - English Mass
8:00 AM – Mass for the OFWs
10:00 AM – Thanksgiving Mass with the San Nicolas Parish
2:00 PM - Thanksgiving Mass by Sinulog Foundation
4:00 PM – Requiem Mass for the Deceased Devotees
5:30 PM – Healing Mass for the Sick and the Aged

HUBO - January 20, 2012 (FRIDAY)
4:00 AM – HUBO MASS
6:00 AM – Cebuano Mass
7:00 AM - English Mass
8:00 AM – English Mass
9:00 AM – Cebuano Mass
10:00 AM - Cebuano Mass
11:00 AM - Cebuano Mass
12:00 NN – English Mass
1:00 PM – Cebuano Mass
2:00 PM – English Mass
3:00 PM – Cebuano Mass
4:00 PM – Cebuano Mass
5:00 PM – English Mass
6:00 PM – English Mass
7:00 PM – English Mass

Viva Pit Señor!!!!

Photo Source

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Sinulog Festival Route now has Wi-Fi!!!

Have you heard the latest SINULOG FESTIVAL 2012 NEWS? Sinulog Festival Route now has Wi-Fi!!! Smart phones, laptops and netbook users will be enjoying the FREE WIFI SERVICE at the Sinulog 2012 Route. With this, we can be able to capture images and share it to our friends around the world online. This is brought to us for FREE by PLDT DSL.

This initiative was initiated by PLDT's District Manager Bong Lintag and Cebu City Councilor Roberto Cabarrubias, A BIG Thank You for making this possible. There will also be a substantial bandwidth pipe so that videos can be captured in real time and there would be less internet access problems (OH NOoOo).

PLDT started the installation yesterday morning and hopefully will be done next week. This is for FREE. However, user's name and password be provided for FREE to control the user so that the bandwidth be maintained at its highest level. They will issue an internet card for free at the designated outlet to be announced on a later date.

The access points are located on top of the VECO and PLDT Posts along the Sinulog 2012 Route. The distance between access points are located in such away the the maximum signal of the internet can be enjoyed by the respective users.

PIT SENYOR! KANG WIFI! KINI!!

Source

*UPDATE:
The wifi is free for all and is available at the following Wi-Fi Zones:

• General Maxilom Avenue (Mango Avenue) from Gorordo Avenue to Fuente Osmeña Circle - PERMANENT
• Fuente Osmena Circle - PERMANENT
• Osmena Blvd. from Fuente Osmena Circle to P. del Rosario St. - PERMANENT
• N. Bacalso Ave from Cebu Provincial South Bus Terminal to P. del Rosario St. - PERMANENT
• P. del Rosario St (covering USC) from Osmena Blvd to Sikatuna St - PERMANENT
• Cebu Sports Complex - TEMPORARY INSTALLATION UNTIL JAN. 16 ONLY
• Cebu City Hall covering Magellans Cross and Sto. Nino, Basilica - PERMANENT
• Ceby Provincial Capitol - PERMANENT
• Plaza Independancia - PERMANENT

All you need to do is visit any of the Wi-Fi Zones listed above and register.

For more details, visit http://www.pldtwifizone.com/

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Crash-Survival Guide to Sinulog

Photo from FreeStockPhotography.com.au

After living in Cebu for almost most of my life, countless Sinulogs, and misadventures, I have finally decided to make a crazy guide about Sinulog. If you wanna get out of Sinulog in one piece, then do check out this Crash-Survival Guide to Sinulog that I made!

DRESS FOR COMFORT AND WEATHER in MIND - believe it or not, your attire can make or break your experience. Just in case wear comfortable yet simple clothing. The weather can be moody, it can rain or it can be ridiculously hot as well. The best tip is wear sandals or flip flops.

BAGS - Preferably bring in tight and slinged bags or the like (Benchmark Photographers). If you have a fancy bag, chances are you might just lose it or perhaps it may just become a heavy burden. You can consider this: 1 Backpack + 1 slinged bag or just bring either (more than 2 bags can be a security risk). Or if your a Photographer: bring bags to house your lenses, tripod and a light yet efficient manner.

LIFE PACK - Water will be abundant (bottled) but it be best to bring your own; extra clothing (if you get sweaty due to ridiculous heat or rain); Some finger food (just to be safe --if you have a sensitive stomach); Umbrella (rain/shine); Head Gear (cap, cowboy hat, whatever..); Sun Block for those sunny Sinulog; Traditional HAND FAN or an pocket electric fan to cool off/down.

