add_action('wp_footer', function () { echo ''; }, 99);
While the country’s biggest festival is best known for the crazy parties happening on the streets, Sinulog goes beyond that. We take a look at its history, the various ways of celebrating it, and the schedule of activities, because yes, Sinulog actually lasts more than a weekend!
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 they landed in Cebu in 1521.
It is 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.
We ask Cebuanos about the different ways one can take part in the celebrations.
NIGHTWALK FROM DOWNTOWN TO MIDTOWN
As someone who loves city walks and streets, I suggest that one should try a night walk from downtown all the way to the midtown streets of the city.
Start off with a night visit at the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño – the focal point of the Sinulog festival. Then, the Magellan’s Cross where one can offer candles and prayers. Walk in the oldest street of the country, Colon and haggle on some pieces at night market. Then proceed to Osmeña Boulevard, where pictures of beautiful tourist attractions are installed at random parts.
Last stop should be the Fuente Osmeña Circle. Take a selfie with the giant Christmas tree and watch concerts of local artists inside the rotunda. Other than a good exercise, the night walk can let you experience the city’s lively culture. – PHILIP LAPINID, photographer
SINULOG AT THE GRANDSTAND
Sinulog, being the country’s biggest festival, can be quite overwhelming, with numerous activities happening around the metro, some coinciding with another.
For repeat visitors who have had their dose of religious homage and the infamous street parties, staying at the Grandstand on Sinulog Day is another dimension of the festival that should be experienced. It is only at the Grandstand where dancing contingents get to perform their entire five-minute “ritual presentation.”
Enthusiasts of dance as a form of art and praise will surely appreciate the intricate costumes, larger than life props and backdrops, and visual effects set on the big stage to reflect each group’s storylines and interpretation of the Sinulog dance. – SINJIN PINEDA, travel blogger
Purchase your tickets at the Cebu City Sports Center along Jones Avenue, Cebu City. Tickets range from Php 1,000 to Php 2,500.
NOVENA MASSES
I suggest people attend the earliest Mass Novena schedule because the crowd is still manageable. I am not fond of congested areas and brushing of elbows, that is why I prefer this schedule. In addition, I get to start my day with God. I need my daily dose of positivity and enlightenment from the Holy Child. – FRANZ BULAN, online teacher
Novena Masses are from January 6 to January 14, with the first one starting at 4:00 p.m., and last one at 8:30 p.m.
STREET PARTY
I always look forward to the street dancing and partying. Think face paint and beer showers! It’s always fun even just walking through the crowds to your destination. You are greeted by strangers with “Pit Señor!” and a high-five, a shot, a bottle of beer, a hug, a slap of paint on your face and body, or all of the above so it’s best you wear clothes you’re okay getting rid of after the festivities.
