Viva Pit Señor 2011

Sinulog comes from the vernacular term, "sulog",
referring to the current of the water that moves
forward and backward, hence the Sinulog dance style 

Sinulog 2011 officially kicks off today with a solemn mass held at the erstwhile home of the Holy Child Jesus in the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño in downtown Cebu City. 

The mass was followed by a parade to the Cebu City Sports Center and a formal opening and launching program at Fuente Osmeña, which featured the Mandaue City Children's Choir, Cebu's dancesports troupes, and the presentation of the Ms. Cebu 2011, among others.

Preceding Sinulog's official launch was an opening salvo termed as 'Walk with Jesus' held on January 6, 2011. Approximately 20,000 devotees were reported to have attended the procession at 4:00 in the morning that started from Fuente Osmeña en route to the Basilica for the dawn mass and installation of this year's Hermano & Hermana Mayores.

The set of activities had long been geared to its place covering from December 1, with the Sinulog Street Fair, up to January 21, 2011, with the "Hubo Mass" Ritual. 

In this rite, the Sto. Niño is removed of his prince-like vestments and made to wear ordinary clothes.  Priests explain that this symbolic tradition tells people that only when one becomes like a little child can he enter the gates of heaven.   

Highlights of this year's festival include:

January 8     - Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Lalawigan Dance Competition

                     Venue: Cebu City Sports Center

January 9     - Sinulog sa Kabataan- Dakbayan

January 12   - Ms. Cebu 2011 Coronation Night, Waterfront Lahug Hotel

January 15   - Fluvial Procession of the Miraculous Image of Sto. Niño

January 16   - Sinulog Grand Parade 

The most expensive tickets for the Grand Parade pegged at P600 ($14.00) had been wiped out sold, according to the festival's organizers. Those who have not bought their tickets yet, P500 ($12.00) and P400 ($10.00) worth are still available.  Spectators are advised to bring rain protectors in going to any Sinulog event because of rainy weather predictions for the days ahead, and not to bring any firearm as there is a special gun ban effected solely for the duration of the occasion.

Scroll down for the complete Schedule of Sinulog 2011. Viva Pit Señor!