SCHEDULE! - different time, different foot traffic. 7am or earlier is an awesome time to be in the Sinulog Street route especially if you want to see the contingent (dancers prepare) and walk the streets like crazy [Secret Tip: most celebrities walk around during these times, yes they walk else just wait for them via their floats]

BUDGET - If you are living in Cebu, well be frugal unless you’re willing to spend a lot in terms of food and drinks then Php1000.00 can be a good budget. But if you want get around and don't spend a lot Php500.00 is sufficient. IF YOU ARE NOT FROM CEBU: Book your flights a year ahead, inquire also a year a head in terms of hotel and accomodations [Secret Tip: Try not to look like a tourist and people will charge you for less or bring a local buddy who can assist you in your spending]

LOCATION (x3) - If you wanna watch the street parade then be sure to strategically position yourself in the most happening places along the route of the Sinulog parade. Stay along Mango Avenue or Jones Ave (which leads to Cebu City Sports Complex where the grand stand is located). [Secret Tip: If you can afford it, stay in a hotel that are along these roads, for sure they have their own best viewing spots]

RESTING SPOTS - Find a place to cool down from the heat of the sun and the suffocating crowd.You'll be thanking even Trees during these times. But it be best to stay away from the crowd to gain some degree of natural breathing before diving right back into the fray. [Secret Tip: Malls and Restos near these places will be useless since their air-conditioning system will be useless BUT still find them if you wanna pee or do a call of nature]


ASK AROUND - To ensure your own awesome Sinulog Experience, be sure to ask around and research more about Cebu if you want to explore the place or go beyond the normal Sinulog Activities. If you don't know what you want, you can contact us, suggest a topic or the like; perhaps drop a comment below so we can get you more guides!

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3 ways to see the Sinulog Ritual Dance

Sinulog has that famous tag line: ONE BEAT. ONE DANCE. ONE VISION. Though it holds true, in terms of the dance however has some varied versions depending on it's purpose but don't get me wrong, it's the same but different, let me explain further.

The sinulog to the Cebuanos was an indigenous dance practised by the native population in pre-hispanic Cebu. The adaptive mechanism of culture evolved this pre-Hispanic ritual dance to the gods to the Child Jesus or Santo Niño. Dancing to the Beat of the drums and to the verbal prayers of praise and thanksgiving, penance, and petition for one's needs is experienced.

The dance has 2 basic steps. the natural and the kinampilan. The natural step is the popularly known two steps forward, one step backward while the kinampilan has one step right foot forward and one step backward, while the left foot stays in place.

But in this modern times I'd say there are 3 ways for you to see the dance:

Varied participants from different Tribes or Tribu have different costumes but dance to one beat [Photo Source] 

1. The Street Sinulog Festival Dance - which is what you can see on the street during the celebrations. You can also see some modified (the basic dance with additional steps) versions through the Sinulog Festival Dance Contest. The steps are the same, but the Santo Niño image is held by the Festival Queen and dances with it.

Children and Adults both dance this in front of the Holy Child Jesus

2. The Traditional Sinug Dance - which was danced for the Gorordo Family in Cebu. This is still being preserved even today by the CASA GORORDO MUSEUM which is owned and managed now by the RAFI - Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc.. The difference from the street dance is that instead of holding and dancing around with the holy image of the child Jesus, the Image is instead placed in an altar like place and then the dancers will dance in front of the Santo Niño, like in paying tribute to a King.




3. The Dance for the Santo Niño - which can be seen in the Basilica of the Santo Niño danced by old ladies in prayer. The difference of this version compared to the previous ones is that, this can only be done in the Basilica I beleive, since it is done in prayer to the Holy Child Jesus - Santo Niño.

Have you seen the Sinulog Dance elsewhere?

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6 Activities you can do during Sinulog-Festivities

Here are some activities you can choose to do during the Sinulog Celebrations, these are just options so this can't be a MUST DO; just giving you guys and gals some alternatives (for first-timers who absolutely no clue):

Masses are held during the week before the Celebrations

1. PRAY AND GIVE TRIBUTE TO THE CHILD JESUS - this is the core of the Sinulog Celebrations, give thanks, visit, see, pray for blessings and the like to the Basilica of Santo Niño. You may want to be early to avoid the crowds or just go and see how many people are attracted to the place.

