Event: Sinulog 2013

It is so great to stroll solo.

It was my second time going out to watch the Sinulog festival. I have been in Cebu for few years now but I didn’t dare to step into the streets alone to experience the fun festivity until this year.

Days before that, I contacted my friend who’s renting near YMCA that I will go to their place on the Sinulog day and she agreed. And so, in the morning, I prepared my stuff – my blue “messenger” bag with umbrella, wet and facial tissue, fan, keys, coin purse, Samsung galaxy y cell phone, concealer, lip tint, lip balm, ATM card, a-150 peso bill, small bottled water and my ultimate partner, my handkerchief. It was sunny that day so I opted to wear sunglasses, sleeveless blouse paired with knee-length shorts and slippers. 

Around 11:30AM, I took a jeepney to Ayala. I directly headed to the ATM machine inside the mall and – it was offline. I inquired to the guard in-charge and he said that cash cards are allowed while debit/savings account was affected. He added that the bank branch has reported the issue to the main office and was being worked on. It was already lunch time so I decided to eat first. I went to Metro Food Avenue, where several stall of food choices are available. I chose Dimsum because it is quick and easy meal and costs around 51 pesos only. I didn’t bother buying a drink, since I have my bottled water. And part of my strolling goal was to spend less.

I went back to the ATM machine to check out – it was still offline. I was asking for possible options and the guard said that over the counter savings withdrawal was an option, only if we have passbook. I contacted my sister who was still in the apartment and instructed her to bring my passbook. I looked for a chair while waiting for her. I had fun watching the boys and girls who played the dance revolution at the timezone [where I seated]. I like that game too but I can’t dare dancing at timezone, - well I tried but I was with my sister and it was at the upper level, not in the first level where many people are passing by and sometimes stopped to watch. 

I was bored. I decided to pee and guess what - ladies falling in line to the comfort room, long line. Well, not too bad because it was manageable. Success! I went back to the ATM machine and great news – it’s back online. Yes! I was able to withdraw money as my strolling allowance. My sister also arrived with my passbook – it was no use, but at least I had back up. Since she was going to date with her “friends”, we parted ways. I went out the mall and started walking to my friend’s place. I was passing by MJ Cuenco Avenue where street dance has begun. I had my umbrella and sunglasses for protection from the sun. I was planning to cross the street and so I needed to mingle with the crowd. However, due to the thickness of the crowd, I needed to keep my umbrella then bought a cowboy-like hat instead that originally at 120.00 and I haggled for 100.00. And the final walking began.

I took E. Chavez road where only few people were passing by. Actually, there were jeepneys in the area where passengers were taken to Colon or Jones Avenue but I didn’t ride. I took the road in Velez College then to McDonald’s Jones Avenue. The crowd was screaming so I assumed that a local celebrity float was passing by. And I was right, it was JC De Vera of TV5 plus Gary V in MLhuiller float who was throwing out t-shirts, bags, basket balls, purse and other stuff to the crowd. I walked fast so I can also get shirt because my blouse was already wet with sweat but I was unlucky. I reached YMCA. I contacted my friend and went to their place. Cool – such a cool place compared to the temperature outside. I relaxed, watched tv and wiped off my sweat.  

We went out around 2:30PM to eat. I left my belongings except my hat, fan, hanky and money. We ordered barbecue and hanging rice. While eating, the crowd was screaming and my friend stood up to look out. It was ABS-CBN float with Kim, Enchong, Xian, Slater, Zsa-Zsa, Erich and Papa Chen! I also stood up and left our food and screamed [in a limited voice] – so crazy! And we went back to finish eating. My friend paid for that meal. Savings for me! :)

We strolled Jones avenue until Fuente circle looking for Sinulog shirts but we didn’t find nice designs. As we were reaching Fuente circle, we noticed the float on standby playing latest songs and ladies were dancing. When we checked out it was IPI float with Melissa Ricks, whom we recognized first and a lot of Kapamilya celebrities. The float was robotic-inspired where Sto. Nino was held by a crane and an angel running through a track. That was a beautiful float. After a few minutes, we decided to go back to my friend’s place so we can prepare for the fireworks display in Ayala at 9PM. While on our way, the wave of the crowd was uncontrollable. There were people going west and others going east. You would be hurt if you won’t struggle and so we did. That was an very nice experience.

Around 7PM, we started walking to Ayala. Since we were hungry again, we bought hotdog on stick on our way. And guess what, she paid for me again. Savings! :)

Just right on time, we sat on the street waiting for the fireworks display with the rest of the crowd. Ayala area was so jam-packed with viewers.

I didn’t get the chance to take pictures on my earliest activities because I was afraid to loose my phone – it’s going to be a sad thing. After the viewing of fireworks, we went to Food Choices of Ayala to eat. Who won’t starve of our walking craziness? And again, I saved. My friend’s friend paid for our dinner. It is so nice to have friends with you too. I love my friends. :)

Around 11PM+, we decided to go home. I was confident that we can easily get a ride because it was already late night. But I was so wrong. My friend, her sibling and friends decided to walk home while I opted to wait in the terminal. See these pictures below:

People passing by at the Ayala Center Cebu Terminal

People lining up waiting for Talamban jeepney.

They were lining up for downtown destination.

I finally got home around 12:30AM of January 21^st, Monday.

It was worth it! I love the experience - next year again and the years to come. Sinulog! Isyagit ug Kusog!xoxo

How's your Sinulog experience?

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