Dec 01 – Jan 31, 2011	Sinulog Street Fair, Osmeña Blvd.
December 11, 2010	Sinulog Poster Making Contest @ Emall
December 15, 2010	Sinulog Photo Exhibits @SM City
January 2-30, 2011	1st Sinulog Softball Cup
Janaury 2, 2011 (Sunday)	Sinulog Fun Run Sinulog Musicfest (Band Competition) Presentation of contestants and announcement of 6 finalists Sinulog Best Dance Crew announcement and presentation of 6 finalists
January 06, 2011 (Thursday)	Opening Salvo: Walk with Jesus
4:00 AM	Assembly Time (Area) Fuente Osmeña
4:30 AM	Start of Walk-Fuente Osmeña Blvd. – Basilica del Sto. Niño
5:30 AM	Installation of Hermano & Hermana Mayores 2011
January 07, 2011 (Friday)	Sinulog 2011 Kick Off
	Sinulog Photo Exhibits through the years @SM City Cebu, Ayala Center Cebu, MCIAA
2:00PM	Solemn Mass (Basilica del Sto. Niño)
3:00 PM	Launching Parade (Basilica del Sto. Niño to Cebu City Sports Center)
7:00 PM	Opening and Launching Program, Fuente Osmeña featuring Mandaue City Children’s Choir, Dancesports Team Cebu and Dance Troupes from Cebu’s schools and universities
7:30 PM	Ms. Cebu 2011 Presentation, Fuente Osmeña
8:00 PM	Sinulog Idol (Fuente Osmeña Circle)
9:00 PM	Streen Party Bands
January 8, 2011 (Saturday)	Sinulog sa Kabataan – Lalawigan
8:00 AM	1st Sinulog Football Cup at the USC Talamban Football Field
1:00 PM	Parade of Participants, Capitol Site to Cebu City Sports Center
2:00 PM	Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Lalawigan, Cebu City Sports Center
4:30 PM	Awarding of Winners
6:30 PM	Cultural Show (Fuente Osmeña) DepEd, Cebu Province
8:00 PM	Sinulog Idol (Fuente Osmeña Circle)
9:30 PM	Concert @ the Fuente O , Street Party Bands
January 9, 2011 (Sunday)	Sinulog sa Kabataan- Dakbayan
4:00 AM	Cebu City 2011 Marathon – www.cebumarathon.com
8:00 AM	1st Sinulog Football Cup at the USC Talamban Football Field
1:00 PM	Parade of Participants, Plaza Independencia to Cebu City Sports Center
2:00 PM	Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Dakbayan, Cebu City Sports Center
4:30 PM	Awarding of Winners
6:30 PM	Cultural Show (Fuente Osmeña) University of San Carlos
8:00 PM	Sinulog Idol (Fuente Osmeña Circle)
9:00 PM	Concert @ the Fuente O, Street Party Bands
January 10, 2011 (Monday)
6:30 PM	Cultural Show (Fuente Osmeña) University of Cebu
8:00 PM	Sinulog Idol (Fuente Osmeña Circle)
9:00 PM	Concert @ the Fuente O , Street Party Bands
January 11, 2011 (Tuesday)
6:30 PM	Cultural show (Fuente Osmeña) University of San Jose-Recoletos and Cebu Institute of Technology
8:00 PM	Sinulog Idol (Fuente Osmeña Circle)
9:00 PM	Concert @ the Fuente O , Street Party Bands
January 12, 2011 (Wednesday)
9:00 AM	Airport Welcome (Balikbayan Flights)
6:30 PM	Cultural Shows (Fuente Osmeña) University of Southern Philippines-Foundation and Salazar College of Science and Institute of Technology
7:00 PM	Ms. Cebu 2011 Coronation Night, Waterfront Lahug Hotel
8:00 PM	Sinulog Idol (Fuente Osmeña Circle)
9:00 PM	Concert @ the Fuente O , Street Party Bands
January 13, 2011 (Thursday)
9:00 AM	Airport Welcome (Balikbayan Flights)
10 AM – 3:00 PM	Photo Shoot Sinulog Festival Queen , SM City Entertainment Plaza
7:00 PM	Sinulog Festival Queen Parade of Costumes @ SM Northwing Lobby
6:30 PM	Cultural Shows (Fuente Osmeña) Cebu City Division
6:00 PM	Balik Cebu, Welcome Party @ Ayala Center Cebu
8:00 PM	Sinulog Idol (Fuente Osmeña Circle)
8:00 PM	Handumanan @ Ayala Terraces
9:00 PM	Concert @ the Fuente O , Street Party Bands
January 14, 2011 (Friday)	Visual Merchandising Contest (Dept. Stores and Malls)
4:00 AM	Walk with Mary (Area) Fuente Osmeña-Sto. Niño
7:00 AM	Misa de Translacion (Motorcade)
9:00 AM	Solidarity Meeting (All Competing Contingent / Floats / Higante / Puppteers) @ Cebu City Sports Center Gym
6:30 PM	Cultural Shows (Fuente Osmeña) University of San Carlos
7:30 P.M	Cebu Popular Music Festival, Cebu Coliseum
7:30 P.M	Sinulog Festival Queen 2011, Cebu City Sports Center
8:00 PM	Sinulog Idol (Fuente Osmeña Circle)
9:00 PM	Concert @ the Fuente O , Street Party Bands
January 15, 2011 (Saturday)
6:00 AM	Fluvial Procession of the Miraculous Image of Sto. Niño
8:00 AM	Vibration and Big Bike Rally by Vmax Owners Group
9:00 AM	Re-enactment of the Baptism of Queen Juana and Rajah Humabon Basilica del Sto. Niño
2:00 PM	Solemn Procession of the Miraculous Image of Sto. Niño
7:00 PM	Sinulog Fireworks Competition @ SM City Cebu
7:00 PM	Street party @ Fuente Osmeña and Plaza Independencia
8:00 PM	Gala – Passionata a Cultural Heritage Celebration in Honor of Sto. Niño de Cebu @ SM Cinema I
8:00 PM	Kasadya Nite Mardi Gras @ Ayala Center Cebu
8:00 PM	Handumanan Concert, USP-F Theater for the Performing Arts
January 16, 2011 (Sunday)	SINULOG GRAND PARADE
4:00 AM	Mañanita Mass @Basilica del Sto. Niño
6:00 AM	Pontifical mass with His Eminence Ricardo J. Cardinal Vidal
9:00 AM	Sinulog Grand Parade Carousel Kick Off
7:00 PM	Grand Fireworks, Cebu City Sports Center
7:30 PM	Street Party Bands, Fuente Osmeña
January 17, 2011 (Monday)
1:00 PM	Awarding Ceremonies, Cebu City Sports Center
January 21, 2011 (Friday)	“HUBO”
4:00 AM	“HUBO Mass” Ritual @ Basilica del Sto. Niño
January 29, 2011 (Saturday)
1:00 P.M	Screening of Finaslists Short Film/Video Documentary Contest
6:00 P.M	Awarding Ceremonies Photo Contest and Video Documentary Contest @SM City Cebu 1st Sinulat Awards, Sinulog Literary Awards for Short Story Writing, Poetry, and Essay Writing @ SM City Cebu
January 31 – Feb. 10, 2011	Photo Exhibits “Winning Photos Sinulog ‘10 @SM City Cebu
For more information: Call 253700, 2545010, telefax 4164548

//rmism//

Party, Family and Visita Iglesia on Christmas

Family Christmas Party 

The night before Christmas was most specially spent for our annual Family Christmas Party. It was filled with dancing, singing, games, prizes, and lots of presents that the kids enjoyed it so much! What could be the nicest way to celebrate this happiest time of the year but with our love-ones.  This is a given fact, a non-contestable one!

Our Family Christmas Party this Year: Loads of Fun and Give-aways

Just before midnight, we bid each other farewell, for the meantime, as another plan for a New Year's party is still being brewed. You see, we just can't get tired of one another. 