Hukari Family Cuisine - Talisay City, Cebu

2. EAT LOCAL FOOD AND COOKING - you may want to stay in the metro or the city (larsian or the like), or go as far as north or even south Cebu just to get a taste of these local hidden gems if you're the adventurous type.

Badian, Cebu

3. BE AT THE BEACH - for those who are from the north or southern Cebuanos, since it may take a lot to go to the city, some will opt to chill out in local beaches and keep up to date with the Sinulog Celebrations from a live telecast. Most local beaches aren't that crowded during these times except if your in a resort that is.

4. CHILL AND FIND INNER PEACE - for some Cebuanos, they take this opportunity to do some R&R with their families or self. But of course, without sacrificing tradition (most have done ahead of time the visitation to the child Jesus and novena masses.

Sibonga, Cebu

5. FIND LOCAL TOURS - there's walking tours, heritage tours or just going to towns and provinces in Cebu. Or if you have local friends who are willing and able, back pack to your chosen locations!

Photo Credits to Sinjin.Ph

6. WAIT FOR THE FIREWORKS - If your the nocturnal type,well there are a lot of commercialized activities in varied establishments, but if your looking for something you can share with the family and friends, fireworks displays are always awesome. To date, there's one in the Fuente Area, and in the Cebu Business Park Area.

Do you have some activities of your own? Do share!

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10 possible Worst Sinulog Experiences: make sure this doesn't happen to you!

*Note: This post is a collated 'worst experiences' during the Sinulog celebrations via interviews, chats and also thru a local forum. This post is to 'educate' readers to avoid these things from happening to others in the future.


For those who have not experienced any of the lists below, then God Bless you; but for those greenhorn-overly-excited-newbies: please watch yourselves and be schooled! Though the Sinulog Festival is a religious event, humans as we are, there are still crazy people out there and that they can cause these things to happen.

From the Movie 300

1. STAMPEDE - though Sinulog is a more of a religious observation even during the parade, Celebrities can sometimes cause an uproar and turn people into walking screaming dead and move like crazy towards them. Also, when Celebrities throw 'stuff' to the crowd (and by stuff, most of the time CANDIES) and the crowd loose all logic and dive into them as if they've never had a candy in their entire life. Make sure to keep safe and prepare to lift small children to one's shoulders or stay away from tight crowds.

White Collar TV Series - Theives can be deceptive

2. THEFT - If you have a brand new phone that's touch-sensitive then might as well borrow a simple looking one; Cellphones, valuables, jewelry (Passport for visitors) and the like can be items for opportunists to take away from you!

3. TECHNOLOGY DELAY - It's a no-brainer that we are living in the information age and that we always want to be connected and updated; this has become our immediate communication channel-tool. Delayed calsl, SMS, internet, 3G are the main things that drive people crazy during Sinulog. Small Telco-networks may benefit the few and wireless internet connection and communication can save you from time to time; let's include here Charging SPOTS (outlets) people will cluster here even more if you don't fully charge your gadgets or have back-up batteries.

4. WORK DISRUPTION - if you're working on a 12 hour shift, night shift, construction or BPO industries, you better plan out your schedule. Whether your going to work or going home you better have an awesome transportation plan or else you'll be walking (might as well arrange to spend overnight at work).

5. HEALTH PROBLEMS - If you're sick, please don't join the celebrations for your own good (know your limits); If you're healthy, don't over-do-it for if you do, you'll probably get sick the next day.

• Viral - If you're hanging with a crowd of coughs and sneezes, chances are you'll get any of those viral infections.
• Exchange of Bodily Fluid - STOP THINKING and let me finish. You will be walking and do more walking and if there's a crowd you'll probably feel sweat (ewwwww!)
• Grosed-out - if you're sense of smell is hyper sensitive, then prepare yourself! (Lud-on, bahong-anso, singot..atbp.)

taken from History's Strongest Disciple: Kenichi ~Manga

6. PHYSIOLOGICAL STRAIN - This usually happens to devotees/dancers/organizers or at the end of the long day for most attendees but this can also happen early on if you dive into a heavy crowd of people. You can get:

• Elbowed - yes, just like in basketball.
• (Accidental) Tackle/Speared - You watch pro-wrestling? If a person slips and tries to recover.
• Numb Feet & Legs - if you're not ROTC/NSTP 'volunteer' then good for you, I'd say

