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My sentiments, of course, don’t diminish the quality of the celebrations, but I’m pretty sure I’m not the only one who feels the same way. Luckily, the Queen City offers a lot of things to do besides partying it up on the streets. Here are some suggestions for when you don’t want to Sinulog this year, whether you just want to avoid the crowds or want a change in scenery.
Cebu is home to a number of beautiful islands, and while on a normal day you’d be competing against eager tourists, Sinulog would be the perfect time to have them all to yourselves (or, okay, at least less people). We highly recommend Nalusuan, Pandanon and Olango Island for their turquoise waters. If you’d like to go a little farther, Sumilon Island in Oslob is worth the two hour trip.
Islands Banca Cruises | Bluewater Sumilon Island Resort
A relatively new attraction, canyoneering in Badian has drawn quite the crowds during peak season. While there’s an influx of tourists in town for Sinulog, you might want to take advantage of everyone hitting the streets instead on Sunday to have your own canyoneering adventure. Drive two hours south to the town of Barili and find your way to Barangay Matutinao.
Cebu takes pride in having beaches 30 minutes away from the city, and while realistically it’s at least an hour because of the traffic, the fact remains you don’t actually have to go far to find yourself at sea. Real estate developer recently opened the Mactan Newtown Beach (née Portofino) to the public, while those more inclined to resorts would love Shangri-La’s Mactan Resort & Spa and Movenpick Hotel Mactan Island Cebu.
Shangri-La is offering a special rate of Php 2,080 nett for lunch buffet for two at Tides on January 14-15, while Movenpick has their Sinulog Festive buffets on Sinulog Friday (dinner) and Sinulog Sunday (brunch) for Php 1,900 nett per person. There will also be cultural shows throughout the hotel that weekend, while Ibiza Beach Club’s cocktail of the month, Fizz Senor, is a tribute to the festivities.
Shangri-La’s Mactan Resort & Spa | Movenpick Hotel Mactan Island Cebu
Besides beaches, did you know Cebu has a lot of gorgeous waterfalls also? They may not be as majestic as the more famous ones throughout the country, but they’re breathtaking nonetheless. Head down to the town of Alegria in Cebu for Cambais Falls and Cancalanog Falls, both of which are sure to thrill adventure-seekers, or to the more popular Kawasan Falls in Badian.
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When you’re not really inclined to bodies of water, Cebu also has a variety of mountains worth climbing. The most famous one is Dalaguete’s Osmena Peak, which resembles the iconic Chocolate Hills of Bohol and gives enviable views of Badian, Pescador and Negros. Other worthwhile peaks include Mount Manunggal in Balamban and Kabankaya in Catmon.
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At the heart of the Sinulog Festival is a celebration in honor of the Santo Nino. Head over to the Basilica for the last of the nine-day Novena Masses to kick off the festivities properly.

With a crazy day ahead, breakfast is non-negotiable. Jollibee is already well-loved by locals, but tourists definitely need to try this fast-food favorite. A breakfast steak with sunny side up eggs will fuel you through most of the morning.
Find your way to the Grandstands or look for a nice spot along Mango Avenue for the unique spectacle that is the street parade. Don’t forget your cameras for all those photo opportunities with the creative floats and the colorful costumes of the street dancers.
If you haven’t gotten around to it, we recommend a stopover at the National Bookstore along Mango Avenue to stock up on some non-toxic poster paint for all those parties in the afternoon. Make sure to pick out the most colorful ones!

Tucked in one of the smaller streets within the area, this homegrown coffee shop is the perfect place to cool off (or dry off, if it rains) while you refuel your stomachs. The pesto butter pork chop is hearty and filling.

Century Plaza is one of the best places to party during Sinulog. We highly recommend getting a VIP pass at Alejandro’s Crispy Pata. With it comes access to the restaurant (read: decent bathrooms and actual chairs), moderately priced drinks, and it helps that it’s home to the best crispy pata in town.

Spectrum’s Invasion Tour is one of the most anticipated events during the festival. Battle through the crowds and get yourselves to the SHS-J Gym for the most hip and happening party this side of the streets. P.S. Zee Lifestyle will be there with a nifty charging station, so make sure you like our Facebook and Instagram for exclusive access.

If you’re still up and about (and relatively sober), then good for you! Reward yourself with dinner at the roof deck of Harold’s Hotel, where you can enjoy a nice view of the city over more drinks, in a quieter setting.

You can linger at Highlights to watch the show, or walk a couple of blocks to Cebu Business Park for Ayala Malls’ exciting fireworks spectacle to conclude one epic day.

