Your Guide to Grander SINULOG 2015
Find out what's on Sinulog 2015. (Sinulog Festival, Schedule of Activities, Events, Survival Tips, Places to Stay in Cebu, Photos, Videos)
If sometime in the past you made a leisure tour of the Philippines without experiencing the thrills and excitement of the SINULOG FESTIVAL in Cebu, you should beat the panties out of your travel agent or tour operator. You have been shortchanged. It's like booking you on a Brazil tour and not discovering what CARNIVAL IN RIO was all about. Ok. Perhaps your schedule didn't run parallel to its grand festivities which happen only in January. Fine. The next time around just make sure you do your bookings with a genuine Cebuana. You'll know she's a Cebuana if she's beautiful and shapely and smiles instead of slapping you, if you get fresh.
The Sinulog Festival
Sinulog, pronounced as "See-noo-log" is a Cebuano word meaning "like the movement of water currents". And like a strong undercurrent that can grip you...this...one of the most festive, colorful events in the cultural spectrum of the country can hold you in awe. Like a delectable, mouth-watering Kobe steak served on your table, it sizzles. Its frenetic, mantra-like beat from the hundreds of drums during the grand parade cries out for you to let your hair down, join the street dancing and go wild.
Sinulog is actually an ancient ethnic dance performed by the early Cebuanos to pay homage to their gods. With Ferdinand Magellan's coming in 1521 and his gift of a Sto. Niño (Child Jesus) statue to Rajah Humabon's wife, the event not only introduced Christianity to Cebu but it became a foundation for the Sinulog's relevance. A depiction of Queen Juana raising the Sto Nino and blessing her subjects to ward off illnesses and demons became an integral part of the Sinulog Festival.
Sinulog Mix 2014 - Dj Ed Electro
The Sinulog Parade
Hundreds of thousands of pilgrims, devotees and tourists take part particularly in this grandest of parades. It consists of multi-colored, earthy street pageantry with participants donning vibrant hues and styles made of silk and trimmed or fastened with feathers. In a frenzied mood they dance in the streets to the spell-binding beat of drums and gongs and the mantral cries of "Pit Señor" (Long live the Christ child!) Then, there is also this frenetic whole week of religious and cultural activities climaxing in an all-day, almost all-night street dancing and parading in multi-colored costumes to a heart-thumping beat of native drums, trumpets and gongs. Resonating in the air are cult-like mantras wildly and loudly uttered by half-naked men and women with painted faces, stomping their feet on the ground as if preparing to go on a friendly warpath. This New Orleans-like Mardi Gras happens every 3rd Sunday of January, immediately a day after a mass celebration in the basilica is held in honor of Santo Niño de Cebu, long regarded as the city's patron saint. No invitations are handed out. You just let your hair down and join the fever- pitch revelry in the street.
2015 Grand Parade: Longer parade than in the previous years ��� SFI Exec. Director Ricky Ballesteros. Well, this only means that spectators better be prepared to be awed by the dancing street colors, intricate costumes, contagious smiles, soulful beat, amazing floats and star studded caravans. And oh, did we mention that the previous sentence described last year���s parade?
Solemn Mass
Like the Hunger Games starting gong, SINULOG also has an official kickoff (in a peaceful way of course) through a solemn mass held at the Basilica del Santo Ni��o. It's the start of the 9 days novena mass to be attended and completed by thousands (if not millions) of devotees. Most say you get a wish if you complete it, give it a try and expect an unbelievably huge crowd of wishers (or thankers and faithfuls) and witness the heartwarming faith-in-humanity-restoring 'Bato Balani'.
The Sinulog Fluvial Procession
As part of the tradition of bringing the Child Jesus to his parents in the different parishes of Cebu, a fluvial procession is held a day before the grand celebration. The image, encased in glass and bedecked with flowers is brought by watercraft representing a Spanish galleon.
Along with the busiest and wildest streets is also a holy and peaceful tradition held at the sea. It���s kept alive by the promises of devotees. Almost a hundred (if not more than) yellow, gold and red flower-decorated, small to medium sized boats, sail at dawn with the holy Child Jesus. Fluvial procession faithful attendees will surely surprise you with inexplicable joy whenever their boat gets a chance to be near with the float of Sr. Santo Ni��o, it���s considered a blessing. Not to mention the flowers that are showered at the bridge. Goose bumps everywhere.
