DESPITE the heat, Cebuanos flocked to the South Road Properties (SRP) in Cebu City to watch the performances of the Sinulog contingents in the streets and on the stage on Sunday, Jan. 15, 2023.
However, some of the revelers told SunStar Cebu that they missed the Sinulog’s vibrant atmosphere when it was last held in the city’s uptown area.
Cha Vallente, one of the revelers, said the current location has its own advantages and disadvantages.
Vallente said she has been watching the Sinulog Grand Parade for more than a decade, and taking pictures of herself with the contingents is one of her favorite activities.
She also shared the challenges she experienced with her friends in terms of the transportation going to the SRP venue.
When the Sinulog was still held in the uptown area, she had no problem because she had the option to walk.
“Pag-agi nako ganiha sa Jones (Osmeña Blvd.) kay murag ko og kahilakon. Kanang nabag-ohan lang ko nga wala na didto ug grabe kamingaw,” Vallente said.
(When I passed by Jones (Osmeña Blvd.) I felt like crying. It was all new to me that the Sinulog was no longer held there and I miss it so much.)
Vallente told SunStar Cebu that Cebuanos and tourists already got used to the ins and outs of the old parade route.
She said the SRP has its advantages because of its huge space, which can accommodate a large crowd.
“OK ra man sad siguro diri, pero hopefully kay sa sunod tuig hatagan nila og kuan (pagtagad) ang mga contingents ug ang mga tawo. Karon kay ga-adjust pa baya,” Vallente said.
(I think the venue is OK, but hopefully they will give extra attention to the contingents and the people next year. As of the moment, they are still in the adjustment period.)
First-time Sinulog reveler Anne Ebcas told SunStar Cebu that she felt the vibe of the festivities, especially with the street dancing.
Ebcas, who’s originally from Mindanao, has been living in Cebu City for the last four years.
She went to the SRP after her work colleagues invited her.
“Ang akong na-experience karon adlawa kay excited kaayo ko ug nalipay ko nga naka-anhi ari (SRP) kay nakatan-aw na gyud ko sa mga sayaw,” Ebcas said.
(My experience today was I was really excited and happy that I was able to come here and finally witness the dances.) (EHP)