Honestly, Sinulog lasts up until the next day. If you’re still game to continue partying, it’s worth going back to Alejandro’s or the Invasion Tour. Alternately, you can hang out in pubs, like Politics in Escario Central, or at Sugbo Mercado at either Cebu Business Park, Cebu IT Park, or heck maybe even South Road Properties.
It’s going to be one crazy day, so make sure you live to tell the tale with these tips from those who’ve been there before.
“Don’t start drinking in the morning, because by 4:00 p.m., you’ll most likely be passed out while your friends are dancing around and partying!” – JAMAECA NELMIDA, executive officer, Ardent ActiveLife
“Rehydrate. Go with the flow. Where the crowd is… follow. And wear your most comfortable outfit.” – JANNE SALINANA, production assistant, Spectrum Philippines
“Get a waterproof case for your phone. Hydrate. Make sure your feet are comfortable. Wear loose clothing. Don’t be afraid to get dirty!” – JOHN LUIS MAHUSAY, student
“Don’t bring expensive things. Chances are you’ll lose them because of dancing, walking through the crowd, stumbling, or all of the above.” – CIARA MENDOZA, marketing executive, KKA Productions
While you’re not supposed to bring a lot of stuff, make sure you’ve stowed away these essentials before hitting the streets.
Break down those big bills so you can give the exact amount (or close to it) for your purchases. A lot of places—especially on the streets—might not have enough change.
… and we mean the isopropyl type (or ethyl). Washrooms might be hard to come by, so best to have a tiny bottle to sanitize your hands and clean minor wounds.
Similarly, clean bathrooms may be far and few in between along the street party scene. Have a small pack of baby wipes that can also be used to clean surfaces if you’re fussy.
WATERPROOF PROTECTION FOR YOUR GADGETS
Beer showers are inevitable, as is being smeared on by paint. Protect your precious phones and cameras with a waterproof case, or #lifehack one with a Ziploc bag.
We all know the importance of looking your festive best this Sinulog, yet take it one step further and choose accessories that are not only stylish, but practical as well.
HAT
There won’t be any shortage of headgear during Sinulog, but our top pick goes to hats. It’ll protect you from extreme heat or sudden rain. Queen City cap by ZeroThreeTwo
BIKINI TOPS
For the ladies, switch your bras with swimwear instead. With all the beer showers and possible rain, getting wet during Sinulog is an inevitability.
PRACTICAL SHOES
Trust us: There’s more standing than drinking! Wear your most comfortable shoes—preferably closed, so you don’t have to worry about puddles and other ways your feet can get dirty.
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DATES:
Thursday-Saturday, January 12-14, 2017 (Cebu I.T. Park)
Friday-Sunday, January 13-15, 2017 (Cebu Business Park)
Saturday-Sunday, January 14-15, 2017 (South Road Properties)
Well, for starters, you’re going to need to fuel up before you go party. Experience the best of the local culinary scene at Sugbo Mercado, Cebu’s favorite weekend food market. Located in very strategic locations, there’s no reason you can’t pass by for a hearty fill of delectable dishes from late afternoon to late evening.
DATE: Friday, January 13, 2017
LifeDance gets bigger and better each year. This year, the event gives partygoers the chance to experience music in all its forms, with three stages: EDEN, the underground music stage which will feature house music; SOLARIS, the indie bands stage; and UTOPIA, the main stage which fill feature international sensations and the country’s top acts.
Experience music by DJs Jan Areno, Maxie Perez, Hans, Deuce and Ace Ramos; as well as performances by Up Dharma Down, Missing Filemon, Wonggoys, Womb, Bethany, and Drop Decay.
City Di Mare, SRP | Facebook
DATES: Saturday and Sunday, January 14-15, 2017
Last year, there was Steve Angello, 1/3 of of the Swedish House Mafia. This year, Plus 63 Music and Arts Festival brings in DJ Mag‘s number seven DJ in the world and head honcho of DIM MAK records, Steve Aoki. In a two-day event, get thrown a birthday cake by Steve Aoki and party with the bright names in the music industry and the country’s top artists, DJ Carlo Atendido DJ Daiki, DJ Ashura, Martina San Diego, DJ Short, El’O and The Zoids.
Cebu Business Park | Facebook
DATE: Sunday, January 17, 2017
As Spectrum Philippines celebrates its seventh anniversary of the Invasion Tour, they return to Cebu to bring the ultimate music festival right at the heart of Sinulog. On January 15, experience the Sinulog Invasion and go wild as music and people celebrate the grandest festival of the year.
Sacred Heart School-Jesuit Gym, Mango Avenue | Facebook
DATE: Sunday, January 15, 2017
Kicking it back to the retro 80’s, Hyper Wonderland delves into the wonders of the era: colorful, vibrant and groovy music. With all the parties going on around the city, Hyper Cebu gives Cebuano and tourist ravers to experience the ultimate dance party decade.
Axis Entertainment Avenue at Vibo Place, Escario | Facebook

Sinulog 2017 is coming up soon, and Zee Lifestyle is feeling extremely generous! Grab a copy of our December-January 2017 issue ahead of time—you’ll need it if you want the chance to win tickets to LifeDance, Hyper Wonderland 2017 and Sinulog Invasion 2017. Mechanics to be posted on our Facebook and Instagram accounts soon.
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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
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