Arts & Culture

Celebrate Grander this Sinulog 2020: A Traffic Guide

by Chrissy Grey Resaba

Alas! ‘Tis the season to be merry once again for Cebuanos. Cebu holds the record of being the city that celebrates Christmas the longest because it ends until the third of week of January. With that being said, the Queen City of the South becomes colorful and cheerful as Ceabunos revel the grandest festival in the Visayas and of the Philippines – the Sinulog Festival.

Sinulog Festival is celebrated every third Sunday of January to give honor to Snr. Sto. Niño, the patron saint of Cebu. This festival as well can be celebrated in two ways: solemn activity and cultural festivity.

Devotees from all ages and walks of life flock to Basilica Minore Del Santo Niño de Cebu to zealously attend the novena mass for nine days in the hopes of having their wishes be granted by the Holy Child Jesus. The novena holds masses plenty everyday until 7:00 in the evening ending with a traditional Sinulog dance. The first day of novena starts with Walk with Jesus procession and the last day ends with Walk with Mary together with Sto. Niño in which both routes begin in Fuente Osmeña Circle to the Basilica during the dawn of the day.

Part of the solemn celebration of the Holy Child, there is a fluvial procession that commemorates the coming of Snr. Sto. Niño to the shores of Cebu brought by Spaniards almost five centuries ago. Not only Cebu was introduced to Christianity in 1521, but it also became the foundation for the Sinulog’s relevance. It is a holy and peaceful tradition held at the sea a day before the grand celebration.

Cultural festivity thrills the party-goers with excitement as well when they get to feast their eyes with the multicolored costumes and props parading along the streets of Cebu for the Sinulog Grand Parade. Not to mention the parties laid out by the organizers for the millennial and young-at-heart. Yet, street parties are prohibited within the 100-meter radius that is why parties are held far from the city center days before the grand celebration.

There may be a lot of things to do during Sinulog this year however, streets become busier during some days because of the activities, expect heavier traffic because some streets will close thus planning might be a good solution … or maybe the best.

Be it by a taxi, Grab car, Angkas, jeepney, or a private car avoid the routes that will surely get affected by the activity.

Avoid heading over to streets closer to piers because fluvial procession will take place at six to nine in the morning. Osmeña Blvd., MJ Cuenco Avenue, Legaspi Extension, and Pier Uno will be closed during these times for the short foot procession.

Image courtesy of sinulog.ph

Traslacion is when Sto. Niño pays a visit to his father Saint Joseph in the National Shrine of Saint Joseph the Worker in Mandaue City and then to his Mother Mary in the National Shrine of Virgen de Regla in Lapu Lapu City that is to complete the Holy Family. Traslacion signifies the importance of family being together. The route starts at the Basilica then takes right to D. Jakosalem Street, right to Gen. Maxilom Ave., left to Gorordo Ave., right to Abp. Reyes Ave., then take the junctures MJ Cuenco Ave., and Banilad Road, takes a right to AS Fortuna St., right after to A. Del Rosario St., and ends by taking right to SC Cabahug St.

The streets of Mandaue and Lapu Lapu will be closed during the Traslacion of Sto. Niño. These streets are SC Cabahug, AC Cortes, Cebu-Mandaue (First) Bridge, Quezon Natl’ Highway, Cy De la Cerna St., and lastly Osmeña St.

The moving of the Holy Child Jesus from Cebu to Mandaue and Lapu Lapu happens on January 17 – 18, 2020. Moreover, the first bridge is closed during this time.

The Solemn Foot Procession happens on January 18, 2020, at one in the afternoon. Thousands of pilgrims and devotees take part in the holy procession to say a prayer or ask Snr. Sto. Niño to grant petitions. The route of the procession starts at the Basilica then to Osmeña Blvd., Colon St., Leon Kilat St., J. Alcantara St., V. Rama St., B. Rodriguez St., Fuente Osmeña Circle, back to Osmeña Blvd., then to P. Del Rosario St., Junquera St., back to Colon St., lastly to D. Jakosalem St., and back to the Basilica.

