SINULOG 2011: 3rd Sinulog Fireworks Competition

It's the day before the grand fiesta but the rain seems to be relentless since this morning. Despite of the flooded streets and heavy downpour, about two million devotees followed the afternoon solemn procession in downtown Cebu City.

Basilica Minore del Sto. Nino

Novena Mass at the Basilica's Pilgrim Center

Indeed, not even the heaven's cries can dampen the spirit of Cebuanos and tourists who purposely came over to the Queen City of the South to witness the yearly Sinulog mardi gras. The celebration has to go on . . . rain or no rain!

The celebration, truely all fun and entertainment, can be found everywhere: at Fuente Osmena and Jones Avenue; Ayala Center Cebu, I.T. Park in Apas, Lahug; Park Mall in the North Reclamation Area; and SM City in Cebu.

Hunting for that fun and entertainment, we went to SM City for the mall's 3rd Sinulog Fireworks Competition. The pyrotechnics contest has become an annual event since 2009. Manufacturers and dealers of fireworks and firecrackers are the usual contenders in this show-off.  Now, the competition is considered to be among the highlights of the Sinulog revelry.

  

Eight participants showcased one by one their designed pyrotechnics at SM's Northwing.  They vied for the grand prize of almost $3,000.  

As expected, the flow of traffic is worse at SM's surrounding streets. We almost gave up, until, we decided to try our luck inside Radisson Blu, the hotel that's right beside the SM City.  In Radisson, we found more than just a parking area, we found a very strategic place to watch a live kaleidoscope on Cebu skies.

Radisson Blu Cebu's facade (top);
Feria -- Radisson's dining hall (below)

With the gorgeous fountain, the hotel's facade looks so great at night, and inside it, was very spacious and shiny. We did not know that many of the people inside the hotel were just there for a good view of the pyro spectacle.  

While many wait under the rain for a parking slot to become available, we were there at Radisson's back balcony overlooking Northwing, all too glad for a jackpot place.  It was simply the perfect spot to see the fireworks display!

--- Ireen ---