Get ready for a parade of 35 dancing contingents and an assortment of floats, “higante” and life-size puppets dominating the streets of Cebu City today for the Sinulog.
With typhoon Agaton expected to bring in a cold breeze and rainshowers, organizers still hope for clear weather for the parade which starts at 9 a.m.
Cebu’s biggest festival is taking off on a theme of overcoming adversity because “faith withstands all” after a year of calamities that saw supertyphoon Yolanda and an earthquake devastate parts of the Visayas.
By 5 a.m., roads along the parade route will be closed until the activities end at 7 p.m.
The parade will follow its usual route leading to the Cebu City Sports Center where judging takes places before a stadium crowd of at least 6,000.
The arrival of Vice President Jejomar Binay will mean tighter security at the sports center.
After the natural disasters in October and November, city officials expect a 20 percent to 30 percent increase in visitors and spectators in the 2014 Sinulog, said Alvin Santillana, executive director of the city Risk Reduction and Management Council.
This is explained by deep Catholic devotion to the Sto. Niño, patron of Cebu, whom believers – especially the poor – turn to during periods of crisis to seek divine aid or to give thanks for blessings received, as stories of survival blend with determination of communities to get back on their feet.
PANGLAO
Panglao town in Bohol is one of seven out-of-town contingents competing for the Sinulog championship with its P1 million cash prize.
“We will promote Bohol tourism because it slowed down due to Yolanda,” said Remegio Araña, a member of the contingent’s steering committee.
Panglao is making a comeback after six years of absence. Panglao last joined the Sinulog in 2006 and 2007.
This time they are joining the Sinulog in thanksgiving to the Sto. Niño.
Several resorts closed for at least a month after typhoon Yolanda struck. They reopened when power supply returned to normal last month. Panglao was also largely spared from the devastation left by the earthquake in other parts of Bohol.
Vigorous dancing to the beat of drums and the trademark Sinulog rhythm is the main spectacle in the Sinulog parade.
The most awaited entries, aside from hometown favorites, and out-of-town contingents – teams of over 150 dancers, propsmen and musicians who travelled by boat in choppy sea conditions to join Cebu’s festival.
Two are from Placer, Masbate; Tangub City; Plaridel in Misamis Occidental; Panglao, Bohol; Cotabato City and Lanao del Norte.
Comeback
In keeping with the festival as a tribute to the Holy Child, skimpy costumes won’t be allowed in the parade.
Those in questionable attire — those that show too much skin or are too sexy — won’t be allowed to perform on stage in the dance competition, said Ricky Ballesteros, executive director of the Sinulog Foundation Inc.
A new feature this year is the use of entry passes for the Cebu City Sports Complex that use QR Codes in the Sinulog IDS, a safeguard against counterfeit tickets.
With tickets priced at P800 to P2,500 for a space in concrete bleachers, guests were advised to come early to the grandstand since the entry procedure of scanning the QR Code of the pass may take time.
Mayor Rama who has been asking Cebuanos to pray for good weather today said the Cebu City Coliseum will be used as an alternative judging area in case heavy rains affect the parade.
Another option is to use nearby sports centers like those in barangays Sawang Calero, San Nicolas and Tinago.
About 30 ambulances and medical stations are stationed along the parade route to respond to any emergency.
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