The revelry and the grandiose party definitely will get the tourists’ jaw dropped and be in awe as they witness a showcase of street pageantry accompanied by frenzied dance steps and choreography. Loud chants of “Pit Senyor” will also be ubiquitous. The Sinulog Grand Parade is the culminating activity of the Fiesta Señor. But, getting up early and going to the place where the street dancing is happening is a must because of the carousel route. The carousel route will take place starting outside the Cebu City Sports Center then along the N. Bacalso Ave., next to Imus Ave., then to Gen. Maxilom Ave., around the Fuente Osmeña Circle, next to Osmeña Blvd., and will end inside the CCSC.

Fare surge for Grab and Angkas will occur during peak hours especially when the procession and Sinulog parade happens. Jeepneys still have their minimum fare at Php 8 and taxis have its flag down rate at Php 40. Expect to have long walks as well when the streets will be closed. For people who have private cars, choose a spot where parking lots are closer to specific places.

Cebu has a lot in store for all the revelers during Sinulog season and knowing what streets will close due to important events as part of the festivity can let the people go a long way. Free the worries up and celebrate a grander Sinulog 2020 in razzmatazz.

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Kundiman After Dark: Traditional 19th Century Filipino Musical Genre Continues to Inspire

by Kingsley Medalla

The Kundiman is a traditional 19th-century Tagalog musical genre that served as a profound source of inspiration for many sophisticated, classically trained artists. The name is derived from the Tagalog phrase “kung hindi man,” literally translating to “if it were not so.” These musical pieces were often performed as poignant love songs characterized by smooth, flowing melodies containing emotional depth. Originating as a serenade in poetic Tagalog lyrics, it features a minor-to-major key progression expressing longing, devotion, patriotism, and a yearning for freedom.

Sine Pop, a boutique theater in a 1948 post-war heritage house located in Cubao, Quezon City, serves as a charming venue for cultural events and intimate performances with a small ensemble. Recently hosting Kundiman After Dark, a recital honoring the legacy of Nicanor Abelardo (1893–1934), a highly esteemed Filipino composer and pianist hailed as the “father of the sonata form in the Philippines” and a master of the art of the Kundiman. Carlson Chan, founder of Sine Pop, clarifies their unique model: the performances are open to the public and are, as such, complimentary, as its primary focus is to promote the performing artists per se.

The performances featured beloved Kundiman classics including Mutya ng Pasig (1926), Naku… Kenkoy (1930), and a personal favorite, Bituing Marikit (1926). These musical pieces were brought to life through the solo acts and live vocals of tenor Erwin Lumauag, Japanese violinist Shiho Takashima (who has since made the Philippines her permanent residence), and the renowned composer, pedagogue, and pianist Augusto Espino.

“Nasaan Ka Irog,” written in 1923, drew inspiration from a romantic tale shared by Nicanor Abelardo’s friend, who went overseas leaving behind his beloved in the Philippines. Years after, this man eventually became a doctor and, upon his return, discovered that the love of his life had been married to someone else. He also learned that the letters he had sent were never delivered to her, as they were kept by the doctor’s family, secretly away from her. A classic case of unrequited love. Kundiman serves as the heart and soul and the pinnacle of Filipino musical artistry.

Violinist Shiho Takashima and pianist Augusto Espino

Tenor Erwin Lumauag

Art patrons; Pacita Agoncillo Sode, Marilou Khan Magsaysay, Patricia Cepeda-Sison and this writer Kingsley Medalle

Arts & Culture

Art Beat: Scenes From the Manila Art Fair 2026

photography by Doro Barandino

“Art is unpredictable and goes in different directions. I have no idea. I would rather live the present moment.” —Bencab, National artist of the Philippines.