Festival Queen
If there's a festival, there���s always a queen. This is one of the title by the very own reigning Miss Earth, Jamie Herrell. This is a search for the Lead Dancer from the contingents participating in the Sinulog Grand Parade based on exceptional beauty and dancing skills. The Festival queen should be able to dance with rhythm and grace accompanied with all artistic considerations (we���re talking about some skillful slant-body pose with a huge smile).
Survival Tips for SINULOG 2015
Preps
ArrivalNever book a flight on a Sinulog weekend. The city���s probably already a chaos by the time you arrive. As for travelers by sea, reserve tickets as early as possible.
Accommodation
September, October and November are good months for hotel bookings. A little too early and a little too late might just disappoint you and your pockets. See Places to Stay in Cebu during Sinulog 2015.
During
-
Adhere
Adhere to your body needs like enough rest, food and water. You���re gonna need all the energy out in the streets so get enough rest, eat properly and make sure to pack up water before heading out. -
Attire
Keep it simple. Shirts, shorts, hats, and sneakers are on top on the list when venturing. In fact, it all goes down on how you style your SINULOG attire. And oh, sunblock and umbrellas too. -
Attitude
Keep calm and cool. Keeping it festive is all you need to bear with the huge crowd, constant pushing, paint/beer showers and longer lines. Remember, it���s all about having fun! -
Attention
Keep your belongings at watch (especially for foreigners). The not-so-good people are also at bay during this occasion so really its better safe than sorry. -
Account
Take lots and lots of pictures. Share your fun and experience though pictures and social media updates. The internet is a better way to communicate with your friends since mobile networks are most of the time down during SINULOG.
Casa Escano Bed and Breakfast Hotel
Juana OSmena | Cebu City
A place that evokes rich memories Cebuanos growing up 60's -70's....
USD 69 ReserveCentury Plaza Hotel
Juana Osme��a Street | Cebu City
Century Plaza Hotel understands your need to be in touch with your business. Designed with you in mind, the hotel gives you the convenience of quick and easy access to other...
USD 36 ReserveCity Suites
F. Ramos Street | Cebu City
While other places force travelers to choose between comfort and accessibility, City Suites Ramos Tower in Cebu City, Philippines stands out by providing them with both plus so...
USD 53 ReserveCrown Regency Hotel and Towers Cebu
Tower 1, Fuente Towers, Osmena Boulevard | Sta. Cruz, Cebu City
A majestic view of uptown Cebu City satiates the eyes at the 40-storey hotel tower, the Crown Regency Hotel and Towers. Comfort and luxury are the main components of each of the...
USD 68 ReserveDiplomat Hotel
90 F. Ramos Street | Cebu City
Diplomat Hotel is located across the heart of the City. They have Guest room and Function rooms...
USD 30 ReserveWell Hotel
F. Ramos St., Cogon Ramos, | Cebu City
The hotel is just 30-45 minute drive from the Mactan Cebu International Airport and approximately 2-3 minute drive to Robinson's Place and Fuente Circle....
USD 29 ReserveGran Prix Econotel
3rd Floor Coast Pacific Building. F. Ramos St. corner Gen. Maxilom Ave. | Cebu City
Business and leisure travelers who seek inexpensive yet charmingly chic spaces book at Gran Prix Econotel Cebu. Offering rooms bathed in warm lighting and fitted with amenities...
USD 29 ReserveSampaguita Suites
2nd Floor, JRG Bldg., Gen. Maxilom Avenue | Cebu City
For MyHometel's second hotel, we got our inspiration from two successful business entrepreneurs: Jeff Bezos (founder of the popular online boom store Amazon.com) and Walt Disney...
USD 30 ReserveSt. Mark Hotel
Queens Road, Redemptorist Plaza, Brgy. Camputhaw | Cebu City
St. Mark is a boutique hotel with 5 star amenities that caters to travellers coming to Cebu for either business or leisure. The hotel is the premiere hospitality venture of Terre...
