By Elisabeth P. Baumgart
WHEN the gates of the Sto. Niño Pilgrim Center opened at dawn yesterday, a throng of devotees rushed in for the best spot from where to watch the traditional ‘Hubo’ mass, or the changing of the Sto. Niño’s garments.
In his homily, Fr. Ian-Narcissus Openia described it as a blessing from God that [...]

Ann Curtis, Marian Rivera, Senator Chiz Escudero, Richard Gutierrez and KC Concepcion are just among the celebrities who joined the Sinulog 2009 Grand Parade. Click on the photos to see larger image.

THOUSANDS of people trooped to SM City Cebu to witness the Cebu Pyrofest: The 1st Sinulog Fireworks Competiton on January 16, 2009 fronting The Northwing. Shoppers who had P500 receipts were given the chance to view the fireworks competition from the roof deck of the carpark.
Contestants include Avila Fireworks of Lapu-Lapu City, Wow Fireworks from [...]

Sinulog-Based (SB)
 

1st Prize
Sinanduloy-Tangub City

2nd Prize
Don Sergio Osmeña Sr. Memorial NHS

3rd Prize
Silaw Culture and Arts, Carcar City

4th Prize
Alcoy Siloy Festival, Alcoy, Cebu

5th Prize
Pakol Festival, Sta. Catalina, Negros Oriental

Best in Costume (SB)
Don Sergio Osmeña Sr. Memorial NHS

Free Interpretation (FI)
 

1st Prize
Tribu Buyoganon, Abuyog, Leyte

2nd Prize
Lumad Basakanon, Basak, Cebu City

3rd Prize
Municipality of Carmen

4th Prize
Land of Beauty&Bounty, Lanao [...]

SLEEPLESS nights and cramming paid off for the grand prize winners in the Sinulog 2009 grand parade last Sunday.
Buyogan choreographer Victor Cuenco said that when he was told the contingent will use bees as part of the concept, he got so excited with the possibilities he spent many nights without sleep just to come up [...]

Crowd control in the parade route and safety of people in the grandstand of the Cebu City Sports Center were among the aspects discussed as law enforcers and other officials assessed their handling of Sinulog 2009.
Overall, however, police officials considered their task of securing the Sinulog a success, and awards and commendations for the concerned [...]

NO reports of major injuries and accidents reached the Department of Health 7 during the Sinulog grand parade.
“Peaceful ra gyud kaayo ang celebrations,” said Department of Health (DOH) 7 Director Dr. Susana Madarieta.
Police also earlier reported that there were no cases of shooting, stabbing, mauling or gang violence that occurred during last Sunday’s 10-hour parade.
The [...]

THE Theft and Robbery Section (TRS) of the Cebu City Police Office noted a drastic decrease in crimes against property in this year’s Sinulog celebration.
Senior Insp. Michael Anthony Bastes, TRS chief, said there was only one case of pickpocketing and a reported carnapping that reached his desk during last Sunday’s Sinulog grand parade.
In 2008, six [...]

THIS early, plans are already being hatched in preparation for a more extravagant Sinulog in 2010, which will be its 30th year.
Cebu City Acting Mayor Michael Rama is eyeing a grander finale production with the use of a rotating stage made possible by hydraulics.
It will also be the year when he will hopefully become Cebu [...]