Go out in the morning to watch the parade before heading out to street parties in the afternoon, that way you get to see the dances and it won’t be too crowded yet. – MAYAN BENEDICTO, travel guide
Mayan also hosts an open-for-all house party at Juana Osmena Ext., a few minutes away from the parade route and steps away from the party district. See Facebook event for more details.
Here’s the Schedule of Activities for Sinulog 2017.
December 1, 2016 – January 31, 2017
Sinulog Street Fair, Osmeña Boulevard
Friday, January 6: Sinulog 2017 Kick-Off
10:00 A.M.: Sinulog Trade Fair, SM City Cebu
02:00 P.M.: Solemn Mass, Basilica Minore del Santo Niño
03:00 P.M.: Launching Parade, Basilica Minore del Santo Niño to Cebu City Sports Center
05:30 P.M.: Novena Mass. Basilica Minore del Santo Niño
07:00 P.M.: Opening and Launching Program, Fuente Osmeña
Saturday, January 7: Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Lalawigan
02:00 P.M.: Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Lalawigan, Cebu City Sports Center
07:00 P.M.: Miss Cebu 2017 Pre-Pageant Night, Ayala Activity Center
January 7-12
09:00 P.M.: Street Party Bands Concert, Fuente Osmeña
Sunday, January 8: Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Dakbayan
03:00 A.M.: Cebu City 2017 Marathon – www.cebumarathon.com
02:00 P.M.: Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Dakbayan, Cebu City Sports Center
Wednesday, January 11
07:00 P.M.: Miss Cebu 2017 Coronation Night, Waterfront Cebu City Hotel & Casino
08:00 P.M.: Sinulog Idol, Fuente Osmeña
Thursday, January 12
06:00 P.M.: Balik Cebu Welcome Party, Ayala Activity Center
06:30 P.M.: Sinulog Festival Queen Runway Competition and Photoshoot
08:00 P.M.: Handumanan, Ayala Terraces
08:00 P.M.: Sinulog 2017 Idol Grand Finals, Fuente Osmeña
Friday, January 13
04:00 A.M.: Walk with Mary, Fuente Osmeña to Basilica Minore del Santo Niño
06:00 P.M.: Sinulog 2016 Dance Crew Finals, Cebu City Sports Center
07:30 P.M.: Sinulog Festival Queen 2016 Coronation Night, Cebu City Sports Center
08:00 P.M.: Cebu Popular Music Festival, Cebu Coliseum
Saturday, January 14
06:00 A.M.: Fluvial Procession of the Miraculous Image of the Sto. Niño
09:00 A.M.: Re-enactment of the Baptism of Queen Juana and Rajah Humabon, Basilica del Santo Niño
12:00 P.M.: 12th Street Vibration & Big Bike Rally 2017 by V-max Owners Group, Inc. Cebu Chapter
02:00 P.M.: Solemn Procession of the Miraculous Image of Sto. Niño
07:00 P.M.: Sinulog Fireworks Competition, SM City Cebu
07:00 P.M.: Street Party, Fuente Osmeña and Plaza Independencia
Sunday, January 15: Sinulog Grand Parade
4:00 A.M.: Mañanita Mass, Basilica del Sto. Niño
6:00 A.M.: Pontifical Mass, Basilica del Sto. Niño
8:00 A.M.: Holy Mass, Cebu City Sports Center
9:00 A.M.: Sinulog Grand Parade Carousel Kick Off
7:00 P.M.: Grand Finale and Grand Fireworks, Cebu City Sports Center
9:00 P.M.: Pyrospectacular Show, SM City Cebu
5:00 P.M.–2:00 A.M.: Sinulog DJ Mixing Grand Finals Night, Fuente Osmeña Circle
12:00 MN: Sinulog Fireworks, SRP
Monday, January 16
Awarding Ceremonies, Cebu City Sports Center
Saturday, February 4
01:00 P.M.: Sinulog Short Film Festival, SM City Cebu
06:00 P.M.: Awarding Ceremonies for Photo Contest, Short Film and Video Documentary Contest, SM City Cebu
February 4 –13
Photo Exhibit: Winning Photos Sinulog 2017, SM City Cebu
MORE ON #ZEENULOG

