Sinulog 2010 Summary
I realized I didn't hold true to my blow by blow account of the Sinulog event. So I'll try to make it up by doing a summary of tips for a fantastic Sinulog experience!
1) Book ahead of time! Airline tickets and hotel accommodations will continue with their tradition of either jacking up their prices. The other situation you might find yourself in is not having a place to stay that's near the action, or no place at all because it's all fully booked!
2) Book a hotel that is near the action! There are so many little places around that is walking distance to the Osmena circle. Look it up online and book MONTHS ahead! (Meaning October-November – start booking!) I also recommend booking near the action because transportation is hard to come by on the day of the grand parade! I got lost trying to find my way back and it was impossible to get a cab anywhere! Casa Osmena, Paragon Suites, and the Crown Regency Tower are good options.
3) Get a street map and get familiar with the area you are in. Cebu isn't too big and you will eventually find yourself on a big street, but you can easily find yourself in an area that may seem a little dodgy as well. I don't recommend you walk around on your own unless you know the area or you know a bit of the local dialect. I was lost for an hour (and I grew up there!!!) Good thing I bumped into my cousin and she pointed me to the general direction I was supposed to go. She kept laughing because I walked a huge circle and wound up back to where I started getting lost! Hmm, you really do go around in circles when you're lost! 
4) Bring some Emergency Essentials: If you are going to be photographing, know what kind of lens you are going to be using, if wide, bring a monopod so you can raise your camera up and get fantastic wide shots of the dancing parade, bring extra battery, memory cards/film, and bring plastic in case it rains so you can cover your gear. For yourself, bring water, a cap, sunblock, an extra shirt, alcohol, and a little money to buy some water and food. Wear comfortable clothing and sneaks or rubber shoes so your feet do not get all muddy if it rains (you can get both rain and shine – which is what happened that day. Amazing I did not get sick with all that heat and rain alternating! Check out the sunburned look:
5) If you're going to be at the stadium, watch out for the track and field area. It melts in the sun. I found myself glued to it for a few moments and almost left my Nike's stuck there! This was taken in the stadium where they had the stage for the group to do their final dance:
6) Get yourself a pass for the parade! You have to be IN it if you want to take great shots! I loved the fact that I was able to walk freely in there. So great to see things up close!
Plus you wouldn't want to be a part of that crowd behind the fence. Too many folks pressing against each other. There are some restaurants that set up bleachers of sorts, but I think it takes a lot to get a spot.
7) Be there for the whole week if you can. If not, make sure you get to see the last two days which are the height of the entire festival. I have yet to do this in next year's celebration.
There are many places to eat! So don't worry about getting hungry. But if you're traveling to the Philippines for the first time and you're not sure about your tummy situation, make sure you have some food with you if street food isn't your thing – but let's see if you can resist the smell of the grilled goodies being sold and all the folks eating with their hands — They give you free plastic glove things instead of spoons and forks which is smarter and better for the experience I think!
9) Be nice and don't let the heat and crowd get you riled up. Psyche yourself for it. It's a parade, it's a festival, be ready for a little discomfort. You can't be a princess in these things, but don't let yourself be taken advantage of either. Keep your wits about you. Sadly, these things bring out the best of a place and it's worst too. In line with this, I think it would help if you bring a companion or a group with you, but make sure you know how to coordinate your whereabouts and where to find each other if you get split up. It is easy to get split up as you get distracted with the majestic sights and sounds around you.
10) Just enjoy the show! – Let the sights and sounds sink in! Watch people's faces and reactions – look from crowd to dancer to musician to coordinator to photographer and vendor. What you will see is priceless. Enjoy it!
PIT SENYOR!
4) Bring some Emergency Essentials: If you are going to be photographing, know what kind of lens you are going to be using, if wide, bring a monopod so you can raise your camera up and get fantastic wide shots of the dancing parade, bring extra battery, memory cards/film, and bring plastic in case it rains so you can cover your gear. For yourself, bring water, a cap, sunblock, an extra shirt, alcohol, and a little money to buy some water and food. Wear comfortable clothing and sneaks or rubber shoes so your feet do not get all muddy if it rains (you can get both rain and shine – which is what happened that day. Amazing I did not get sick with all that heat and rain alternating! Check out the sunburned look:
5) If you're going to be at the stadium, watch out for the track and field area. It melts in the sun. I found myself glued to it for a few moments and almost left my Nike's stuck there! This was taken in the stadium where they had the stage for the group to do their final dance:
6) Get yourself a pass for the parade! You have to be IN it if you want to take great shots! I loved the fact that I was able to walk freely in there. So great to see things up close!Plus you wouldn't want to be a part of that crowd behind the fence. Too many folks pressing against each other. There are some restaurants that set up bleachers of sorts, but I think it takes a lot to get a spot.
7) Be there for the whole week if you can. If not, make sure you get to see the last two days which are the height of the entire festival. I have yet to do this in next year's celebration.
There are many places to eat! So don't worry about getting hungry. But if you're traveling to the Philippines for the first time and you're not sure about your tummy situation, make sure you have some food with you if street food isn't your thing – but let's see if you can resist the smell of the grilled goodies being sold and all the folks eating with their hands — They give you free plastic glove things instead of spoons and forks which is smarter and better for the experience I think!
9) Be nice and don't let the heat and crowd get you riled up. Psyche yourself for it. It's a parade, it's a festival, be ready for a little discomfort. You can't be a princess in these things, but don't let yourself be taken advantage of either. Keep your wits about you. Sadly, these things bring out the best of a place and it's worst too. In line with this, I think it would help if you bring a companion or a group with you, but make sure you know how to coordinate your whereabouts and where to find each other if you get split up. It is easy to get split up as you get distracted with the majestic sights and sounds around you.
10) Just enjoy the show! – Let the sights and sounds sink in! Watch people's faces and reactions – look from crowd to dancer to musician to coordinator to photographer and vendor. What you will see is priceless. Enjoy it!
PIT SENYOR!