Vinta by Protegeri, collaboration art piece by Leeroy New, Solenn Heuseff and Vito Selma

Q&A with interior decorator and jewellery designer Doro Barandino

Which of the participating art galleries had the most unified and exciting theme?
Leon Gallery had the most amazingly put-together collection. Though the gallery engaged various artists, the overall visual effect felt like one unified theme. Leon Gallery used a sack-like cloth (most likely raw linen) as the background for the booth, and it brought the collection together. It had an old-world feel in a chaotic setting.

Who were the artists that were the most visually engaging?
The works of Carlo Tanseco were definitely my favorite. The artist used an eye chart (Snellen chart) as the background for the image of Dr. Jose Rizal giving us the middle finger—such an “in your face” message. The concept of our national hero as a modern-day provocateur was a wake-up call to everyone. Very subversive and underground material. I was also attracted to the works of Japanese artist Tadashi Kogure; they’re very architectural.

Was the choice of venue and its layout helpful in engaging the whole art vibe?
What I noticed was that the masters like Juan Luna, Fernando Amorsolo, and Fernando Zóbel still attracted the most viewers at the art fair. People are naturally drawn to their masterful strokes and historical significance, or perhaps these artworks are not readily accessible for public viewing. Or maybe those booths that carried the masters’ works were strategically positioned right after the registrar.

The choice of venue at Center One was a good move—it created a total art vibe. Manila Art Fair remains the premier art fair in the country today, showcasing the finest modern and contemporary art while offering curated projects and immersive installations.

The Standard by Thai artist Pitchapa at the Triangular durational, performance art.

Bato Bato sa Langit by Filipino artist Carlo Tanseco

Stocking Proportions Menumpuk Proporsi by Indonesian artist Labadiou Piko

Untitled by Indonesian artist Yunizar

Filipiny, wool tapestry by national artist of the Philippines,Federico Aguilar Alcuaz.

Untitled by German artist Valentin Elias Renner

Interior decorator and jewellery designer Doro Barandino is also a regular contributor for zee.ph

Arts & Culture

Visayas Art Fair Year 5: Infinite Perspectives, Unbound Creativity

by Jing Ramos

This year’s Visayas Art Fair marks its 5th anniversary, celebrating the theme “Infinite Perspectives: Unbound Creativity.” The fair continues its mission of bridging creativity, culture, and community in the country. This milestone edition strengthens its partnership with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts and expands collaborations with regional art organizations and collectives—reinforcing its role as a unifying platform for Philippine art.

VAF5 features the works of Gil Francis Maningo, honoring the mastery of his gold leaf technique on opulent portraits of the Visayan muse Carmela, reflecting spiritual awareness.

Gil Francis Maningo is celebrated for his gold leaf technique.

Gil Francis Maningo’s recurring theme of his Visayan muse “Carmela”.

Another featured artist is Danny Rayos del Sol, whose religious iconography of Marian-inspired portraits offers a profound meditation on the sacred and the sublime. This collaboration between two visual artists sparks a dialogue on the Visayan spirit of creativity and resilience. Titled “Pasinaya,” this dual showcase explores gold leaf as a medium of light and transcendence.

Artist Danny Reyes del Sol

Danny Reyes del Sol’s religious iconography.

Now in its fifth year, the Visayas Art Fair has influenced a community of artists, gallerists, brokers, collectors, museum curators, and art critics—constructing a narrative that shapes how we approach and understand the artist and his work. This combination of factors, destined for popular consumption, illustrates the ways in which art and current culture have found common ground in a milieu enriched by the promise of increased revenue and the growing value of artworks.

Laurie Boquiren, Chairman of the Visayas Art Fair, elaborates on the theme, expressing a vision that celebrates the boundless imagination of unique artistic voices:

“Infinite Perspectives speaks of the countless ways artists see, interpret, and transform the world around them—reminding us that creativity knows no single point of view. Unbound Creativity embodies freedom from convention and controlled expression, allowing every artist to explore and experiment without borders.”