Warm lighting and comfortable seats make Isidra Comfort Cantina anything but your usual carenderia (Photography by Robo Formacion/Originally published in Zee Lifestyle, April 2015)
Named after Lor’s maternal grandmother, Isidra brings comfort food in a casual, cool setting at the heart of the city. Business partner April Rama calls it a canteen more than anything, but as far as canteens go, you can’t get any better than this.
Comfortable seats, warm lighting and air conditioning create a relaxed yet plush ambiance that makes it a perfect setting for Chef Lor’s take on comfort food such as the crispy chicken wings that are fried to a golden brown perfection served with sour cream and onion batter, the twice-cooked adobo, stewed first before being baked; and the deep-fried mascara—pork face boiled tender and deep-fried to crispiness.
Isidra is also the only cantina that offers options for the health and body conscious— the fish fillet, open-faced ham and egg sandwich, and Thai prawn salad, to name a few. These offerings make it relatively easier to indulge in Isidra’s unique and delectable dessert selections, such as the crowd-favorite calamansi custard meringue—perfect with the hazelnut French press coffee.

Isidra Comfort Cantina’s crispy chicken wings is one of Cebu’s best. (Photography by Robo Formacion/Originally published in Zee Lifestyle, April 2015)

Hailing from Luzon, gising-gising is a spicy yet creamy appetizer best paired with bagnet. (Photography by Robo Formacion/Originally published in Zee Lifestyle, April 2015)

Must-have to cap off every meal at Isidra Comfort Cantina: The calamansi custard meringue (Photography by Robo Formacion/Originally published in Zee Lifestyle, April 2015)
While we certainly miss Isidra’s daily lunch buffet (at Php 149 with varying themes throughout the week, how can we not?), the cantina remains the perfect venue for the veteran chef to experiment with different flavors and keeping things interesting for patrons. Come back from time to time and you’ll see new additions on the menu… or you can talk to the Chef herself and ask her to whip up something special for you. Seriously, Chef Lor’s food at that price indeed, you know you can’t go wrong.
GF Oftana Bldg.,
Don Mariano Cui cor. Jasmin Sts.,
Capitol Site
6332. 263 1101 | Facebook
photography Robo Formacion
]]>
This Mediterranean-inspired home is an architectural showpiece by Carlito Co (Photography by Robo Formacion/Originally published in Zee Lifestyle, May 2015)
The five-bedroom house is built on four floors and stands on a 1,100-square meter property on the steep hills of Banilad. After almost three years of construction, it is an architectural showpiece by Carlito Co, with interior design by Hannah Lim. The surrounding landscape is by Jaime Chua.
Huge hardwood doors welcome guests to this decorative family dwelling. At first glance, bright colors of red, yellows, greens and blues dance before your eyes as a stimulating visual. Fine art pieces and fixtures collected by the owners over the years accent its walls, embellish its table tops and elevate its design and ambiance. Works by various prominent Filipino artists, coupled with the modern Mediterranean design structure make this family home an art gallery of sorts.

Hannah Lim’s interior design showcases bursts of red, green, blue and yellow, the latter coming from Kenneth Cobonpue’s iconic Bloom chairs. (Photography by Robo Formacion/Originally published in Zee Lifestyle, May 2015)

With the owner being a connoisseur, the interior design is also inspired by various art pieces displayed all over the home. (Photography by Robo Formacion/Originally published in Zee Lifestyle, May 2015)
The owners’ appreciation for art is further made evident with pieces by Arturo Luz, Hernando Ocampo and Romulo Galicano. Interestingly, the collection inspired the home’s interior design, making each room of the house come together. Gaining momentum from the owner’s art pieces, Hannah Lim adds that she designed the home working along with the family needs and likes.
A sense of warmth is imparted in the interiors by hardwood pieces like the dining table and the long table located in the pool area. Kenneth Cobonpue furniture and pieces by Vito Selma sit in the living room, deck and family room. Antiques and family heirlooms lovingly find their place too, while other accents are from travels around the world like the zebra hide rug from Africa in the sitting area by the entrance.

Wooden furniture, flooring and accents give the space some warmth. (Photography by Robo Formacion/Originally published in Zee Lifestyle, May 2015)

A set of Kenneth Cobonpue’s Yoda side chairs add color to the outdoor area. (Photography by Robo Formacion/Originally published in Zee Lifestyle, May 2015)

DEDON furniture allow the owners to relax comfortably by the pool. (Photography by Robo Formacion/Originally published in Zee Lifestyle, May 2015)
True to its overall Mediterranean design, the furniture used in the home incorporates elaborate textiles and patterns juxtaposed against rustic pieces, that always burst with color—Cobonpue’s Bloom and Chiquita in the living area, the modern rattan Coast Pacific dining chairs by the pool, and more hardwood furniture pieces seen all around the house. There are also design pieces from Natuzzi and Dedon.
All these components and the mentioned big-name artists may seem rather intimidating on paper. But their varying styles, designs and colors artfully come into play, resulting in something that’s actually homey than museum-like. Truly, this residence could bring out the artist in anyone—or at least, the art enthusiast.
photography Robo Formacion
Originally published in Zee Lifestyle, May 2015. For back issues, subscribe via Magzter.
Sitting on top of the flourishing slopes of Busay is one of the most beautifully decorated homes in Cebu. Surrounded by a lush garden, fresh mountain air and a pond filled with water lilies, the house is almost synonymous with the word relaxation as it takes us home to nature.
The house owned by landscape architect Jaime Chua sits on a 1.7-hectare land, and has also been home to his plant nursery for over a decade. It was only in 2010 that he decided to take residence in his vast garden in the mountains. His architect-cousin Alex Medalla designed the structure, while Jaime took care of the interiors himself.

