Your Guide to enjoy Sinulog 2012

January is the month of Festivals. Sinulog Festival is just one of them. It is one of the biggest festivals in the Philippines, and preparation before flying to Cebu is a must.

I have been to Cebu city and witnessed the Cebu Sinulog Festival several times. But to fully enjoy the festivities, here are some tips for you:

1. Sinulog highlight always happens every third Sunday of January. This is fixed. Once ybooked you cheap plane tickets already, book for cheap hotel room. By this time, you should have already made a hotel reservation. All hotels in Cebu goes fully booked during the peak season. If you haven’t made any hotel bookings yet, check the List of Hotels in Cebu here

Abellana National School

2. Are you going to shoot the streetdance or just watch the parade? If you opt to just watch the performances while sitting comfortably at the Abellana Sports Complex, I would suggest that you buy your Sinulog ticket. However, if you are a photographer who would want to capture the high powered action during the performances, I suggest that you buy the Photographers ID. This 2012, the ID costs PHP1,000 and incldes one shirt as your uniform during theparade . This is also your ticket to join the Sinulog photo/video contest. The ID allows you to shoot in the street and inside the Abellana sports Complex during the Festival Queen Competition, performance day and during the mandatory repeat performance. Else, you can just watch the performances at the street.

3. Remember that Sinulog is a religious festival. Saturday before the grand highlight, a fluvial parade happens across the Mactan Strait. In the afternoon, a foot procession is held along the roads of Cebu from the Basilica Minore del Santo Nino. Attending these events would complete whole whole Sinulog Experience.

4. Who are the should-not-miss groups this Sinulog Festival 2012? – Every year there are over forty contingents coming from Cebu as well as from other parts of the Philippines that compete in Sinulog. The organizers has not yet released the final list of contingents but this are some of the groups that should not be missed this January 2012:

- Abellana National School (Sinulog 2010 SB First Runner Up)
- Sinanduloy Cultural Troupe of Tangub City (10x Sinulog Champion)
- Himag-Ulaw Festival of Placer Masbate (Sinulog FI Champion 2010, 2011)
- Lumad Basakanon (Former Sinulog Champion and Aliwan Fiesta 3x Champion)
- Lingganay Festival of Alangalang Leyte (Leyte Pintados Kasadyaan 2011 Champion)
- Karatong Festival of Dulag Leyte (Leyte Pintados Kasadyaan 1st Runner Up)
- Mabolo Elementary School
- Carcar City
- Lanao del Norte

5. Where to eat in Cebu? Cebu is known for its mouth-watering foods. On top of the list os of course the famed, Cebu Lechon. There are currently two players leading the pack. CNT Lechon and Zubuchon. I have tried both. But I’ll leave it to you to discover which among the two is the bomb! there’s also the barbecue park known as Larsian. the famed baby back ribs of Casa Verde, the yummy Balamban Liempo, the sinful Pochero of Abuhan, and the sweet treats from La Marea!

6. What to do in Cebu – Aside from non stop streetdancing duringthe sinulog, You may also opt to do other activities like the Edge Coaster in Cebu, or do a visita Iglesia in Southern Cebu

7. Dress comfortably – Remeber that the Sinulog highlight is a wholeday (and Night!) affair. So its best to wear light shirts, and no stilettos, please.

8. Bring Umbrella – The last 3 Sinulog has been rained. It’s better to be prepared, right?

9. Bring Water – Although there are a lot of vendors in the street, it’s still best if you can bring your own water. I swear, most bottled water are sold overpriced.

10. Don’t forget to bring you camera! going to sinulog without Camera is like going to pool party without bringing your swimwear.

11. Lastly, Enjoy! Sinulog is the best time to relax, and have fun with friends.

Lumad Basakanon

Buyogan Festival, Abuyog Leyte

Lanao del Norte

Check the Sinulog Festival 2012 Schedule here

Experience the sights and sounds of Cebu Sinulog festival via AirPhil express! The Philippines Fastest growing airline flies daily From Manila and other key cities. To experience the vibe of the festival book your tickets through the air Phil Express website