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Sinulog Savvy
The weekend isn’t just about the floats, parties and fun-loving crowds—beyond that is a cultural institution that celebrates the province’s acceptance of the Catholic faith and its unwavering devotion to the Santo Niño.
The weekend isn’t just about the floats, parties and fun-loving crowds—beyond that is a cultural institution that celebrates the province’s acceptance of the Catholic faith and its unwavering devotion to the Santo Niño.
HISTORY
Ferdinand Magellan presented the image of the child Jesus or Santo Niño as a gift to Hara Amihan, the wife of Cebu’s ruler Rajah Humabon, when he landed in Cebu in 1521. It’s said that Hara Amihan was overjoyed at the sight of the Santo Niño and started dancing, paving the way to the conversion of 800 natives to Christianity and the changing of her own name to Queen Juana. After Magellan was killed and Miguel Lopez de Legazpi arrived more than 40 years later, his men found the Santo Niño in one of the local houses. The devotion to the Santo Niño has steadily grown stronger since then, with the annual Sinulog parade that has gained momentum since it started in 1980.
THE FESTIVITIES
The Sinulog festivities begin with a nine-day novena before its culmination of the grand parade on the third Sunday of January. Before the weekend, it has become tradition for the image of the Santo Niño to be brought to His parents. On Friday, He’s first brought to the St. Joseph Parish in Mandaue, where He spends the night as devotees hold vigil. Come dawn, the image is then brought by boat through the Mactan Channel to visit the Virgen dela Regla or the Virgin of the Rule. By the time the sun is up, a fleet of colorful bots join the Santo Niño in its journey back to Cebu City for the reenactment of the Cebuano’s acceptance of Christianity from the Spanish. At sundown, a solemn procession is held throughout the city’s main roads, where the large crowd can number in millions as they walk with the Santo Niño as it returns to the Basilica. On Sunday, the crowd goes into a more festive mood, with the grand parade of floats and dancers through the city’s main roads. Contingents from around the island and neighboring provinces make their way through the streets and into the Cebu City Sports Complex to show off their choreographed presentations. Outside, revelers celebrate throughout the afternoon, dancing alongside performers while done up in face paint and feathered accessories. The day ends with elaborate fireworks displays throughout the city, while the crowd continues to party well into the night.
LOCALES
When it comes to Sinulog, Cebuanos know what they’re talking about. We round up some friends and ask them: “What advice would you give Sinulog virgins on how to enjoy and survive the weekend?”
MIA ARCENAS (@miaccake)
Put face paint on. That way, people with paint on the street—like my friends— won’t find it tempting to smother your clean face with paint. And live in the moment. Let loose and have fun!
CHERYL PAGES-ALBA (@peonyalba)
Make sure you’re not too drunk that you don’t know where you are the next morning!
MIKEY SANCHEZ (@iammikeysanchez)
Bring ziplock bags to put your gadgets in if you don’t have waterproof casing, and bring money in small denominations. Hydrate(with water!) in between shots, and head to Century Plaza for the best street parties and the friendliest drunk people!
DOYZKIE BUENAVIAJE (@doyzkie)
Hydrate and fuel up on food! You don’t want to run low on energy while enjoying the festivities, which whisks from morning until the next day.
SIAN MAYNARD (@sianemaynard)
Comfy footwear is a must to get through the streets that are blocked off, and a bottle of water to keep you hydrated after an afternoon partying under the sun.
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The Homes of Zee–Holiday Edition: Christmas House No. 3
Christmas House No. 3
Check out why this holiday home is on our list of 12 Cebu homes this season. Zee.ph offers a glimpse of Cebu’s holiday homes from far and wide. Please follow our series as we bring you a different home in the next few days!
Welcome to Christmas Home No. 3, where the season’s spirit is adorned in elegant white hues. This cozy abode is nestled near Cebu’s bustling IT Park, which radiates tradition and festive cheer. The homeowners, a delightful couple, eagerly await the arrival of their only daughter and her family from Manila.
As you enter this winter wonderland, a white Christmas tree takes center stage, adorned with glistening ornaments that shimmer in the soft glow of fairy lights. The white decor creates an atmosphere reminiscent of a snowy holiday retreat. Opting for a white-themed Christmas isn’t just a stylistic choice; it’s an invitation to embrace simplicity, purity, and serenity during the festive season. The neutral palette provides a canvas for creativity, allowing each ornament to stand out and making memories more vibrant. It offers modern living and timeless elegance, creating a perfect backdrop for family celebrations. Peek inside the magic of a white Christmas as this welcoming home awaits the joyous reunion of loved ones.
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The Homes of Zee–Holiday Edition: Christmas House No. 1
Check out why this holiday home is on our list of 12 Cebu homes this season. Zee.ph offers a glimpse of Cebu’s holiday homes from far and wide. Please follow our series as we bring you a different home in the next few days!
This sleek house seamlessly blends into its natural surroundings while exuding a modern aesthetic that sets it apart as one of the most stylish homes in Cebu. Upon entering, the interior’s clean lines and minimalistic design immediately capture the essence of contemporary living. The couple’s home reflects their impeccable taste and dynamic lifestyle, which revolves around work and travel. Every corner of the house seems to narrate a story of the couple’s journey through fashion and design.
The living area is adorned with carefully selected holiday decor that complements the overall simplicity. Large glass windows invite abundant natural light, seamlessly connecting the indoor and outdoor space from day to night. The choice of neutral tones enhances the sense of tranquility within, offering a retreat from the bustling energy of Cebu below. The residence is decked out in restrained holiday cheer, a curated canvas that mirrors the couple’s artistic inclinations. Every element, from bespoke furniture to curated art pieces, is thoughtfully chosen to create a harmonious environment that speaks volumes about the occupants’ creativity and global influences.
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LONDON IN FULL BLOOM: An Exclusive Look at the recent Chelsea Flower Show
The Chelsea Flower Show in London, one of the most prestigious horticultural events in the world, returned in full glory in May 2023, captivating visitors with its stunning displays and landscape designs. Held annually on the grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea in London, this year’s show proved to be a true feast for the senses, showcasing an array of breathtaking gardens, vibrant floral arrangements, and innovative landscaping. The 3-day event showcased 36 outdoor gardens, including four balcony gardens for small spaces. Inside the giant pavilion, blooms compete with each other, exotic flowers, roses, and many more.
The 2023 Chelsea Flower Show embraced a Nature’s Harmony theme, with a strong focus on sustainability and mental health. The show’s organizers emphasized the importance of sustainable gardening practices and biodiversity conservation, inspiring attendees to create beautiful outdoor spaces while preserving and protecting the environment.
What’s Cebu got to do with the Chelsea Flower Show in London? One person. James Doran Webb (https://www.jamesdoranwebb.co.uk), an Englishman working with driftwood, has been displaying his artworks for several years. James collects cast-off driftwood and shapes them into beautiful animal shapes that find places in some of the most iconic gardens. Leaping horses, owls, reindeer, and the occasional dragon, James Webb’s creations are avidly collected by landscapers to add accent to gardens in all sizes, using cast-off wood, fitting perfectly with the sustainable element—something Mr. Webb has done quite well for the last decade.
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The Philippine International Flower Festival will be held at the PICC in Manila from January 14 to 18, 2024. Watch out for more info from our website!
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