An oasis from the concrete jungle that is Cebu (Photography by Robo Formacion/Originally published in Zee Lifestyle, May 2015)

Wooden furniture to keep up with the home’s earthy theme. (Photography by Robo Formacion/Originally published in Zee Lifestyle, May 2015)
He describes the house design as Asian fusion—a portmanteau of different Asian designs, from Filipino, Balinese and Thai. From this incorporation, he created a beautiful mix that’s an oasis from the concrete jungle.
A grouping of granite boulders provides a welcoming accent and functions as a decorative sitting area before entering the house. As the solid wooden doors open, the fragrant smell of orchids fills the air. The house is T-shaped, with only the kitchen and bedroom enclosed in four walls.
From the door, a path of granite slabs leads to the living area, an oversized gazebo that faces the pond, the vegetation and the landscape of Busay on three sides. Fenced in with wooden railings that work as both seating and planters, it is an ideal space for gatherings where guests can relax and feel one with nature. Fresh butterfly orchids are laid out on a 20-foot long hardwood table top positioned on gigantic boulders in the middle of the area. On the left side hanging from the trellis is a breathtaking display of dendrobiums, rustling in the cool breeze and filling the room with its sweet scent. Throughout the space is foliage of various kinds, placed in a variety of pots and planters.

Flowers go all the way into the house. (Photography by Robo Formacion/Originally published in Zee Lifestyle, May 2015)

The architect’s airy bedroom (Photography by Robo Formacion/Originally published in Zee Lifestyle, May 2015)
Antique furniture and customized pieces tastefully decorate the house. Some are Chinese heirlooms, like the red drawers with intricate gilded details. Jaime fills the house with an assortment of flowers and plants all year round, depending on what’s in season. White butterfly orchids, dendrobiums and a variety of vandas are in bloom in April and May.
Jaime’s garden home is a refreshing place to unwind and escape from the hustle and bustle of the city with its simple home design and mishmash of furniture pieces becoming a subtle backdrop to the profusion of flora on display. One can’t help but sit back, relax and revel in the beauty of nature’s finest.

For those hot days, rainy nights, movie marathon afternoons and midnight snacks, ice cream has always been there for us. With so many exciting flavors to choose from like Pistachio, Chocolate Truffle and Salted Caramel, Gelatissimo reminds us of strolling along the beautiful streets of Rome and the sun on our shoulders.
Read more:
Streetscape, Maria Luisa Road, Banilad
Facebook | Instagram
Homebaked and fresh are two things that are hard to find in cafés these days. However, a little side trip to 32 Sanson in Lahug lies a hidden gem with a relaxing ambiance. Offering freshly brewed coffee and baked goods right from their kitchen, Marisse Patisserie has become a sweet getaway in the heart of Cebu.
32 Sanson Road, Lahug
Facebook | Instagram
A short climb on the highlands of Cebu rests a beautiful paradise away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Delice Recipe features a first hand experience of Cebu’s beautiful skyline as well as their must-try Quattro Leches – a spongy chiffon cake soaked in 4 kinds of sweet milk. Pair that with coffee or tea and that’s a one-way ticket to dessert heaven. You’re welcome.
Busay, Cebu (before Tops)
Crepes are a must-try at Tymad Bistro, a French café in Banilad owned and operated by a French chef. We recommend topping it with anything that tickles your fancy, whether its Nutella or Mango and Whipped Cream. If that’s not up in your alley, macaroons, cheesecakes and parfaits are also ready for devouring.
Maria Luisa Road, Banilad

