Things You Need to Experience in Cebu during Sinulog Festival
Sinulog Festival, the biggest and grandest festival in the Philippines is just around the corner and I’m sure many are already excited. Sinulog activities actually start as early as December, and the week before the Sinulog day, which is always celebrated on the 3rd Sunday of January, is always the busiest.
During Sinulog, many tourists visit Cebu to join the festivities. On this post, I will be sharing to you a list of things that you need to experience while you’re in Cebu for Sinulog Festival.
1. Cebu’s Rich History and Culture
Cebu is known for its rich history and culture, and some of the solid proofs are the still standing structures that can be found not only in Cebu City but the whole province. Some of these structures were built hundreds of years ago and withstand the test of time.
Some of the notable structures that are found in Cebu City are Fort San Pedro, Basilica Minore del Santo Niño and Magellan’s Cross. Basilica Minore del Santo Niño is the birthplace of Christianity in the Philippines. It also houses the statue of the Child Jesus.
Cebu City is also home to ancestral houses that were turned into museums, Yap-Diego Ancestral House and Casa Gorordo Museum are just two of the most popular.
Some of the oldest churches in the Philippines can also be found in Cebu, some of the notable ones are San Miguel Arcangel Church of Argao, and Nuestra Señora del Patrocinio de Maria Parish Church of Boljoon.
Make sure you visit some of these historical structures if you happen to be in Cebu.
2. Cebu’s Gastronomic Offerings
When you think about food in the Philippines, Cebu is always on the list of places known for good food. And when we talk about Cebu, lechon of course always come to mind.
Besides lechon, Cebu is also known for variety of dishes. If you want sample these dishes under one roof, you should checkout Marco Polo Plaza Cebu’s Sugbusog at Cafe Marco. The highlight of Sugbusog are dishes that best represents Cebu. These dishes are added on top of Cafe Marco’s international buffet spread.
3. Cebu’s Natural Attractions
Many tourists visit Cebu for its natural beauty. This island in Central Philippines is truly blessed with pristine white sand beaches, majestic waterfalls, and scenic mountain peaks.
Some of the notable beaches in Cebu are found in Bantayan Island, Camotes Island and Malapascua Island. If you’re not into beaches, Cebu also has Kawasan Falls in Badian, and many more scattered around the province.
For the adventurous type, you can climb Cebu’s tallest peak located in Dalaguete, Osmena Peak. If long drive is not your thing, you can visit Tops Skyline Garden which offers a breathtaking view of Cebu City.
4. Sinulog Festival
You are in Cebu for one main reason, Sinulog Festival. Many events and activities are lined up to bring festive mood to the locals and tourists before the grand Sinulog day. There’s Sinulog Festival Queen, Fluvial Parade, and various events around the city.
Globe also has a lot of activities and events lined up for this year’s Sinulog. These activities aims to promote Globe offerings and at the same time bring fun and prizes to people.
If you happen to be in Cebu IT Park on January 20-21, checkout #GlobeSinulog Fair at the Garden Bloc. Customers can participate on fun games and activities to win Sinulog-exclusive prizes and freebies. Customers can also checkout Globe at Home #Streamfest happening on the same dates and venue. Part of the Garden Bloc will be transformed into a cinema where customers can watch select Netflix HOOQ, and FOX titles. Guests can also create their own content through the YouTube and Virtual Karaoke booths.
For the competitive types, you can join Goal Getters Challenge at Plaza Independencia on January 19-21. Participants get to experience the ALL IN 20 promo of TM. The challenge will have three rounds and the customer who accomplishes all of the rounds in the shortest time will be crowned the Ultimate Goal Getter of the Day and win prizes. The barkada of 4 who face all challenges together in the shortest time will be the Ultimate Barkada Goal Getters and receive special prizes such as GMovies tickets and a staycation.
On January 21, the grand Sinulog Festival street parade takes place. Contingents from different parts of the country dance the Sinulog ritual through the lively beats of the drums while wearing colorful and grand costumes. This is an event that you don’t want to miss!
After watching the Sinulog Festival street parade, make your way to Plaza Independencia. Multi-awarded rock band Parokya ni Edgar headlines this year’s musical acts at the TM Republikaravan. The concert will also end the fun activities of the Goal Getters Challenge.
Surprises also await those who visit Globe stores across Cebu. Those who load at least P50 can also get cool #GlobeSinulog freebies. For the whole month of January, Globe subscribers can trade in their 3G SIM cards to the new and improved LTE SIM at special booths all over Cebu and Mandaue. Visit #GlobeSinulog event page on Facebook to know more.
While you’re in Cebu for Sinulog Festival, make sure to experience what the province has to offer. Let’s also not forget the main reason why we celebrate Sinulog.
