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How to survive Sinulog like a boss

Five days to go before Sinulog, and the excitement sweeping throughout Cebu is reaching a fever pitch. It’s going to be one hell of a party, so before you hit the streets for the Mardi Gras this Sunday, make sure you’ll live to tell the tale. Take it from Cebuanos and Cebuanos-at-heart—they know best.

Thousands of locals and tourists flocked to Lifedance Sinulog last year. (Photo courtesy of http://www.lifedancecebu.com/)

MANNA ALCARAZ, PR Officer, Marco Polo Plaza Hotel

Pace your drinking. You don’t want to be puking and feeling hungover at 3:00 P.M.
Charge your phone and bring a power bank. Since networks might go crazy, try to communicate via mobile data through Viber or FB Messenger.
Be ready to get wet. There’s going to be a lot of “beer showers” and actual rain showers. Wear swimwear underneath your Sinulog shirt.
Anticipate that prices will be jacked up because it’s Sinulog so bring enough cash but be careful in storing them.
Assign a friend in the group who is not allowed to get super wasted so that they will be in charge of making sure nobody ends up having a naked photo on Facebook or nobody goes too crazy.

REI SARMIENTO-NIÑAL, PR, Events & Accounts Manager, Bigseed Public Relations and Events

’Ziplock’ your mobile phones, tab, or any non-waterproof/non-dustproof device you have, especially if you want to see the photos you took during Sinulog the following day, haha.
Plan with your friends and agree on particular meet-up points and time schedules as the network can be very weak during the grand parade.
Dress for comfort. Be in light clothing, wear rubber shoes if possible, and bring some protection from the sun like shades or hats.
Keep yourself hydrated. Don’t forget to bring water, or beer, whatever.
The buddy system also helps, just in case one of you passed out.

MAY JIMENEA, PR Assistant, Radisson Blu Hotel Cebu

Dress for the occasion. Sinulog is the mother of all festivities in the Philippines, it’s colorful and fun. But it’s also the most crowded. So dress properly. Wear your most comfortable t-shirt, shorts and put some sneakers on, because Sinulog means walking, a lot.
Bring the essentials, Carry a small bag or purse with you where you can keep the most important things such as water, a cap or an umbrella (Sinulog weather is unpredictable, it is either really warm or it’s rainy), some meds like paracetamol or pain reliever because you just never know. Maybe bring some crackers too, to fill your stomach when you can’t find food. You definitely need these things to battle exhaustion from all the festivities.
Study your route. There are many roads closed for Sinulog so you need to know ahead of time where you’re going to avoid wasting time. Get on the official Sinulog website and check the routes and alternate routes. Learn where the best place is to wait for a cab or jeepney. This means, planning ahead of time.
Watch the fireworks in a cozy restaurant. For those locals who have been through enough Sinulog but don’t want to miss out on the gorgeous fireworks, have dinner in places with roof decks in the city. Find a restaurant that is strategically located to get the best view of the fireworks. This way, you don’t have to be in the crowd to enjoy the feel of the festivity.
Rest. Last but definitely not the least; take a deep breath and rest. Take a good night sleep before Sinulog (if you’re not partying) because you will need it. The crowd, the weather, the dancing, all of this will make your body scream, so take care of it.

RED DUTERTE, Graphic Design and Entrepreneur, 726 Printing and Design

Hydrate. You’re going to be walking a lot in Sinulog. Make sure to replenish your thirst before it’s too late.
Comfort is key. In Sinulog, it’s better to be under than overdressed (take high importance in your choice of footwear. I laugh at those who wear heels and slippers. Just… don’t)
Protect your belongings. Whether it’s a waterproof case for your phone or by not brining a wallet, it’s always better to be safe than sorry.
Use social media to know where the best events are. Research ahead of time. It helps, trust me.
Leave the drama at home. Flash your biggest smile and shout PIT SENYOR to even your worst enemy (it’s only once a year. You can continue hating after)

MICAH ALMAZAN, Assistant Director of Possibilities, A~List Events, PR & Advertising

Don’t go.