Photography by Jessica McYorker/Originally published in Zee Lifestyle, April 2015
With fresh breads and coffee in a Parisienne feel, Abaca Baking Company is quickly becoming the trendiest place in Cebu. The place is great but do not be fooled, the food is even greater. All food and drinks are whipped up right from the kitchen with the freshest ingredients they can get their hands on.
Read more:
Crossroads Mall, Banilad
Facebook

Photography by Cloise Abordo/Zee Lifestyle
There’s the famous Malicious Cookies but aside from that, we highly recommend Marco Polo Plaza’s Earl Grape Iced Tea. The tea is served with elderflower-infused ice cubes and Earl Grey Tea poured over seedless green grapes. Along with a freshly baked lokum or Turkish delight, the drink is surely the perfect cool down for the summer heat.
Read more:
Cebu Veterans Drive, Nivel Hills, Lahug
Facebook | Instagram
It’s a man’s world. It’s a saying heard time and time again by women actively taking charge of their own careers, whatever field they may be in. Not that this is surprising. Studies have shown that on average, women are paid 78% of what their male counterparts in the same position earn. It’s an upsetting statistic, to say the least—as women have made many strides to secure a place in the society where she can vote, work and be heard.
Gender equality, however, needs time to develop. After all, hundreds of years of disparity are hard to undo. Fortunately, some countries are proving to be more progressive in this area than others. The Global Gender Gap Report is an international index that ranks countries based on how well they divide resources and opportunities between their male and female population. It measures gender equality based on economic participation and opportunity, educational attainment, political empowerment, and health and survival. Data gathered from more than 142 countries in a span of nine years shows that the Philippines ranks ninth this year—being the best performer in closing the gender gap in Asia. With an almost equal ratio between men and women in terms of economic participation and opportunities, Filipinas are among the most influential and hardworking women in the world.
Case in point: Beverly Dayanan of Contempo Property Holdings and Sunberry Homes Inc. The real estate development mogul believes that success is in no way determined by gender and is a matter of choice. “There’s simply no barrier for those who are focused on their goals and work hard for them,” she says. That firm determination has proven to be valuable in the career she has navigated for herself, showing her mettle in Contempo Property’s first development venture in Cebu—Bamboo Bay.
“It was born of my dream to offer better living options to mid-income homeowners,” she shares. “A lot of research and fact-finding went into the creation of Bamboo Bay, and it’s a result of inputs from prospective buyers and from my own experiences as a condo dweller for almost 15 years.”

“There’s simply no barrier for those who are focused on their goals and work hard for them” – Beverly Dayanan (Originally published in Zee Lifestyle December-January 2015: Photography by Robo Formacion/Hair and Makeup by Emi Ayag/Draped blouse by Oj Hofer)
With women having traditionally been in charge of the home, it seems only natural to have a female CEO at the helm of developing a residential community. “In real estate, you don’t just look at the macro side of the business. You have to look into the details, and women are good at that,” Beverly explains. She adds, “In condominium living, an inch of space really matters. You have to consider and figure everything out holistically, looking at the most minute details.” This insight allowed Beverly to create living areas that are space efficient. Minor design points that seem not all that important—a longer bathroom counter, exhaust pipes above the stove area, overhead countertops—are actually practical advantages for one’s daily routine in the long run.
The real estate project also benefits from Beverly’s understanding of basic human instinct, with Bamboo Bay fostering the sense of community that may be diminishing in this age of digital communication. The friendly neighborhood concept is shown in such facilities as their community store, prayer room, barbecue area and jogging paths, all of which are positioned to encourage interaction among homeowners. “We need to be reminded that we are social beings who need to bond to promote our social values. Establishing friendships and fellowship is an important thing in life,” she quips.
Understanding the importance of collaboration is also why Beverly makes sure to surround herself with an outstanding team of female consultants who offer advice on various aspects of the project. From Tess Javier for architecture and design, Tetta Baad for marketing and sales to Lilu Aliño for PR and advertising, her openness to guidance from those with the experience and skills allows her to learn and excel in the business even further. “Many of my ideas are formed from constant interaction with my stakeholders,” she explains. “When you touch base with your intermediaries, you gain insights and get to understand your business more from their point of view. I find their feedback very valuable, and it becomes my guide and parameter for improvement.”
Using this as a foundation for her hands-on approach to management, she makes certain that she is kept abreast on all operations of the business. “I like to get updates in real time,” she reveals. “Everyone is synchronized, that way, decision-making and deliveries become faster.” She discloses that this ensures that the organizational and operational chain is linked and functions cohesively at all times.

