You all probably know that I live in Cebu, if you have read my introduction vlog. But the thing here is that I was born, raised and currently living in the north province. Which has an estimated 5 hours of travel to get to the city depending on how the transportation runs. And being in the city is quite expensive than the province life. But I have been to Cebu City countless times but not in Sinulog season which is in January.
I don't have the chance to experience the famous Sinulog Festival, not until this year.
Hence, I did not expect it at all. That I will get a chance to experience the festival this year. I have dreamed of experiencing Sinulog ever since, for the reason that it’s fun and vibrant. Hearing the joyful noise of the people around me as they share how lively the festival is. However, I did not pursue it because I already knew that my parents would not allow me especially since the city is big and there’s a 100% that I’ll be lost.
Correct me if I’m wrong but the Sinulog is celebrated last January 20 & 21. I don’t have that much knowledge about it and my significant other chatted to me "let's go to Sinulog tomorrow" I thought he was only bluffing because who would tell me that type of thing when it’s already January 20 at that time, and the city is 5-hour drive.
He’s studied Cebu so I know that I can cling to him when it comes to routes in the City. After hearing his proposition still on the verge of shock, who wouldn’t? I’m also afraid of telling this to my parent because the city is far away even though I have siblings studying there.
In a typical Filipino household, I always first to my mother to tell her our plan but she stated I don’t have the decision and go tell your father about that. Sweats and drums roll all over my chest as I tell my father the information. It’s a relief that he said “Go, both of you are already old to know what is good and bad.” I told my other half about it and he has decided to spend the night in our home because we are going to travel at 4 am.
Because of the excitement I barely had a chance to sleep well. My parents when we had a long ride would always remind us to bring food to eat while on the bus or boiled eggs and drink hot drinks before going. They are so sweet for that. We had to travel using public transportation and it cost three or four hundred for both parties. I always enjoy long rides especially when I get a chance to see the sunrise.
We arrived at the north bus terminal at 6 am. This is the back of the north bus terminal.
And the SM Cebu at 6 am, we rode a jeep that took us to Colon because we decided to have our breakfast there, and since the Basilica Minore Del Sto. Niño is in the area as well.
We started to walk and saw a lot of vendors. Selling headpieces, face, and hair painting, henna “temporary tattoos “ water, as well as phone accessories, and many others.
He bought me the feather headpiece which cost 50 pesos in Philippine money to complete the experience.
I noticed the pile of Crocs slippers and took a photo of it since my friend wanted to own Crocs slippers, I wanted to show it to her but I forgot.
And now we have arrived at the entrance arc, and as much as we want to get inside the church and offer our prayers. We cannot because of the thousands of people inside as well as inside yet
So, what we did was that we prayed at the entrance gate because we couldn't go further. We decided to have our breakfast afterward. Fast foods are full, restaurants and other food shop because of thousands of people who are eating their breakfast as well. So he decided to eat our breakfast in the chicken store since he once tried to eat there. They offer a big serving of chicken however for me the taste is bald as well as the gravy. He said that they served delicious portions the last time he ate there.
Moreover, my sister decided to tag along with us and we decided to fetch her. I have been there to the place she’s staying but I’m not as good as him with directions and how funny that we almost lost. After we fetch her we decide to go back to Colon and we want to try our luck as well so that maybe we can get inside the holy place. Once again we decided to raise our white flag because we almost lost our breathing in the crowd.
He decided to take to SRP which stands for South Road Properties. He studied in the city so he visited his old place located in Mambaling, Cebu. since the place owner was also approachable and he missed his acquittance as well. We also eat our lunch there. After hours of taking a rest, we decided to continue our stroll.
Our new destination is to go to SM seaside because of the heat we are feeling and we need to cool down. Many people are walking along with us. They may be going to the seaside or the Sinulog Grand Showdown location. Where parade of stars are there as well. Buzz of vehicles, laughter, stories, thousands of walks, complaints, and vendors' approachable voices are what we hear.
Upon reaching the mall many people are in there going out as well as going in. We decide to go to Sky Park and see the wide vibrant views of Cebu. Hence, the temperature is rising because of the heat.
We keep strolling taking photos and sharing stories as well. We have seen people who lay and sit down on the floor of the mall. We saw a lot of foreigners as well. I’m happy because this festival can help boost Cebu's economic revenue. Since many people would personally go there to experience Sinulog.
On the top floor is SM Seaside is where the art and paintings located with their corresponding price. As a fan of art, I appreciate that work. The paintings displayed there are different types but the highlight of the paintings is the corresponding message that connects the whole island of Cebu. Those paintings are really beautiful.
We decide to window shop in the National Bookstore Store. The place is my paradise, I saw Mangga, and Wattpad stories which are my fav sadly I don’t have enough money to buy those wants.
Afterwards, we decided to check the On. Cat store. They have a lot of pieces of jewelry, I bought one but he paid for it.
But I don’t want to make him pay all our travel expenses, so I treat them with avocado and ube-flavored ice cream.
After that, we decided to go out since we only decided to round trip which meant after the day we spent in the city will went home right away. For the reason that I still have a class tomorrow and as a college student you don't want to miss one subject. Upon going out of the mall we take some minutes to see the crowds of people walking because any minute we’ll be one of them. Now we decided to go back to his old place and get our things as well as to bid goodbye.
We wait for a modern jeepney that will take us back to the colon, Hence everything is full so by not wasting time we decide to walk slowly and by walking slowly we make it to the colon. During our walk, I made complaints about how tired I am and how my feet are hurting as well as my legs. But since we made it to our last destination.
