Cebu City Vice Mayor Edgardo Labella opens an exhibit of winning photo contest entries at SM City Cebu. (CDN PHOTO/ JUNJIE MENDOZA)
Organizers of next month’s Sinulog parade in Cebu City said there were several new features to look forward to in January.
Even with the country’s attention on the historic visit of Pope Francis, who will be in Manila on the day of the Sinulog, Jan. 18, a record crowd is expected to be in Cebu for the festival which draws visitors from different towns, provinces and foreign tourists.
“We made sure the celebration in Cebu will not be overshadowed. It will be very religious and for me, it would complement the visit of the Pope,” said Ricky Ballesteros, executive director of the Sinulog Foundation Inc.
He and Cebu City Vice Mayor Edgardo Labella described some highlights in Saturday’s launch press conference.
“We have the biggest stage that measures 70.6 by 44 meters with a new design,” said Ballesteros.
In the daytime of Jan. 18, spectators can view the fascade of the Sto. Niño Basilica on stage.
By evening, the scene will open up to show the interior of the church and the altar.
“It’s also the first time in history that the church asked the Sinulog Foundation to use the Sto. Niño as a theme,” he said.
The year 2015 marks the celebration of the 450th year presence of Augustinian fathers in the Philippines and the 50th year anniversary of the basilica.
Large LED video screens will be placed along Osmeña Avenue.
Spectators of the parade will be able to view contingents performing inside the Cebu City Sports Center.
January’s big events – the Sinulog and Pope Francis’ visit to the Philippines – will complement each other, says Sinulog executive director Ricky Ballesteros at the press launch. (CDN PHOTO/ JUNJIE MENDOZA)
They will also get to see a live feed of Pope Francis in Manila where he will preside over afternoon Mass in the Rizal Park.
Eleven out-of-town contingents are joining the Sinulog parade-competion to compete with Cebu dance contingents vying for a total of P25 million in prizes.
Delegations will be sent from Tangub City, Alang-Alang in Leyte, Sultan Kudarat in Lanao del Norte, Province of Masbate, Placer in Masbate, Panglao in Bohol, Sibulan in Negros Oriental, Ormoc City, Catbalogan in Leyte and Abuyog in Leyte.
The grand prize winner gets a P1 million first prize. The prize money was increased this year to P700,000 for second place and P500,000 for third place.
Some contingents spend as much as P10 million to participate in the Sinulog.
Elementary and highschool students will have their own parade competition for public schools in the province and Cebu City.
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