CHARLENE VIRLOUVET, Instructor, Alliance Française de Cebu

Good shoes. And by good, I mean reliable and durable. It helps that it’s cute and fashionable, but keep in mind that your gonna be in those things the entire day and night, and their gonna take a beating. With good shoes, you’ve got one less thing to worry about and more time to have fun and enjoy the festivities.
If you’re with a group of friends with whom you plan on spending the day with, have a designated spot and time in case anyone gets lost. It’s gonna be crazy getting from one place to another. Our phones aren’t going to be very reliable on Sinulog day. Signal is going to be horrible! At least with a place and time, you’re sure to reunite with your friends.
Always keep loose change in your bag or pockets. Having a Php 1,000 bill probably won’t get you anything. Have your bills changed the day before. It’ll be useful to buy water, go to bathrooms, buy whistles and hats, and food.
Like good shoes, a good bag will get you a long way. Don’t bring anything too big. It keeps you from dancing around! Bring a bag that stays glued to your body. Maybe a satchel, a small backpack that you can wear on your stomach, or a fanny pack! Those are cute! Fill your bag with whatever you think you’ll need; towelette, alcohol, pain meds, hand mirror, bandaids, etc. Have a bag where you can fit a bottle of water. That way, you’ll have no reason for being dehydrated. Nobody likes a party pooper.
Lastly, bring your festive spirit! Sinulog isn’t just a day to go out and get so drunk you pass out before the real party starts. Remember to appreciate all the bright colors, the hospitable people (everyone is friendly on Sinulog day!), the parade, the dances, the costumes, etc. It’s all quite beautiful if you take the time to look.

Featured image courtesy of LifeDance.

Related Topics:Cebu events festivals parties Philippines Sinulog Sinulog 2015

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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.

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.

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Butch Carungay’s 50th in Neverland

By Emmanuel Hamoy

Cebu’s glitterati came out in full force for Butch Carungay’s 50th birthday bash at EdenClub. It was a fun-filled night overflowing with Pol Roger, trivia games whilst traipsing the light fantastic.

Butch Carungay and Janice Lin.

Gerry Laperal and Lotte Delima-Edwards

Romero Vergara and Oj Hofer

Mary Anne Aboitiz, Christine Pelaez, Tamsin Booth, Frances Siao and June Alegrado

Maris Holopainen and Carlo Cordaro

Janine Taylor and Mary Anne Aboitiz

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Lucky Colors of 2025: Harness the Energies of Emerald Green & Carmine Red for Success

Thom Browne Cropped tweed jacket

by Oj Hofer

With the Year of the Wood Snake underway, understanding the significance of lucky colors can help align us with its energetic flow. Rooted in Chinese astrology and Feng Shui, the year’s fortifying shades—emerald green and carmine red—offer mindfulness and good intention attracting luck, and fostering personal growth.

Emerald green, associated with the Wood element, symbolizes renewal, clarity, and inner peace. In the year of the wood snake, its dynamic energies will empower and inspire you, fostering growth, renewal and wise transformations. The hue is ideal for moments of self-reflection, study, or creativity. Wearing or incorporating this shade into your space enhances balance and mental focus.

Carmine red, linked to the Fire element, embodies passion, confidence, and vitality. This year, which according to the Bazi Four Pillars Chart, has a lack of metal, earth and fire elements, it will bring balance and the propitious energies. It’s perfect for professional meetings, decision-making, and moments requiring assertiveness as a splash of red can energize and embolden you throughout the day.

Stella Macartney vegan Leather tote

Stefano Ricci silk tie with paisley print

To fully harness their benefits, use these colors in a contemporary, mobile context; through clothing, jewelry, bags and accessories. Alternate between these two potent tints based on your needs. For example, wear green for calmness and clarity when you are going into stressful and mind challenging meetings or appointments. Choose red when you are going into places or situations where you need courage and motivation such as fashion galas, elite socials, prestige affairs, VIP gatherings and so forth.

Saint Laurent crepe de chine mules

Optionally, you can also choose to wear these colors inconspicuously in small details, such as a garnet or jade bracelet, or a ruby or emerald pendant and earrings set. Men can wear a burgundy or forest green tie or pocket square, or casual polo shirts with poppies or with botanical prints, or jade and garnet jewelry. Doing so can subtly align your energy with the year’s vibrational flow.

Jan Leslie emerald bracelet

Daily Mood Cuff Links with red tiger’s eye tubes

The use of colors is more than just aesthetic choices or preferential picks. Colors can serve as energetic tools, reminding you of your good intentions and keeping you mindful of you daily motions. Effecting an optimistic mental state in the wearer, they can effectively shield you from negativity while fostering prosperity and emotional balance. Thoughtfully incorporating them into your wardrobe and surroundings ensures that you move through 2025 with confidence and the right intentions.

Embracing emerald green for tranquility and carmine red for strength are intentional, mindful choices that have the power to transform your energy and shape your path forward. May you have the best of luck in navigating through Year of the Snake with harmony, energy, and the power to attract good fortune.