The colon might market. When we decided to eat our dinner, we chose the local “tuslo buwa” made out of pig brains, species, and starch. The taste is delicious however my sister doesn’t eat tuslo buwa, I just discovered that she eats chicken as an alternative. Blurp and yeah were full. However, Lorenzo wants to feed me still so he buys us corn dogs and fruit salad drinks. And I can’t eat everything because we still have to take an hour's travel to get home. And since my sister doesn’t have classes for the next days she decided to go home as well. Hence, I did take a nap during the whole ride because of the tiredness I felt.
Feel good, feel drained, food's great. The experience’s unforgettable, said a lady who always complains about the whole trip. But anyway, even I feel so worn out. I still want to experience the Sinulog Festival all over again.
Thank you so much for being with me as I share this experience with you all. Unto your next Hive Travel adventure with J.
Adios Hivers!
Yayyy! Sinulog Festival is really one of the best festivals. The experience is incomparable. People really enjoy it no matter how hot the weather is.💜
I agree! And tired as well, haha the sacrifices are truly worth it.❤️
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Yay! Thank you so much for updating me.
On my 21 years of existence, I really haven't experienced attending the Sinulog festival, but I consistently go to Sto. Niño days before and after the festival when it's not that crowded anymore. 🥹 But I'm sure I would attend soon. Anyways, it's evident in your photos that you really had fun! Glad your mom and dad approved. ❤️ Attending this spiritual event is indeed worth the time and scorching heat of the sun.
Hello, I'm glad as well and you will surely will. Thank you so much for appreciating this blog.❤️
That's the true spirit of Sinulog. Storming heaven with prayers. I could recall my experience way back in time. It was tiring yet fulfilling. Singing the gozos of Señor Sto. Niño filled my heart with hope and strength to continue journeying in this life. Seeing the candle vendors graceful dance while praying and waving the candles (the origin of Sinulog dance which represents "sulog" or the the rivers movement) inspires us to be more prayerful and obedient to God.
That was a memorable moment of yours. For sure, you will include this yearly event in your 2025 activities. Enjoy the rest of your day. Till next time. Pit Senyor!
Glad that you experience it! Tiring yet fulfilling is a very accurate feeling. The streets are very vibrant you really can feel the fun everywhere you go in Sinulog season. I hope I can experience it next year again. Pit Senyor!
It's been a while since I last attended the Sinulog festival and I missed it so much. I'm so happy you were able to experience it and you enjoyed it Jes✨🤗
Let's experience Sinulog in the future Shinlat, That would be fun.
I'm glad you enjoyed the Sinulog Festival in Cebu City! I experienced Sinulog since I'm from Cebu. Exploring around the city was really fun, especially checking out SM Seaside and all the cool artwork there. Oh, and those Mangga and Wattpad stories at the National Bookstore? They caught my eye too! I'm curious about the prices. Demon Slayer is one of my favorite anime, so I bet those books are expensive😭. It's amazing how Sinulog festival can bring folks together and give a boost to the local economy. Thanks for sharing your adventure @mariejeijeim !!
The prices aren't friendly, Glad you have enjoyed it as well.
I can relate to this, though on my part, it was my Mommy F (Auntie). Always lahing napangungunahan ng takot in the end, I will just stay at home and magmukmok sa bahay kesa magpaalam, I know naman na di papayagan, lol.
Anyways, it looks like y'all had so much fun that day. It's really lively in there, and because it's the big city, You can really see a lot in, and explore a lot. And it's also more fun as you get to enjoy it with your "significant other" and sister. Yiehhhh, haha.
Omg very true, hope you find the courage to tell your aunt about your plans. Thank you so much for reading my blog.❤️
Sinulog is a blast! The energy is incredible, with everyone in the streets. It's a great way to celebrate Cebu's culture and faith. By the way I am from Cebu that why I knew how wonderful it is. Also, SM Seaside is amazing! Great shops, delicious food, and beautiful views.
Literally, beat the heat and have fun in it. Cebu truly has so much more to offer.
That's lots of things to do in just a day! I also wanted to experience huge festivals in the Philippines, as of speaking, Kaamulan Festival is on going in Bukidnon but it's too far and too expensive for me to go.
Hello, don't worry you'll experience attending festivals soon. It took me 21 years to experience the blast and I know you'll get to experience it as well.
Yeah, we all have our own pace and we do things at the right time. I'm 30, lol! But it's not too late yet, I know
THE ESSENCE OF SINULOG🥹🤍
Is very worth experiencing.
It is almost 4 years that I have not watch the Sinulog festival in the city. It is nice seeing you Ma'am @mariejeijeim enjoying with your love ones.
Thank you so much for appreciating my blog po.
Man, when's the last time I've been there? Probably just for the novena, but yeah. But hey, glad to know you're enjoying it. Since you're already having the Sinulog, any thoughts about trying Kadaugan sa Mactan in Lapu-Lapu as well? IDK, maybe you have some friends who can take you, hehe.
Thank you so much, However, sad to say I don't have friends living in Lapulapu it's just they only go there to study and everyone is busy but maybe in the future.
What a great photos of yours. This Sinulog Festival is one event that I really want to attend very soon. I want to experience it too. Looking at gour photos, it seems that you really enjoyed the event 🥰
I did even though it drained my energy. But it's all worth hope you'll get a chance to experience it as well.