“DON’T compromise safety over artistry.”
This is what the Sinulog 2014 organizers told 130 participants for tomorrow’s grand parade.
During the participants’ final briefing yesterday at the Cebu City Sports Center, Sinulog Foundation Inc. (SFI) executive director Ricky Ballesteros said that safety should be their first priority.
Ballesteros told dancing contingents that dancers and props men should wear comfortable shoes, considering that the parade will be long.
Ballesteros pointed out that when Alaska Elementary School of Barangay Mambaling presented during the Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Dakbayan last Sunday, their dancers were barefoot.
Reminder
“Dapat magsapatos (You should wear shoes) for the safety of the children kay in kaso mag-init or dangog ang dan ug ang stage kung mag-uwan (in case it’s too hot or the road or stage is too slippery),” he said.
For those participating in the float category, Ballesteros reminded them that as in previous years, they will not be allowed to throw freebies or merchandises of their sponsors to spectators along the carousel route.
This is also for the safety of spectators and dancing contingents.
Ballesteros said they are also not allowed to have on their floats personalities wearing bikinis or skimpy attire.
“Kung naay magpabadlong (If someone defies the ban), the policemen will remove them from the parade route,” he said.
As for spectators and the merry-makers, Ballesteros reminded them to avoid excessive drinking.
“That may cause them to molest parade participants and spectators. Violators will be dealt by the policemen and barangay tanods,” he said.
Medical stations
Ballesteros said spectators are also prohibited from smudging other spectators with makeup or black paint, saying the act usually causes fights or street brawls.
In case of emergencies, Ballesteros said participants of the grand parade have nothing to worry as the Cebu Medical Society will set up 19 medical stations along the carousel route.
Dr. Danny Yu of the Cebu Medical Society said the medical stations will be operational as early as 5 a.m. tomorrow until 9 p.m.
Aside from medical stations, the Metropolitan Cebu Water District will set up water stations along the carousel route.
Ballesteros advised the 130 participants to take a rest since tomorrow will be a long day.