USD 51 ReserveSummit Circle
Fuente Osme��a Street | Cebu City
Robinsons Land Corporation (RLC), one of the Philippines' leading real estate companies, is involved in the development and operation of shopping malls and hotels, and is also one...
USD 57 ReserveApple Tree Suites Cebu
22 J. Llorente St. Capitol Site | Cebu City
APPLE TREE SUITES is a brand new hotel that started opening its doors to today's business and leisure travelers on May 28, 2006. It is conveniently situated in a peaceful...
USD 35 ReserveCapitol Central Hotel and Suites
Escario Street, Corner F. Ramos Extension, Capitol Site | Cebu City
It doesn't get any more central than this! Situated right across the historic Cebu Provincial Capitol. This newly-renovated hotel boasts of a very convenient location in...
USD 38 ReserveDiamond Suites and Residences
No. 8 Apitong Street , Escario Streets | Cebu City
Business should be a pleasure, which is why the Diamond Suites & Residences furnishes each of its 129 fully-functional guestrooms and residences with the best of both.
USD 49 ReserveCebu Grand Hotel
Cebu Capitol Commercial Complex North Escario St. | Cebu City
Our hotel in Cebu takes pride in bringing you close to the celebrations and festivities that the province is famous for Sinulog.
USD 60 ReserveCebu Parklane Hotel
Archbishop Reyes Avenue cor Escario Street, | Cebu City
Cebu Parklane International Hotel is located at the corner of Archbishop Reyes Avenue and Escario Streets, an area renowned for its vibrance and cosmopolitan charm. Just a few...
USD 63 ReserveCebu R Hotel
101 Don Mariano Cui St., Capitol Site, | Cebu City
That's something we can't define for you in words, but you'll know once you step into our spaces. We have created spaces for you that are unique in both appearance and appeal....
USD 25 ReserveDynasty Tourist Inn
Jasmin St. Capitol Site | Cebu City
In 2011, Dynasty Touist Inn took its transition to a more Modern Oriental themed hotel. From the modern fa?ade that welcomes you at first hand down to the hallways and lobbies...
USD 27 ReserveEscario Central Hotel
Escario Central Mall , Escario Street | Cebu City
A 46-room, sprawling type accommodation in a fusion of modern and zen design filled with striking shades of red and orange. The hotel radiates an atmosphere of rare comfort in its...
USD 39 ReserveGolden Prince Hotel
Archbishop Reyes Avenue, | Cebu City
Golden Prince Hotel and Suites brings the Golden Brand of Hospitality to a whole new level. Conveniently located at the heart of Cebu Business Park, this prestigious eight-story...
USD 45 ReserveHarolds Hotel
Gorordo Avenue corner Rosal St. | Cebu City
HAROLDS HOTEL offers a vantage point for guests with business or leisure reasons in the city. Situated in the uptown area of Cebu City, about 30 minutes away from Mactan...
USD 70 ReserveHotel Elizabeth, Cebu
Archbishop Reyes Avenue (across Ayala Center Cebu) | Cebu City
Established shortly after its predecessor in Baguio, Hotel Elizabeth Cebu has over 131 stately guest rooms and suites. Situated conveniently in one of Cebu's bustling district, the...
USD 106 ReserveHotel Stella
Don Gil Garcia Street Capitol Site | Cebu City
The Hotel Stella boast having 40 fully airconditioned rooms, flat screen television, Wi-fi, and a standby generator to make sure you that you will remail comfortable and safe.
USD 31 ReserveM Citi Suites
J. Llorente Street cor Don Gil Garcia Street | Cebu CIty
We want you to enjoy your total Cebu experience which begins with a most comfortable place to stay. We see your comfort and convenience as a fulfillment of our goal to deliver true...
USD 34 ReserveMandarin Plaza Hotel
Archbishop Reyes Avenue Corner Escario Street, | Cebu City
If what you're looking for is a conveniently located hotel in Cebu, look no further than Mandarin Plaza Hotel. From here, guests can enjoy easy access to all that the lively city...
