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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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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