Book your accommodations early
Don’t have relatives or friends to accommodate you on Sinulog? Then, you might have some problems looking for a place to stay, if you don’t book your accommodations ahead of time. After all, Sinulog is one of the country’s grandest and biggest festivals, meaning it draws millions of visitors from across the world. In other words, the hotels in Cebu as well as other types of accommodations will most likely be fully booked on Sinulog or days before the grand parade. That’s why we strongly suggest that you book your accommodations in Cebu as early as today or a few months before January.
Wondering where to stay in Cebu for the Sinulog Festival? Check out the Sinulog route maps on sinulog.ph/route-map, so you can see the parade and procession routes. You may book a hotel that’s near the Sinulog routes, to make things easier on your end. We strongly suggest that you stay near SM City Cebu, Lahug, Ayala or Fuente – the commercial districts of the metro and the areas easily accessible from the primary celebrations.
Experience the religious Sinulog festivities
Before blitzing your way to the street parade and concerts, remember that the festival is all about Senior Santo Niño. Visit Basilica Del Santo Niño, participate in the religious activities, lit up some candles, and say thanks to the man above for everything.
Check out sinulog.ph, to get the lowdown on all the Sinulog festivities.
Photo credit: shamygirl
Get enough sleep and rest, the night before the grand parade
Keep in mind that you’re not Iron Man, Superman or Captain America. With Cebu’s streets literally dotted with stalls and merrymakers, you’ll have to walk for over a couple of miles, just to get to the nearest jeepney routes, or the place where you parked your car. Of course, you also need to eat a hearty and nutritious breakfast, to nourish your body as well as give enough energy to the last the entire day. Trust us, you need to store a ton of energy to survive the grandest and most exciting day in metro Cebu.
_Photo credit: uletai
What to wear and bring on Sinulog Grand Parade
The Sinulog grand parade needs physical and mental preparations. To steer clear of trouble and not-so pleasant surprises, heed these tips and suggestions.
- Pack a comfortable yet tough pair of shoes – Don’t forget to wear cushy and tough close shoes, to protect your feet from the sea of people who might step on your feet. In addition, a dependable pair of shoes can help keep your feet clean and safe from murky waters, in case it rains on Sinulog.
- Wear comfortable clothes – Wear shorts (not so skimpy, though) or pants and a shirt during the event. Don’t reveal a lot of skin since it can invite indecent stares and skin problems.
- Bring an extra set of clothes – From face paints and hennas to toy guns spewing alcohol, you’re bound to get wet and dirty, when you pass by the party areas of the festival.
- Bring weather essentials – The weather at this time of the year is pretty unpredictable. Bring a raincoat or umbrella, a hat and a fan, to be safe from any undesirable weather conditions during the festival.
- Wear sunscreen – Unless you want to get a tan, you need to wear some sun-block, to protect your skin from the scorching heat of the sun.
- Bring medicine tablets like loperamide, pain reliever and paracetamol.
- Always stay hydrated – Bring a bunch of water bottles, to keep yourself hydrated, when walking the on the streets of Cebu. While there are plenty of street vendors selling snacks and drinks, the prices can oftentimes hurt your budget.
Photo credit: tomsandborn
Be wary of con-men and pickpockets
Although there are countless of officers, military men and policemen around the area, they can’t see everything that’s happening on Sinulog grand parade. Whether you’re traveling with your barkada or going solo, never let your guard down as you weave your way around the cluster of merrymakers.
Don’t get wasted
From streets to trendy bars, parties are practically everywhere during the lively Sinulog festival. Even though there’s nothing wrong with a couple of shots, always remind yourself to stay in control. You’re old enough to know what may go wrong if you party and drink beyond your limit. You don’t want to make headlines on Facebook, the following day, do you?
Download FireChat
With the signal jammers blocking the mobile coverage during Sinulog 2017, FireChat became a hit and a trusted communication tool for every Juan who joined the event. Next year, FireChat will, once again, shine on Sinulog weekend, with the PNP and Cebu City Command Center planning to shut down all cellular sites within the metro.
Turn on your festive spirit
Smile, have fun and laugh your heart out. Don’t be a mood killer, make friends with strangers, and open your mind to the possibility that anything during the festival can happen.
Photo credit: tomsandborn
Go with a group
Yes, traveling alone can be an empowering and life-changing adventure, but Cebu’s Sinulog Festival is not the best time for a solo escape. Gather a bunch of besties, and watch each other’s back, while experiencing the electric vibe of the Sinulog Festival.
Photo credit: tomsandborn
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