USD 54 ReserveTune Hotel
36 Archbishop Reyes Avenue, | Cebu City
Tune Hotels core proposition is to offer a great night's sleep at a great price. All of the Tune hotels feature space-efficient, streamlined rooms focusing on high-quality basics:...
USD 46 ReserveRegal Business Park
Archbishop Reyes Avenue (across Ayala Center Cebu) | Cebu City
Regal Business Park Hotel is located at the heart of Cebu's main business district ��� the Cebu Business Park. It is strategically situated right across Cebu's primary lifestyle mall...
Quest Hotel
Archbishop Reyes Avenue, | Cebu City
Quest Hotel & Conference Center �������� Cebu is the first Quest Hotel in the Philippines with over 400 rooms. It is a 3 star hotel with an affordable lifestyle. It aims to combine the...
USD 61 ReservePremiere Citi Suites
M. P. Yap Street | Cebu City
Premiere Citi Suites is a new brand of fresh and modern rooms for those who come to Cebu for business or leisure. The hotel is located at the heart of the city, and is a short...
USD 38 ReserveParagon Suites
J. Osmena Street | Cebu City
The Queen City of the South is teeming with R & R options and pleasure opportunities for globetrotters and vacationers to indulge, being one of the most visited cities in the...
USD 30 ReserveNS Royal Pensione
Juana OSmena | Cebu City
Cebu, the queen city of the south, has long been admired by tourists for its pristine white sand beaches, hospitable community, rich cultural background and a bustling business...
USD 29 ReserveThe Maxwell
Escario Street | Cebu City
Econotels with convenient place in the City...
USD 30 ReserveTonros Apartelle
Gorordo Avenue | Cebu City
TONROS APARTELLE is a budget hotel (rooms at Php750/night) located a mere 7 minute walk to Cebu Business Park (AYALA CENTER). It is situated along the main road, accessibility to...
Verbena Pension House
584 - Don Gil Garcia St. Capitol Site | Cebu City
Verbena's drive towards uncompromising excellence in customer service and accommodation springs from a history that had become pivotal to this customer-focused business.
USD 35 ReserveWellcome Hotel
No. 18 Molave Street, Escario, | Cebu City
Wellcome Hotel has 68 reasonably-priced guest rooms with facilities resembling that of a three star hotel which will provide one with a special experience in one���s stay in Cebu!...
USD 65 ReserveDiscover the city's best hotels & accommodation, reviewed by local experts
| December 01 ��� January 31, 2015 | Sinulog Street Fair, Osme��a Blvd. |
| December 27, 2014 ��� January 24, 2015 | Sinulog 2014 Winning Photos Exhibit @ SM City Cebu |
| December 30, 2014 (Tue) | Sinulog 2015 Fun Run |
| 5:00 A.M. | Elimination Sinulog 2015 Dance Crew |
| January 8, 2015 (Thu) | Opening Salvo: Walk with Jesus |
| 4:00 A.M. | Assembly Time (Area) Fuente Osme��a |
| 4:30 A.M. | Start of Walk-Fuente Osme��a Blvd. ��� Basilica del Sto. Ni��o |
| 5:30 A.M. | Installation of Hermano & Hermana Mayores 2015 |
| January 9, 2015 (Fri) | Sinulog 2015 Kick Off |
| 10:00 A.M. | Sinulog Trade Fair @ SM City Cebu by Department of Trade and Industry |
| 2:00 P.M. | Solemn Mass (Basilica del Santo Ni��o) |
| 3:00 P.M. | Launching Parade (Basilica del Santo Ni��o to CCSC) |
| 7:00 P.M. | Opening and Launching Program, Fuente Osme��a |
| 8:00 P.M. | Sinulog Idol (Fuente Osme��a Circle) |
| 9:00 P.M. | Street Party Bands |
