Your Tongue-in-Cheek Guide to Sinulog

An article about where to stay,where to dine and what to do when in Cebu for Sinulog came out of my favorite newspaper last Saturday. While the article was informative,it does not apply to the majority of people whose purpose of going to Sinulog is to experience that one big street party that it is known for.So I thought of writing my own version of where-to and what-to.This is based on personal experience, so allow me to indulge. :)

WHAT TO DO

Let me correct myself there.Most people come here to honor and pray to Sto.Nino.They are the devotees and pilgrims who will brave the thick crowd,not minding if it's chest to chest,nose to nose,(we were always just that close.haha) just to get a glimpse or be near the Sto.Nino.But a lot also come here to party.Theyr're the ones who wouldn't mind sitting on the gutter or on the sidewalk,with a plastic glass full of beer or any alcohol mix in one hand or those whose faces are covered with paint ,with one hand holding a bottle of beer of which that same hand is raised on mid-air while dancing to the beat of the Sinulog drums.That's why I think it's important to know first what is your purpose of coming here for Sinulog.If you're here solely for the Sto. Nino,then I don't think I'd be of help. I have not attended a novena mass nor attended the high mass on Sunday,never been to the fluvial procession which happens on the day before that and counter-flowing a procession in the afternoon of Saturday does not count either.But if you're here to get drunk and throw up in the streets then you may continue reading.

WHERE TO STAY
It's only a few days more before Sinulog and I don't think you'd have an easy time finding a hotel or pension house to stay at this time.Most are fully booked by now.Where to stay should be thought of months before.Not to worry though, for Lapu-Lapu City has more hotels and places to offer.That may be far from the center of Sinulog,but you wouldn't mind,would you? HAHAHA If you have friends or relatives who live here, you can ask them if you could crash their place for the weekend.If they say yes,don't forget to bring them something. :) By the way,a DOT personnel was interviewed by a local tv news here yesterday.She said that it's okay to check in motels for it is as safe as checking in hotels. It is cheaper also and is more practical considering that you only pay for the few hours that you get to stay there.And besides,you don't need a lot of sleeping when it's Sinulog. You're at the streets partying most of the time. HAHA


WHERE TO DINE
It'd be easy to say Casa Verde since the main branch is also near the epicenter of the street party, but the streets on Sinulog Sunday have got so much to offer that you'd have a hard time deciding which one to pick. HAHA. Seriously,the whole strip of Gen.Maxilom Ave. and Jones Ave. will be lined with food stalls,some are from known names or brands but you should check out those you barely know for they also sell tasty food.Just make sure that it is clean.You will know how clean they are by checking how clean and organized their stall is,the utensils they use and how they prepare the food. If in doubt,don't eat! You may opt to bring your own sandwich or trail mix,something you can munch on when the tummy complains.


WHAT TO WEAR
You will be walking most of the time,so please wear whatever you are most comfortable with.You'll be at high risk of getting stepped on,so wear some closed shoes.Wearing shorts is okay but keep an eye on 'drunk' people.This is not the best time to strut your stuff.Leave your expensive jewelry at home.Don't bring a lot of cash and keep an eye on your valuables.Your bag should be stashed with wet wipes, tissue, alcohol and extra t-shirt(secure in ziploc) in case some dudes will shower rain beer bottles. HAHAHA There's going to be a long cue in restrooms so practice how to hold it longer.HAHA


Remember that although your purpose here is to have a good time there'd be a few who would spoil it.Keep your cool and it's better to go with a group so you can keep an eye on each other.One big street party that is Sinulog only happens once a year. So go out and take yourself to the streets.You will have the rest of the year to chill and lounge. :)

If you don't want to get down and dirty,adto nalang kas coffee shop magtambay. Pag order ug kape,maulaw sad ka.Picture2x dayon para naa kay ma-post sa Facebook nga 'Me in Sinulog' nya nas sulod sa coffee shop. HAHAHAHA


Pit Senyor!


for a more serious guide to surviving Sinulog visit wearesolesisters.com

photo courtesy of wheretheblog.wordpress.com