A week passed since we celebrated one of the most anticipated festivals in the Philippines – the Sinulog Festival. I’ve been so excited to share my experience. But, we decided to explore the beautiful Cebu city more before heading home. Which I will also share with you soon…watch out for my February posts. 🙂
We badly need REST when we got home. Yes, rest and catching up with my work. Now I’m ready to share my experience with you today.
What’s Sinulog?
Not familiar with what Sinulog is? It’s an annual cultural and religious festival in Cebu City held on the third Sunday of January. Considered as the center of the Santo Niño Catholic celebrations in the Philippines. A celebration in honor of Sto. Niño, or the child Jesus.
Sinulog Festival 2018
For the schedule of events, you can directly check out their official website for the list of fun events happened during the festival.
It officially started on January 12th, with an opening salvo and launching parade. And ended on January 21st with the Mañanita Mass and Grand Parade.
Aside from its religious aspect, Sinulog is also famous for its street parties and nightlife.
We left Davao City on January 17 at 11 pm so we arrived in Cebu at 12 midnight.
Since it’s late, we decided to stay at SoGo.
Day 1 (January 18)
We went to SM City Cebu and leave our baggage at the Traveller’s lounge. Had brunch and a quick shopping while waiting for our other friends.
While we are wandering around the mall, we got lucky to witness the Festival Queens. It’s so amazing to see those gorgeous ladies wearing those big customized gowns and dancing very lively.
A BIG thank you to our friends who shared their house with us for us to stay for a week.
Then, we attend the Novena Mass at the Basilica del Santo Niño.
Lastly, we went to LIV Super Club to party and get to enjoy a throwback kind of night.
Day 2 (January 19)
We woke early to get ready for a city tour. With the help of GrabCar, we are able to visit 8 must-see places in Cebu City:
- Plaza Independencia
- Fort San Pedro
- Magellan’s Cross
- Basilica Del Sto Niño Museum
- Sirao Garden
- Tops (Top of Cebu)
- Temple of Leah
- Taoist Temple
All day walking and taking pictures. Cebu city, you’re so beautiful.
Then we decided to have dinner at Larsian. It is a go-to place for Cebuanos who’s craving for some barbecues and grilled seafood.
After filling our belly, it’s time for one of the anticipated event to celebrate Sinulog, The Life Dance. Huge crowd, international and local DJs, and multiple fireworks display are just few reasons everyone is excited to go. It wasn’t cheap though. The general admission is worth Php 1,000. It was so much fun though we have to sacrifice our shoes because it’s very muddy. But surprisingly, it didn’t stop everyone from dancing and partying.
Here’s the list of artist who performed that night:
- Amz Moreno
- Sky Dominique
- Victor Jao x Renzo
- MVRXX
- John Sedano
- Deuce Manila
- Nix Damn P
- Fehrplay
- Coone
- Arty
- Yellow Claw
- Ace Ramos
What a fantastic night and a wonderful crowd! Pit Senyor!
Day 3 (January 20)
Today’s activity is walking the Sto. Niño. A lot of streets are closed and no signal for cellular phones for security purposes. It’s tough to commute and communication was hard.
The most memorable thing that happened today is we got lost on our way to SM Cebu. We walked for two hours. haha! But getting lost has its perks! We are able to see tourist spots that you might also want to check out:
- The Heritage Monument
- Yap-San Diego Ancestral House
- Casa Gorordo
When we reached Robinson’s Galleria, we’re so lucky to see three Filipino celebrities namely, Gerald Anderson, Jake Cuenca, and Kim Chiu. Fangirling! 😀
I found out that you can get a free bus ride from Robinson’s Galleria to Robinson’s Fuente. You just have to be patient with the queue.
Finally got to see our friends and go chill and listen to urban rap music at Draft Punk in Mango Square.
Day 4 (January 21)
The Big Day! Happy Sinulog! Pit Senyor!
This is it! This is what we came for. Tired and a bit tipsy from Draft Punk but we head on to the Basilica del Santo Niño for the Mañanita Mass at 4 am. They have this tradition of writing your wishes on a piece of paper and tie it on a red balloon. In the middle of the Mass and when everyone sings the Pit Señor song, you let go of your balloon and just let it fly. And so we did.
Watched the Sinulog Grand Parade.
Went to street parties. A colorful wet and wild experience.
Continued the party at Icon and got the chance to see Karencitta for real.
It’s definitely one of the most memorable experiences in Cebu. Sharing these moments with the ever supportive and amazing friends.