| January 10, 2015 (Sat) | Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Lalawigan |
| 1:00 P.M. | Parade of Participants, Capitol Site to Cebu City Sports Center |
| 2:00 P.M. | Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Lalawigan @ Cebu City Sports Center |
| 6:30 P.M. | Cultural Show (Fuente Osme��a) |
| January 11, 2015 (Sun) | Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Dakbayan |
| 4:00 A.M. | Cebu City 2015 Marathon ��� www.cebumarathon.com |
| 1:00 P.M. | Parade of Participants, Plaza Independencia to Cebu City Sports Center |
| 2:00 P.M. | Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Dakbayan @ Cebu City Sports Center |
| 6:00 P.M. | Grand Finals of Sinulog Choral Competition |
| 6:30 P.M. | Cultural Show (Fuente Osme��a) |
| 8:00 P.M. | Sinulog Idol (Fuente Osme��a) |
| 9:00 P.M. | Concert @ the Fuente Osme��a, Street Party Bands |
| January 12, 2015 (Mon) | |
| 6:30 P.M. | Cultural Show (Fuente Osme��a) |
| 8:00 P.M. | Sinulog Idol (Fuente Osme��a) |
| 9:00 P.M. | Concert @ the Fuente Osme��a, Street Party Bands |
| January 13, 2015 (Tue) | |
| 6:30 P.M. | Cultural Show (Fuente Osme��a) |
| 8:00 P.M. | Sinulog Idol (Fuente Osme��a) |
| 9:00 P.M. | Concert @ the Fuente Osme��a, Street Party Bands |
| January 14, 2015 (Wed) | |
| 9:00 A.M. | Airport Welcome (Balikbayan Flights) |
| 6:30 P.M. | Cultural Show (Fuente Osme��a) |
| 7:00 P.M. | Ms. Cebu 2015 Coronation Night |
| January 15, 2015 (Thu) | Sinulog 2015 Idol Grand Finals |
| Sinulog Festival Queen Runway Competition and Photo shoot | |
| January 16, 2015 (Fri) | Visual Merchandising Contest (Dept. Stores and Malls) |
| 4:00 A.M. | Sinulog 2015 Dance Crew Finals |
| Sinulog Festival Queen 2015 Coronation Night @ Cebu City Sports Center | |
| January 17, 2015 (Sat) | Visual Merchandising Contest (Dept. Stores and Malls) |
| 6:00 A.M. | Fluvial Procession of the Miraculous Image of the Sto. Ni��o |
| 9:00 A.M. | Re-enactment of the Baptism of Queen Juana and Rajah Humabon Basilica del Santo Ni��o |
| 2:00 P.M. | Solemn Procession of the Miraculous Image of Sto. Ni��o |
| 7:00 P.M. | Sinulog Fireworks Competition @ SM City Cebu |
| 7:00 P.M. | Street Party @ Fuente Osme��a |
| January 18, 2015 (Sun) | Sinulog Grand Parade |
| 4:00 A.M. | Ma��anita Mass @ Basilica del Sto. Ni��o |
| 6:00 A.M. | Pontifical Mass with His Eminence Jose S. Palma @ Basilica del Sto. Nino |
| 8:00 A.M. | Holy Mass @ Cebu City Sports Center |
| 9:00 A.M. | Sinulog Grand Parade Carousel Kick Off |
| 7:00 P.M. | Grand Finale and Grand Fireworks @ Cebu City Sports Center |
| 7:30 P.M. | Street Party Bands, Fuente Osme��a |
| 9:00 P.M. | Pyrospectacular Show (Pyromusical Show @ SM City Cebu) |
| 5:00 P.M. - 2:00 A.M. | Concert Series sa Sugbo @ SRP Grounds |
| 12:00 MN | Sinulog Fireworks @SRP |
| January 19, 2015 (Mon) | Awarding Ceremonies @ Cebu City Sports Center |
| January 23, 2015 (Friday) | "HUBO" |
| January 24, 2015 (Sat) | Judging of Finalists Short Film/Video Documentary Contest |
| Sinulog 2014 Photo Contest Winners Exhibit | |
| January 31, 2015 (Sat) | |
| 1:00 P.M. | Judging of Finalists Sinulog Short Film Festival @ SM City Cebu |
| 6:00 P.M. | Awarding Ceremonies Photo Contest, Short Film and Video Documentary Contest @ SM City Cebu |
| January 31, 2015 ��� February 8, 2015 | Photo Exhibit Winning Photos Sinulog 2014 @ SM City Cebu |





