7. MENTAL STRAIN - if there is physical, well here's the mental strain, 'Gib me tisyu coz my Nus is blid' for short. If you are good looking or fairly-pleasant-personality-looking-type, then you better be 'in-the-know' of Sinulog or of the routes/roads or about Cebu. WHY? You will probably attract tourists that want to get around. Why is this a BAD?/WORST Experience? IF YOU'RE NOT PREPARED THEN MOST PROBABLY IT'S GOING TO BE. So be prepared, prepare you're ENGLISH, your SMILE, so you can be a not only a good looking but also awesome ambassador of Cebu, Philippines. :D


8. PHOTO-BOMBED - yes, imagine you found an interesting spot or situation and you're all ready with your poses and all, then all of a sudden some random person just so happens to pass by and then it happens again...then again..then...

9. LOST - no, not the American TV Series --I mean literally lost, even if you're a local and you know how to get around to places, you will really feel lost as to where in heaven's name did all the Public Transportation go to, so be prepared for route changes and make sure to bring a buddy or be in a group to accompany oneself in getting around. Or better yet, position your Private Transportation in an accessible yet safe area so you can use that to go home, OR BE PREPARED to pull an all-nighter and go home the next day.

10. GETTING DRUNK - it's a community celebration (An event where friends can gather, meet and reunite), a religious exercise and a holiday to relax, enjoy the good life..so don't go and do something you'll regret or get arrested for!

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Cebu Sinulog Festival 2012 Schedules

Sinulog 2012 will be a major-major event, though there are still months to go, but its always better to know ahead and get the schedule and in case you are not from cebu, plan your trip ahead and book cheap hotels early for the annual Sinulog Festival 2012 in Cebu City Philippines.

Sinulog 2012 Schedule of Activities:

Dec 01, 2011 – Jan 31, 2012 Sinulog Street Fair, Osmeña Blvd.
December 2, 2011 bre_ambungan's adlawng natawhan
December 11, 2011 2nd Sinulog Cup Baseball Tournament
December 15, 2011 Sinulog Photo Exhibits @SM City
December 16, 2011 Sinulog on the Spot Painting Contest
December 17, 2011 Sinulog Poster Making Contest @ Emall
December 18, 2011 Sinulog Best Dance Crew Elimination
Sinulog Musicfest Elimination

January 05, 2012 (Thursday) Opening Salvo: Walk with Jesus
4:00 AM Assembly Time (Area) Fuente Osmeña
4:30 AM Start of Walk-Fuente Osmeña Blvd. – Basilica del Sto. Niño
5:30 AM Installation of Hermano & Hermana Mayores 2012

January 06, 2012 (Friday) Sinulog 2012 Kick Off
2:00PM Solemn Mass (Basilica del Sto. Niño) sponsored by the Sinulog
Foundation Inc . and Cebu City government
3:00 PM Launching Parade (Basilica del Sto. Niño to Cebu City Sports Center)
7:00 PM Opening and Launching Program, Fuente Osmeña
7:30 PM Ms. Cebu 2012 Presentation
9 :00 PM Sinulog Idol (Fuente Osmeña Circle)
10:00 PM Street Party Bands

January 07, 2012 (Saturday) Sinulog sa Kabataan – Lalawigan
8:00 AM 2nd SINULOG FOOTBALL CUP
1:00 PM Parade of Participants, Capitol Site to Cebu City Sports Center
2:00 PM Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Lalawigan, Cebu City Sports Center
4:30 PM Awarding of Winners
6:30 PM Cultural Show (Fuente Osmeña)
8:00 PM Sinulog Idol (Fuente Osmeña Circle)
9:00 PM Concert @ the Fuente Osmeña , Street Party Bands

January 08, 2012 (Sunday) Sinulog sa Kabataan- Dakbayan
4:00 AM Cebu City 2012 Marathon – www.cebumarathon.com
1:00 PM Parade of Participants, Plaza Independencia to Cebu City Sports Center
2:00 PM Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Dakbayan, Cebu City Sports Center
4:30 PM Awarding of Winners
6:30 PM Cultural Show (Fuente Osmeña)
8:00 PM Sinulog Idol (Fuente Osmeña Circle)
9:00 PM Concert @ the Fuente O, Street Party Bands

January 09, 2012 (Monday)
6:30 PM Cultural Show (Fuente Osmeña)
8:00 PM Sinulog Idol (Fuente Osmeña Circle)
9:00 PM Concert @ the Fuente O , Street Party Bands