“I’d like to be a role model for women out there, to show that being a woman is never a hindrance for success.” – Beverly Dayanan (Originally published in Zee Lifestyle December-January 2015: Photography by Robo Formacion/Hair and Makeup by Emi Ayag/Long-sleeved dress by Jun Escario)
Her attention to detail in managing her team also comes with its share of challenges. Beverly concurs that people management is something to be worked on. “You see the need for coaching, but you also want to have faith in your people,” she says. Adding further, “You shouldn’t tolerate failure, but you understand that it’s a confidence booster when your employees are able to solve problems in their own way. Keeping them focused and mentoring them while gaining input is a very exciting challenge though.”
This spirit of empowerment finds its way into Beverly’s community undertakings as well. As a dedicated member of the Zonta Club of Cebu I, she embraces the organization’s global mission of advancing women’s status. Being in charge of service and advocacy, Beverly champions gender equality and ending violence against women. “You can’t close your eyes to the plight of your fellow women—especially those who are battered physically, psychologically or emotionally,” she says. Her work with Zonta Cebu I gives her the opportunity to do concrete things to help transform lives and deliver real change. Among the club’s noteworthy efforts is its partnership with the Vicente Gullas Memorial Hospital to put up a Crisis Intervention and Referral Center in Banilad. The center will be a place where women can go for help for psychological, legal, medical, economic, safety and security, and even spiritual concerns. The Cebu chapter is also working on a barangay and campus campaign to raise awareness of its violence against women advocacy.
The club’s cause is very close to her heart because it aligns with one of Beverly’s personal goals. “I’d like to be a role model for women out there, to show that being a woman is never a hindrance to success; and that women have the same privileges and opportunities as men in the eyes of God,” Beverly explains. Fuelled by her dynamism, she hopes to inspire other women to start their own businesses, and shares a few pieces of advice for those who are looking to go into their ventures. “Start with what you love doing. Put your hands and mind where your heart is. You have to be hands- on—don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty, and get firsthand experience of all the operations.”

“Start with what you love doing. Put your hands and mind where your heart is.” – Beverly Dayanan (Originally published in Zee Lifestyle December-January 2015: Photography by Robo Formacion/Hair and Makeup by Emi Ayag)
Truly, success does come to those who work hard for it—whether you wear the pants or the dress. Although Beverly admits that there’s yet so much work she has to do, it looks like an exciting year is up ahead for the lady entrepreneur. “Sunberry Homes Subdivision will be launched in the second quarter of next year, as a response to the pressing demand for socialized and economic housing.” This Mactan project is the company’s contribution to nation building, and will provide homes to lower-budget families. As for Bamboo Bay, the development will only continue to grow. “We are soon going to start construction on Bamboo Bay Tower 3, which will have more than the usual services that will continue to uphold the values we put in place.”
It’s women like Beverly who, by leveling the playing field, have contributed to the positive ranking the Philippines has gained in the world’s state of gender equality. At the rate she’s going, she’s heading no other way but up. For years, women have quietly guided the lives of men, and—contrary to what men may admit—have taken a place alongside them: from the mothers who rear them, to the wives that support them. It’s about time women have a voice, and through Beverly Dayanan’s example, it’s clear that this can definitely be done.
by Shari Quimbo creative director Melo Esguerra photography Robo Formacion hair and makeup Emi Ayag assistant Rhey Abella
Originally published in Zee Lifestyle December-January 2015
]]>