At the strike of 12:00 MN, my hubby fired up the firecrackers, signalling that it was officially Christmas Day, while the children were still on the Magic Sing. We wrapped up at half past two in the morning, and woke up a family member who was to go home to the province to be with his new family, too. We slept at 4:00 in the morning.

December 25, 2010 - Christmas Day 

After breakfast, we went to Marco Polo Hotel in Lahug, Cebu City. We watched the displayed Christmas Village and the "Polar Express." Unfortunately, the Polar Train was still not scheduled to take the tracks.  

Zoie and Mom Lea at Marco Polo Hotel Cebu

Top view of the Christmas Village at Marco Polo

Houses, Boats, and Fun Rides at the Christmas Village in Marco Polo

Christmas tree at Marco Polo Hotel lobby

After many photo poses and a drink at the Hotel, we made our "Visita Iglesia". Though this is a Holy Week tradition of visiting churches, we found it fitting to make such for the Christmas Day.

Visita Iglesia  

Descending from Nivel Hills, our first stop was in St. Therese of the Child Jesus Parish in Lahug, Cebu City.  The vicinity was quiet, except for the carolers carrying guitars sitting at the entrance of the church.  It was still an hour for the next mass at 4:00 p.m.

We then proceeded to the historic Carmelite Monastery in San Jose dela Montana, Cebu City, near the PLDT main office.  Historic, I may say, because aside from being a very old edifice, stories have it that this is where the late-President Corazon Aquino, mom to President Benigno Simeon C. Aquino III, hid at the height of the many coup attempts that struck her administration in the 1980s. 

Facade of the Carmelite Monastery in Cebu City

There's only one mass set in the Carmelite's house, an early one at 6:00 a.m. Unlike St. Therese, there's a slow traffic of people visiting the monastery's church.  

Next stop was at St. Joseph Church in Mabolo, locally known as Mabolo Church, standing inside an estimated 3,000-square meter perimeter fence.  The church/chapel has been there as early as the 16th or 17th century, but the concrete Neo-Gothic structure was written to have belonged from the 18th century style.  

Looking at the facade, however, you cannot exactly distinguish the classic artistry that this particular church claims because of the many alterations and renovations made throughout the years. 

Last stretch was at the Redemptorist Church in uptown Cebu. We were just in time for the 3:30 p.m. Christmas mass.  The gospel story was about the Sagrada Familia: Joseph, Mary and Jesus.  

Right side of the Redemptorist Church along Queen's Road, Cebu City

As old as the other churches earlier visited, the Redemptorist is also a product of the Christian colonization of the past. Constructed by Irish priests, this church managed to withstand one war after another. 

Final Stop: At the Altar of the Redemptorist Church

Swarmed by peddlers, beggars, and parking barkers outside, the church was ethereal inside with all the flowers and Christmas decors.  Matched with the cold breeze blowing in, the altar was heavenly beautiful, like I always remember it.

The "Belen" at Redemptorist

Church-goers lining up to kiss the displayed Baby Jesus, after the Holy Mass

For me, this last stop is meaningful, because December 25 is Christmas Day, a reminder to us Filipino Christians of the birth of Jesus, who was sent to become the Redeemer of mankind, our Savior.  And here we were as a family for our traditional mass on Christmas Day with the Gospel message about the Holy Family at the Redemptorist Church.  Yes, I know, how can't I recognize this?  We are just blessed, truly blessed! 

And though this is quite off to become the ultimate topping of this story, we ended up finding ourselves at McDonald's for burgers, fries, spaghetti, and 'Thirsty' shakes on the side.

Zoie, sipping and loving 'Thirsty'

//rmis//

Day-Out Gears

During rainy season, there are many things to look out if you have errands to run to.  It would prove helpful if you guard yourself against the erratic weather conditions and the dangers lurking around.  

Rain or shine, bring an umbrella with you, preferably the foldable one that would fit right into your sling bag. "Foldables" or folding umbrellas are hassle-free especially if you are going to commute. If you have no umbrella or you hate tugging along one, try to bring a cap instead.  


Umbrellas are very affordable in Divisoria and Baclaran (Manila) and Manalili St. (Cebu City), and if you will buy at least three pieces, you are sure to get them at a wholesale price.


Along with your umbrella, slid your sunglasses inside that bag.  Your pair of raybans or "Divisoria" shades will assure you of a fine and migraine-free day.


Tuck a baby linen instead of a hanky; this will be very handy whether Mr. Sun is out or not.  Baby linens' "wiping" performance is simply excellent (in case you'll get sweaty climbing up the sky walk or a bit "dampy" under the rain). 

Since you are going out, apply some mosquito-repellant lotion, and bring with you a small bottle of it for some repeat application later.  You can't be too careless enough in these dengue-forsaken times.


In case you are torn between putting that mosquito-repellant lotion or your sun lotion, of course, get a rub-dub of that repellant.  You'll never know what kind of mosquito you will meet on your way out of the door.  You simply do not have the freedom to choose which ones you like to bit you! 

//rmis//