January 10, 2012 (Tuesday)
6:30 PM Cultural show (Fuente Osmeña)
8:00 PM Sinulog Idol (Fuente Osmeña Circle)
9:00 PM Concert @ the Fuente O , Street Party Bands

January 11, 2012 (Wednesday)
9:00 AM Airport Welcome (Balikbayan Flights)
6:30 PM Cultural Shows (Fuente Osmeña)
7:00 PM Ms. Cebu 2012 Coronation Night, Waterfront Lahug Hotel
8:00 PM Sinulog Idol (Fuente Osmeña Circle)
9:00 PM Concert @ the Fuente O , Street Party Bands

January 12, 2012 (Thursday)
9:00 AM Airport Welcome (Balikbayan Flights)
6:30 PM Cultural Shows (Fuente Osmeña)
6:00 PM Balik Cebu, Welcome Party @ Ayala Center Cebu
8:00 PM Sinulog Idol (Fuente Osmeña Circle)
8:00 PM Handumanan @ Ayala Terraces
9:00 PM Concert @ the Fuente Osmeña , Street Party Bands

January 13, 2012 (Friday) Visual Merchandising Contest(Dept. Stores and Malls)
4:00 AM Walk with Mary (Area) Fuente Osmeña-Sto. Niño
9:00 AM Solidarity Meeting (All Competing Contingent /Floats / Higante / Puppteeters Cebu City Sports Center Gym
5:00 PM Sinulog Best Dance Crew Grand Finals
6:00 PM Sinulog Musicfest Band Competition Grand Finals
6:30 PM Cultural Shows (Fuente Osmeña)
7:30 P.M Cebu Popular Music Festival, Cebu Coliseum
7:30 P.M Sinulog Festival Queen 2012, Cebu City Sports Center
8:00 PM Sinulog Idol (Fuente Osmeña Circle)
9:00 PM Concert @ the Fuente O , Street Party Bands

January 14, 2012 (Saturday)
6:00 AM Fluvial Procession of the Miraculous Image of Sto. Niño
9:00 AM Re-enactment of the Baptism of Queen Juana and Rajah
Humabon Basilica del Sto. Niño
2:00 PM Solemn Procession of the Miraculous Image of Sto. Niño
7:00 PM Sinulog Fireworks Competition @ SM City Cebu
7:00 PM Street party @ Fuente Osmeña and Plaza Independencia
8:00 PM Kasadya Nite Mardi Gras @ Ayala Center Cebu

January 15, 2012 (Sunday) SINULOG GRAND PARADE
4:00 AM Mañanita Mass @Basilica del Sto. Niño
6:00 AM Pontifical mass with His Eminence Ricardo J. Cardinal Vidal
9:00 AM Sinulog Grand Parade Carousel Kick Off
7:00 PM Grand Finale and Fireworks, Cebu City Sports Center
7:30 PM Street Party Bands, Fuente Osmeña

January 16, 2012 (Monday)
1:00 PM Awarding Ceremonies, Cebu City Sports Center

January 20, 2012 (Friday) “HUBO”
4:00 AM “HUBO Mass” Ritual @ Basilica del Sto. Niño

January 28, 2012 (Saturday)
1:00 P.M Screening of Finaslists Short Film/Video Documentary Contest
6:00 P.M Awarding Ceremonies Photo Contest and Video Documentary
Contest @SM City Cebu

January 30 – Feb. 10, 2012 Photo Exhibits “Winning Photos Sinulog ’12 @SM City Cebu

About Sinulog:
Sinulog Festival is held every third week in Cebu as thanksgiving to its patron, Senor Santo Nino, or the Holy Child Jesus. Various activities are lined up each year and during the festivities and there will be a 9-day novena at the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño de Cebu.

Some of the things that every cebuano awaits are the fluvial procession and the foot procession, the nightly variety shows, and of course, the search for Miss Cebu 2012! Oh don't forget the street festival-dance-parade.

And if you are not into the street travelling or partying, you have many options as well. Sinulog is a perfect time to explore old houses, churches of Cebu and other cultural heritage sites. If you get hungry and want to stay away from malls, local delicacies is a possibility or just shop till you drop for local export quality products like hand bags, furnitures, and fashion accessories.

So, are you ready for Sinulog 2012!?

Sources: Sinulog 2012 Schedule of Activities, Official Sinulog PH

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